A martial arts instructor who tipped the scales at a staggering 45 stone has revealed how he lost an incredible 21 stone in under two years without turning to weight loss injections.
The Turning Point: A Fear for the Future
Jon Parry, 53, from Wrawby, Lincolnshire, reached his heaviest weight in September 2023, wearing size 8XL clothing. His diet, which he admits was "poor", consisted of constantly grazing and ordering takeaways three or four times a week. He would regularly spend between £15 and £20 on each binge, often having pizza followed by a Chinese meal later the same evening, totalling roughly £180 a month.
Jon, who had "always struggled" with his weight since childhood, said his situation worsened in his 40s, particularly after the passing of his father, John. He confessed that grief caused his comfort eating to "snowball" into a vicious cycle. "You put on weight, you look bad, you feel bad, so you eat more for comfort," he explained.
The reality of his health finally hit home when a friend expressed her fear that he "wouldn't be around for much longer". This stark warning in November 2023 prompted him to join his local Slimming World group in Brigg, run by consultant Debbie, determined to change his life.
A Sustainable New Lifestyle
Instead of opting for medical interventions like 'skinny jabs', which he "never felt comfortable enough" to try, Jon embraced a completely new approach to food and exercise. As a self-described "serial dieter", he finally found a plan that worked with Slimming World's philosophy.
He overhauled his eating habits, switching from a diet of pastries, fried foods, and sugary drinks to one rich in fruit, vegetables, and oily fish like salmon. He now enjoys the group's branded meals, such as prawn linguine and healthy curry sauces. "On Slimming World, you can eat as much pasta and potatoes as you want, which is good because that fills you up," Jon said, emphasising the importance of not adding "crazy sauces".
Complementing his dietary changes, Jon now goes to the gym five times a week and regularly achieves 15,000 steps a day—a stark contrast to when he struggled to walk around a supermarket.
Remarkable Results and Future Goals
Fast forward 72 weeks, and Jon's transformation is astounding. He now weighs 23 stone and 6lbs, having shed over 21 stone, and wears a size 3XL. Financially, the change has been just as significant. By cutting out his takeaway addiction, he has saved more than £2,000 in the past year alone.
He is using those savings to fund a holiday to Spain with his 82-year-old mother, Sylvia. "I've also saved quite a bit too - and it's helped pay for mine and my mum's holiday," he shared happily.
While celebrating his progress, Jon insists his journey isn't over. His next goal is to lose another six stone, with an ultimate aim of being fit enough to climb Mount Snowdonia. "I have got loads more energy and I can walk miles and miles," he said. "I feel great and better than ever."
Jon's diet before weight loss:
- Breakfast: Pastries, cakes, cereal.
- Lunch: Takeaway pizza, large sandwiches, fried chicken.
- Dinner: Chinese takeaway, pizzas, chips, burgers, desserts.
- Snacks: Chocolates, cakes, sweets.
- Drinks: Coffee, coke, and fizzy drinks.
Jon's diet after weight loss:
- Breakfast: Oats, cereal, fruit.
- Lunch: Salmon, fish, lean meats, salads.
- Dinner: Slimming World meals, fish, prawns, low-calorie curries.
- Snacks: No snacks.
- Drinks: Water, sugar-free drinks.
