Glenn's weight loss journey

Before joining the programme, I had tried VOY and other weight loss methods. Unfortunately, the side effects were extreme and left me feeling unable to function properly day to day. On top of that, the cost was difficult to justify, especially when I wasn’t getting the results or support I needed. It felt like I was spending a lot of money only to end up feeling worse.

The biggest tipping point was realising that the side effects from previous treatments were affecting my ability to function normally. I knew something had to change because I couldn’t continue feeling so unwell while still struggling with my weight.

My confidence had really declined. I found myself making excuses not to attend social events because I felt uncomfortable in my own skin. Instead of looking forward to seeing friends and family, I worried about how I looked and felt. It was affecting how I showed up in all areas of my life.

Thankfully, I didn’t have any specific health warnings, but I knew I was heading in the wrong direction if I continued with my current lifestyle.

A typical day

I would pretty much eat whatever I wanted without thinking too much about it. Exercise wasn’t part of my routine, and I was making poor food choices every day. My energy levels weren’t great, and mentally I felt stuck in a cycle that I couldn’t seem to break.

I was worried about becoming an unhealthy recluse. I could see my confidence shrinking and my lifestyle becoming more limited, and I didn’t want that to be my future.

Month 1 - Starting weight : 19 stone 7 lbs

End of month 1 weight / measurements: 18 stone 7 lbs

Wins this month: One of the biggest wins was fitting into trousers that had previously felt uncomfortable. Although the difference wasn’t dramatic at first, I could feel my clothes fitting better and becoming more comfortable, which gave me encouragement to keep going.

Challenges: My biggest challenge was improving my nutrition by eating more fruit and vegetables and increasing my water intake. These sound like simple changes, but they required conscious effort because they weren’t habits I had developed before.

How are you feeling?
At this stage I felt quite sluggish and impatient. I wanted the weight to come off faster and found it difficult not seeing dramatic results immediately. Looking back, I realise I was expecting too much too soon.

Month 2

End of month 2 weight / measurements: 17 stone 8 lbs

Wins this month: This was the month where I really started to notice a difference. Some of my clothes were fitting much better, and I felt more comfortable getting dressed and going out. Although other people weren't commenting on my weight loss yet, I could see changes in the mirror and that helped keep me motivated. My appetite was also much more under control, making it easier to make better food choices.

Challenges: The side effects from the medication were still difficult at times. I had to learn which foods triggered symptoms and realised that eating fatty foods, especially on an empty stomach, was a recipe for disaster. Increasing my water intake was also a challenge, but I noticed I felt much better when I stayed hydrated.

How are you feeling?
I felt more positive than I did in Month 1. The weight loss was becoming more noticeable to me, even if nobody else seemed to mention it. There were still moments when I felt frustrated and wondered if all the effort was worth it, but I was starting to trust the process. I felt encouraged knowing that despite the setbacks and side effects, I was moving in the right direction and becoming healthier each week.

Month 3

End of month 3 weight / measurements: 16 stone 4 lbs

Wins this month: This month felt like a real turning point. I was fitting comfortably into smaller clothes and could finally see a noticeable difference in my shape. The weight loss was becoming more obvious to me, and I felt much more comfortable in clothes that I hadn't worn for a long time. Reaching over 3 stone lost was a huge achievement and gave me confidence that the programme was working.

Challenges: The biggest challenge this month was staying motivated when progress wasn't always visible to other people. I expected friends and family to notice the weight loss, and when they didn't, I found it quite disappointing. I also realised that while the medication was helping, I still needed to work on drinking more water and introducing some exercise if I wanted to maximise my results.

How are you feeling?
I feel much more positive and focused than when I started. The side effects have become easier to manage because I've learned what foods work best for me and what to avoid. While I still have more weight to lose, I feel like I'm finally in control of my eating habits rather than letting food control me. For the first time in a long time, I can see a path towards reaching my goals and feeling confident in my appearance again.

 I’ve lost over 3 stone so far. I’m really pleased with that achievement because it’s a significant amount of weight. 

There were definitely moments when I wanted to give up and return to old habits. Sometimes all I wanted was to eat something unhealthy and comforting. What stopped me was remembering how awful the side effects could be and knowing that undoing my progress would only make things harder in the long run.

Before going on holiday, I stopped taking the medication for about a week because I thought it would make things easier. Looking back, that was a mistake because it disrupted my progress and made it harder to get back into my routine afterwards.

I’ve learned that hydration, nutrition and exercise matter much more than I realised. I still need to improve both areas, but I’ve become far more aware of how they impact my energy levels, appetite and overall progress.

It felt much more sustainable, particularly because it was more affordable than previous programmes I’d tried. The lower cost made it easier to stay committed for the long term.

My journey is still ongoing, but I already feel more positive about the future. While I still have goals to achieve, I’m moving in the right direction and feel more hopeful than I did before I started.

One of the biggest changes has been fitting into smaller clothes again. It’s a great feeling to wear clothes more comfortably and have more choice when shopping.

I’ve learned not to eat fatty foods on an empty stomach. I’ve become much more aware of how different foods affect me and how important it is to make sensible choices.

My husband is also taking part in the weight loss programme, which has been really helpful. We’ve been able to support and encourage each other throughout the process.

Trust the process and be patient. The results don’t happen overnight, but small changes really do add up over time.

My goal is to continue losing weight and start exercising regularly. More than anything, I want to feel confident in both my appearance and my physical ability. I’m looking forward to becoming a healthier, stronger version of myself.

The biggest thing I’d say is not to compare your progress to anyone else’s. Weight loss is a very personal journey and everyone loses weight at a different pace. There will be times when you feel frustrated or want to quit, but consistency is what makes the difference. Focus on your own progress, celebrate the small wins, and remember that every positive choice moves you closer to your goal.