When did you start your WW journey?
I was a mess physically and mentally when I joined WW in February 2020. I weighed 23 stone and my body was under enormous strain. I was experiencing terrible back pain, had high blood pressure and didn’t have the energy to play with my kids. I also felt depressed and was trapped in a cycle of comfort eating. I was only 33 and should have been in the prime of my life.
I joined WW with my brother. We both loved the WW app because it meant we could be on the programme privately - I always dreaded the idea of having to step on a set of scales in front of people.
I had the full support of my wife Nicola who would sit down with me and plan my meals for the week. What I loved about the WW weight-loss programme was that nothing was banned - I could still eat burgers, chips, pizza and toad in the hole. There were plenty of WW recipes for healthier versions of all my favourite foods and I tracked every single thing I ate.
Tell us about your weight loss journey.
Before joining WW, I ate a lot of bread, crisps, cakes and chips. I loved takeaways and got through litres of Pepsi. Using the WW app, I completely overhauled my diet and introduced fruit, salad and wraps instead of sandwiches. Before, I could easily go through half a loaf in a day, but now I can honestly say I prefer wraps.
I lost six stone in the first five months and my wife Nicola also lost 12lbs, going from a size 16 to a 12. As the weight came off, my energy levels increased. I used to crash out on the sofa and eat in front of the TV after work, but during lockdown, I walked every day and then I started running. I also started boxing, which was something I used to love when I was younger.
What is your favourite thing about the App?
The Connect tool in the WW app really helped me through lockdown because I had the support of other WW members who all understood what I was going through.
Do you feel better in yourself?
I feel like a new man now and the best thing is, I have plenty of energy to run around with my kids. We went on holiday in September 2020 and for the first time ever, I had no hang ups about taking my top off and jumping into the swimming pool with them. I used to dread holiday photos, but this time, I was happy to pose for them.
All my 5XL clothes have gone in the bin because I’m determined not to go back. I’m a healthy medium now and that’s what I want to be for the rest of my life.
I’m still setting goals, but they aren’t to do with weight loss - for example, I want to complete a marathon.
The biggest win though is the fact that I have the energy to play fight with my kids, whereas before, I couldn’t even put them to bed. I’m a better husband and father now and that means everything to me.
*Adam lost 10st 8.4lbs in 14 months.