Chris Larkin, 67, from Swansea, weighed more than 44 stone at his heaviest, but after a doctor warned him he would die unless he changed, he lost 24 stone. He now weighs 21 stone and aims to reach 16 stone.
From marathon runner to recluse
In his twenties and thirties, Larkin regularly competed in marathons and cycled daily. However, career changes and a serious back injury with permanent sciatica for nine months led to a vicious cycle of overeating and inactivity. He said: 'I got a new job as a sales rep and was given a company car, so I wasn't cycling to work any more. I was eating petrol station food, taking clients out for dinner. I took my eye off the ball.'
At his heaviest, Larkin weighed 44 stone and eight pounds. He became a recluse, avoiding trips abroad because he couldn't fit in plane seats and checking restaurant chairs for arms. He said: 'Children would laugh at me as they walked past. Children are very honest and they would point at me. I would never go out anywhere if I could help it.'
Doctor's ultimatum
Despite his weight, Larkin's heart rate and blood pressure were normal. However, his doctor gave him an ultimatum: 'I was told if I don't make a change I will die.' Larkin decided to live, saying: 'I had the decision to either give up and die, because I couldn't function in any way possible, or live. I decided to live, no matter how long it took.'
Weight loss journey
Over the past 11 years, Larkin has lost 24 stone through Slimming World plans and swimming. He now weighs 21 stone. 'My goal weight is 16 stone so I still have a way to go,' he said. 'I am totally different now. I am living a life I didn't expect I'd live. At 67 I still feel I have my whole world ahead of me.'
Larkin shares his story to inspire others on their own weight loss journeys.
