Andy successfully lost weight before and even ran 5 marathons but life got in the way and he regained the weight. It’s incredibly common, but the inspiration here is that Andy picked himself up and set to work on regaining his fitness – and now he’s set to do another marathon. Amazing stuff.
Name: Andy Drake
Age: 40
Height: 5’11
Location: Colchester
MAN v FAT Football league: Shrub End
Occupation: Police officer
Highest weight: 162kg (25st 7lbs, 357lbs)
Current weight: 113kg (1s7t 11lbs, 249lbs)
Weight lost: 49kg (108lbs, 7st 10lbs)
What negative experiences did you have of being overweight?
I struggled to get out of my chair, I wasn’t able to play with my children and I had to buy all my clothes online from specialist outlets.
I also suffered from gout and piles.
What made you decide to change?
I saw a photo of myself on my 40th birthday, and it made me realise how bad it was.
What did you do to lose weight?
I decided to control my calories and try exercising more regularly.
I’d lost weight before and done really well. I’d got fit and even ran 5 marathons bu then life took over. I had kids and put all the weight and more back on.
What did you eat before you lost weight?
Snacking on chocolate, cake, crisps, etc., throughout the day was my main problem.
What do you eat now?
I eat porridge for breakfast, chicken with pasta and veg for lunch. Dinner tonight for example is pork with wedges and greens. I eat healthy snacks throughout the day now too.
You’re a MAN v FAT Football player – how has this helped you lose weight?
The support of my teammates kept me accountable, and the extra exercise helped too.
What would your advice to anyone thinking of joining MAN v FAT Football be?
Give it a try! It’s good fun getting back on the pitch again, but it also has the added motivation of keeping you accountable to yourself and your team.
What has been the most difficult thing about losing weight?
Not snacking on unhealthy things. I get over this by tracking what I eat, and by having the support of my friends.
How has life changed now you’ve lost weight?
I can move well, I can now wear high street sizes in clothing, I can play with my kids. I’m going to do a marathon again in October!
Time for a shout-out! Who has helped you on your weight loss journey?
The Oranges at Shrub End have supported me throughout
If you could go back to the person you were at your heaviest, what would you say to him?
Don’t waste your life on those small moments of enjoyment you get from eating bad food. Look at all the big things you can do if you’re healthier instead.
What are your next steps now that you’ve lost weight?
I want to lose a little more, but now I want to focus on fitness rather than weight.
You’re Prime Minister for the day – what would you do to help combat the obesity crisis?
Education. More education for people of all ages on the importance of eating well and exercising. I’d also make sure people know how to access the right support.
What do other fat men need to know about losing weight?
It’s achievable.
It won’t take as long as you think it will.
Your future will look far more positive.
