Man who lost 23 stone

Mark Gent at 37 stone

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A DETERMINED dad has lost an amazing 23 stone in a year after being told by medics he could die unless he took drastic action to change his lifestyle.

And it was that chilling warning, and a diagnosis of diabetes that shook him into ation.

At his heaviest Mark Gent's weight reached 37 stone but, within just 12 months, lost more than half of his weight at a rate of almost a pound a day after a complete over haul of his diet and lifestyle.

Mark, who lives in Garden Suburb with Bridget, his wife of 29 years, said: "I've always been overweight but when they told me that my diabetes levels were off the scale I knew it was time to act.

"It was a case of change my diet or die and the fear of death can be an incredible motivator.

"I wanted to be around for my family and when my daughter Eleanor said she wanted me to to walk her down the aisle someday it was the kick I needed."

Mark (54) had been overweight as a child, however his weight continued to rise after he was involved in a serious accident at the age of 13 when his back and leg were run over by the rear wheel of a double decker bus. He was rushed to Booth Hall Hospital and surgeons battled to save his life and his leg, however the teenager was told he would struggle to walk again.

Mark remained in hospital for three years and had 23 major operations on his body to repair the damage caused in the accident however he still has mobility issues and suffers pain when he walks.

The father-of-two, said: "They told me I died five times during surgery and the doctors were very honest about what my life would be like and the pain I would experience.

"It made me tough but I probably used the mobility issues as an excuse for not taking better care of myself and my weight."

After deciding to make changes to his lifestyle in February last year, Mark cut sugar from his diet and stopped his £300-a-month fast food habit, swapping in vegetables and healthier alternatives and lost several stone within the first few months.

"I knew if I was going to lose the weight I would have to go for it 100 per cent," he said.

"I went to my doctor to ask for advice about my diet and they referred me to the ABL Health Choose to Change programme.

"The information they were able to provide was fantastic and the staff were supportive and positive.

"It made me realise that everyone has their excuses for gaining wait but if you don't work to lose the weight yourself, you'll never do it."

Over time Mark, who works as a Team Leader for Mears 24/7, found that his energy levels had increased and eventually people started to notice his weight loss.

He said: "The days felt longer and I didn't want to spend all my time watching TV or sleeping.

"My relationship with food completely changed, I stopped eating processed food and started cooking more.

"I was able to keep my diabetes in check and even reintroduce fruit into my diet.

"I felt better overall, I felt more confident and began to take more notice in my appearance.

"I used to feel as if people were staring at me because I was so heavy so it was good to be able to go somewhere and no-one would look.

Now healthier and happier, Mark, father to Connor and Eleanor, has been able to add exercise into his lifestyle, visiting the gym regularly to boost his health.

He plans to maintain his current weight and inspire others by giving talks as a volunteer at the Choose to Change programme.

"My family are pleased with the weight loss and, although I'm ashamed that I let it get to that stage, I'm happier now.

"I'd recommend the Choose to Change programme to anyone who wanted to lose weight and get healthier.

"It isn't a miracle cure - nothing is - you have to want to do it for yourself.

"If you're being told to go but you don't have the desire to change then it won't work. "

ABL Health's Choose to Change programme, commissioned by Oldham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), is a specialist weight management service that helps adults make lifestyle changes that will enable them to lose weight and improve their health.

The programme encourages lifelong changes to eating habits rather than short term diets and is designed to help people to overcome their barriers to weight loss, make sensible food choices and become more active.

Debbie Allcock, Project Lead at ABL Health, said: "Mark is a fantastic ambassador for Choose to Change and I'm really pleased we were able to support him in losing weight.

"Our sessions can make a real difference by showing you the small changes to how you eat and exercise that can make a huge change to your life; and I'd encourage anyone who thinks they could benefit from our support to get in touch."

To take part in the scheme, you must be aged over 18 years, registered with a local GP and have a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 35 or more.

For more information about the scheme speak to your GP, call 01204 570 999, or visit www.ablhealth.co.uk/oldham