A man who collapsed at his first Slimming World weigh-in has astonishingly dropped 14 stone after a health scare that saw him rushed to hospital.
John MacDonald, aged 28, took the life-changing decision to join the weight loss group in 2021 following stark warnings from doctors about the risk of dropping dead without warning. The Glasgow resident, tipping the scales at a hefty 27 stone and battling Type 2 diabetes along with high blood pressure, was told he could be on the brink of a massive heart attack.
However, during his initial weigh-in, John’s health took a dramatic turn for the worse as he fell ill, collapsing into a chair and vomiting. He was swiftly taken to Glasgow’s Royal Infirmary where urgent medical tests were conducted, fortunately dismissing any cardiac concerns.
Recounting the terrifying experience to the Record, John said: “I thought I was having a heart attack as soon as I stepped on the scales. I was in a bad way and fell unconscious on a chair. Then I started being sick.”
He continued: “But when I got to hospital they checked my heart and did blood tests which were all clear,” reports the Daily Record.
Reflecting on the incident, John added: “When I was there I was getting really anxious, so I think everything just hit me as soon as I stepped on the scales. I think looking back on it, it was a panic attack, my anxiety got the better of me.”
Fuelled by determination and confronting the harsh realities presented by his doctors, John made a swift return to Slimming World, recognising that shedding the pounds was his “last hope” for a healthier life.
He continued: “When I started Slimming World, I felt really nervous. I just wanted to do well and I was desperate to make sure I lost a bit of weight that first week. It was quite overwhelming, which is daft thinking back now because the group have been amazing with me.
“But I was told by a doctor years ago that I was at risk of a heart attack. My breathing hadn’t been great for a few years and it started to get to the point where I’d be out of breath just doing the dishes.
“I went to the GP and and my blood pressure was through the roof. I was sent to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and spent a week there getting various tests and was given water tablets and blood pressure tablets.
“The doctor there told me that I could drop dead at any minute and that I was at a serious risk of a heart attack. That was the turning point for me. It was the scariest week of my life, all I could think about was my family and friends, and all the things I’d miss out on. It was the wake up call I needed.”
Former self confessed takeaway addict John would gorge on meals big enough to feed a family of four, spending £30 a night.
But since starting his weight loss journey, John has never looked back and has managed to drop to an impressive 13 stone. He added: “This has saved my life. I was once told my a doctor that I wouldn’t see 30 because of my weight.”
“It’s been such a struggle but the group have been so supportive. I have so much more energy now. It used to take me an hour to walk to the local shops it just takes me 10 minutes now.
“I was previously a 6XL in clothes, I could only buy them on Amazon, I could never fit any designer stuff but I can wear Hugo Boss and Armani now. Clothes actually look nice and feel nice on. I’d spend £100 a week on Just Eat and Uber Eats, and when I cooked for myself it would be unhealthy food.”
“I’ve saved a fortune and and been able to save loads of money. I’m now dreaming of going on holiday somewhere nice and warm where I’ll be able to take my top off and lie by the pool, there’s no way I would have done that before.”
“I feel completely transformed now. I’ve gone from rock bottom being told I could die to having a future. I just feel lighter and fitter and it’s made such a difference to my mental health.”
