Phil Griffin's weight started to increase after an injury while he was in his 30s forced him to give up his sporting hobbies, and increased after the break-up of his marriage in 2002.
As his weight increased, he developed Type 2 diabetes, his bloo
d pressure increased, his size began to affect his lifestyle and his doctor advised him to start shedding the pounds.
In January, Mr Griffin joined weight loss programme LighterLife and was astonished to find out, when he stepped on the scales, that he weighed 30st 2lbs. Now, six months later, he has shed 9st 13lbs and is on target to make that 10st when he weighs in this week. His BMI has decreased by 20 and he has lost more than 8ins off his weight.
Mr Griffin, aged 55, from Far Cotton, Northampton, said: "I heard about LighterLife and wondered if I could do it, but the local counsellor said 'have a go' and encouraged me to go along and have a look, and I thought 'I could do this'.
"My friends and family have been very supportive. What I've lost is amazing and I'm going to go on, however long it takes. The first time they weighed me, I was gobsmacked; I couldn't believe it."
As well as a 500-calorie-a-day diet of soups, bars and shakes, the LighterLife programme which Mr Griffin follows includes a counselling programme to help him understand his relationship with food.
He will follow the plan until he reaches his goal of 14st, at which point he will work with his LighterLife counsellor to reintroduce his body to food.
Mr Griffin's diabetes and cholesterol tablets have reduced in dosage and on his last visit to the doctor Mr Griffin was told he may soon no longer be diabetic.
Additionally, after doing agency work he is now in a position to apply for full-time permanent work.
He added: "I'm much more happy now. I was a big, fat slob and I want to get down to the weight where I can be a bit more appealing. I'd like to meet a lady and have someone to cuddle up to sometimes.
"I've got a six-year-old grandson and last time I had him here he said 'Grandad, you didn't use to be able to run after a ball'. He thinks it's marvellous and so do I.
"I can't speak highly enough of LighterLife. I chair the Northampton Golf Society and it had got to the point where I couldn't walk a round of golf. In the last three months I've walked around and haven't been tired – but other people have.
"If I can do it, anyone can do it."
Mr Griffin's LighterLife counsellor Yvonne Shivas said: "Phil has done fantastically well. His initial goal was to lose 4st before his golfing trip in June and he has already managed to lose 10st.
His determination and commitment to the programme has been second to none and I am certain he will continue to do well and reach his 14st goal in time for Christmas."
