I was so fat women called me disgusting and I had NINE heart conditions – I lost 15st without jabs after wake-up call

A man who was on the brink of death due to his alcohol and junk food addiction has revealed how he lost 15st in a bid to add 10 years to his life. Martin Davis used to start his day with a large cappuccino with four sugars, two bacon baguettes, a sausage and five triple chocolate cookies from Greggs. Martin Davis weighed 27st and had nine health conditions Credit: Jam Press He was warned by doctors in 2020 that if he didn’t change his ways, he’d be “dead within months” Credit: Jam Press Lunch would be a Big Mac from McDonald’s, and dinner a large plate filled with frozen goods, such as nuggets and chips. His junk food eating habits, along with drinking at least a bottle of vodka per day, left him tipping the scales at 27st 7lbs. Sign up for the Health newsletter Thank you! Martin, aged 58, lived with a staggering nine heart conditions as well as liver damage, kidney dysfunction and sleep apnoea. He just couldn’t find a way to break the never-ending cycle of addiction. Until it became clear he was knocking on death’s door. He was warned by doctors that if he didn’t change his ways, he’d be “dead within months”. “I was told by my doctor I had to stop drinking and lose weight,” the van dispatch coordinator, from Derby, told Sun Health. “If I didn’t, I would be dead within months. Most read in Health “But, if I changed my ways, I would add ten years onto my life.” “At the time, I was waking up choking [due to sleep apnoea] and unable to breathe since I couldn’t lie flat. “So I started drinking heavily to help me go out like a light. “And I also began sleeping in a recliner chair. But that wasn’t right. “I wanted to sleep in a proper bed again and I didn’t want to rely on someone else to look after me. “Not being able to do anything myself is my idea of a nightmare. “I’d rather die.” Martin’s colleagues made cruel comments, as he remembers: “Female work colleagues told me I looked disgusting. “And I’d often be called ‘fat bastard’ or told that I smelled because I was so fat. “Getting shirts to fit was a nightmare and I had to wear vests underneath my work t-shirts as my belly kept protruding out.” But Martin dreamed of the day he would see both his kids graduate from university. A typical dinner for Martin, before he lost weight Credit: Jam Press Martin had a wake-up call when he was rushed to hospital in November 2020, and he realised he was a functioning alcoholic Credit: Jam Press He knew, though, with the way he was going, this wouldn’t become reality. He said: “It was around November 2020 and I felt really ill. “I had chest pains that felt like a chest infection and was getting out of breath all the time. “I was drinking a lot of alcohol, but, at the time, it didn’t seem like a problem. “Now, I realise I was a functioning alcoholic.” Martin ended up being rushed to hospital because his “heart was racing” and he had high blood pressure at a GP appointment. “While sitting in that hospital room, being hooked up to machines, I spoke to God and said I’d make him a deal,” he says. “If I changed my ways, would he get me out of there and give me the chance to stay alive for a bit longer – for my kids. “I stopped drinking right away and haven’t touched a drop since. “But I was a total mess.” He started by going cold turkey on the cakes, chocolate bars and takeaways, and cut out carbs completely. Despite switching up his eating habits, and the pounds falling off, Martin’s health was rapidly declining. Martin has lost 15st in five years sticking to a healthy diet and exercise Credit: Jam Press Martin set up a gym at his home and did workouts set for him by a personal trainer Credit: Jam Press His heart conditions carry a life expectancy of five to 10 years, and he was coping with other failing organs and arthritis. He knew it would take a miracle to help him build up strength in a bid to achieve his goal. Then, while he was at work, he was chatting to a customer who mentioned a personal trainer, Clive Fearon, who helps people through private training. Martin began with one-to-one boxing lessons, as well as setting up a gym in the comfort of his own home and began walking 14,000 steps each morning. Within two years, he was down to 12st 5lbs. Now, he is 15st lighter, having a stuck to his new routine. Martin says: “I’m still ill – and nothing will change that. “But I hope I get to achieve my goal of seeing my son graduate just like my daughter has done. “It’s been a learning experience finding out a lot about foods; what’s in them and what they do to your body. Martin was determined to lose weight so he would see his children graduate university. He is pictured with his daughter Credit: Jam Press How to lose weight safely Losing weight should be a long-term commitment to healthier living, rather than any drastic measures. The NHS tips – which can be adopted slowly – include: Get active for 150 minutes a week – you can break this up into shorter sessions Aim to get your 5 A Day – 80g of fresh, canned or frozen fruit or vegetables count as 1 portion Aim to lose 1 to 2lbs, or 0.5 to 1kg, a week Read food labels – products with more green colour coding than amber and red are often a healthier option Swap sugary drinks for water – if you do not like the taste, add slices of lemon or lime for flavour Cut down on food that’s high in sugar and fat – start by swapping sugary cereal for wholegrain alternatives Share your weight loss plan with someone you trust – they can help motivate you when you have a bad day Read about: The five fat loss foundations The calorie formula for weight loss The perfect portion sizes for meals to lose weight Sun Health’s 8-week weight loss kick start plan “Stopping drinking was easier than I thought it would be, but I understand how people can get addicted now. “If I can do it, then there really is no reason why anyone else can’t. “I could’ve carried on the way I was, quit my job and claimed benefits while I ate and drank myself to death. “Instead, I decided to push myself and will continue to do so for as long as I can. “And, when the time comes, at least I know my deal with God was a success.” Now, Martin eats nuts for breakfast and lunch, with a pack of mussels, prawns, olives, onion, lettuce and beetroot for dinner. Or, he’ll cook his own curry or chilli which lasts him for six days. And, for a snack, he’ll have tuna on toast or Babybels. Clive said: “Martin’s journey is incredible. “The fact we were able to help him shift 15 stone using solution-focused coaching is something I am incredibly proud of. “He’s changed his mindset, which we all talk about and gloss over. “But he doesn’t wake up thinking he’s got to walk his dog to lose weight – he actually looks forward to it now. “Likewise, with food, he no longer eats to cope with stress and that’s enabled him to keep developing. “This is the secret to long-term weight management.” Comment now