‘One big journey’
N.S. teenager loses more than 200 pounds
An Eskasoni teenager has become a role model for others to live healthier after shedding more than 220 pounds in less than two years.
Francis Paul said he was 17 years old when he realized he was closing in on a weight of 500 pounds.
At six-foot-six, after gaining some muscle, Paul now weighs about 250 pounds.
“I always kind of grew up a big kid,” said Paul, now 19. “I surprisingly hit 300 pounds at the age of 13, and it was just a constant struggle with my weight.”
No longer able to weigh himself on a regular scale at home, Paul finally reached a point where enough was enough.
In late May 2016, while weighing in at 464 pounds, Paul sent a message to his community’s gym asking for help.
“I told myself that I’ve got to
put an end to it and then I just started from Day 1. I told myself everything is going to have to change,” he said. “Ever since that day it was just one big journey
with no destination.”
In the beginning, Paul began working out four times a week and was given pointers by Eskasoni Fitness Centre trainer
Thomas Johnson Jr., whose jiujitsu club he later joined.
Paul also overhauled his diet by only eating rice, chicken, broccoli and cauliflower for the first three months. Prior to his weight loss, Paul said he worked at a gas station where he would regularly consume junk food.
Since his dramatic weight loss, Paul said some people in the community don’t recognize him.
“It’s given me a big 180-degree turn on life,” said Paul. “Before I started at the gym, school was never going all that well.
“As I started getting into shape my mind started clearing out and I got everything together.”
A little over a year after joining the gym, Paul said he was offered a job there. He will be attending Saint Mary’s University this fall where he plans to complete a bachelor of arts.
“I want to further help people who face struggles,” he said.
“I tell a lot of people don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone if you want to achieve something. It might be an uncomfortable experience but you’re not going to regret it.”