He has lost over 5st
GREGOR FARQUHARSON
An East Kilbride slimmer has told of how he has improved his life by losing over five stones.
Andy Paterson, 56, realised he was unhappy with his weight while looking back on his honeymoon photos and described himself as ‘looking like a beached whale.’
The self-employed plumbing and heating engineer also found that his size was affecting him on the job, as he was carrying extra weight around and struggling to get into tight spaces.
Andy said: “I was fed up being overweight. I wasn’t sleeping well and my snoring was upsetting the harmony in my marriage.
“I was also suffering joint pain in my knees and extra weight being carried made my job more difficult every day.
“Looking at the photo of myself relaxing on a sun lounger by the pool on my honeymoon.
“I just remember thinking that I looked like a beached whale.
“When I returned, I decided enough was enough and it was time to do something about it.”
Andy joined WW (WeightWatchers reimagined) in a desperate bid to feel better about himself.
It took Andy a lot of courage to join and try to fight the stigma of being a man who is in WW.
He said: “I have to say that I was wrong in my initial thoughts, and so glad I had the courage to walk through the doors to be met by the amazing coach Kirsty Foy, who I have to say has been brilliant and helped me every step of the way.
“WW has allowed me to eat more or less of what you normally but think about portion sizes.
“I’m still able to enjoy food with my family and eating out is so easy as my app points me in the right direction, and I never need to miss out on a celebration.
“I used to eat four-course meals, lots of crisps and chocolate and I was always stopping by Greggs while on the job, there was always a steak bake or sausage roll being bought.”
Before joining WW, Andy weighed 18st, but has now lost over 5st, weighing 12st 10lbs.
He has went down eight inches in his jean size and six in his shirt and can enjoy going clothes shopping again.
He is now a lot fitter too, which means that his work is made easier too.
Andy added: “I’m now a lot fitter and slimmer which means a lot in my line of work and makes it easier.
“It’s actually been a great journey and I have made a lot of good friends along the way. I want to thank WW for helping me.”
It’s been a great journey and I’ve made a lot of good friends along the way...