David lost 16kg

A cycle of partying and a love of fatty foods took its toll on David Fairs’ health until his fiancé introduced him to The Biggest Loser Club. Now newly-married, David has lost 16kg and he’s looking forward to a lifetime of good health.

David loved competing in school athletics and swimming competitions and he was a regular surfer and skateboarder in his youth. Although he describes himself as a chubby child, his weight wasn’t a major issue. That is, until sports were gradually replaced by “partying and lounging around playing video games”, he said.

“I knew I wasn’t in the best shape but I wasn’t really worried. I think I was expecting my weight to even out again as it had when I was a teenager,” he said.

By the time David was in his 20s, he was a heavy social drinker and smoker. “Thankfully, I quit smoking, but the drinking and overeating continued as my metabolism slowed. No wonder I gained the nickname Fat-man from my mates,” he said.

David often began the day with bacon and eggs, lunch could be a burger washed down with flavoured milk and dinner was a large serve of meat with a small side of vegetables, pasta or a meat lovers’ pizza. “The portions were always big and I would eat quickly until I was stuffed,” he said.

At weekends David drank “loads of beer" or Bourbon and cola and ate late night kebabs. "The next morning I would often have a hangover, which triggered cravings for greasy junk food all day long,” he said.

Meeting the love of his life

Things started to change when David met his future wife, Anna, and he began to think much more seriously about his health and about the future. A visit to his doctor convinced him that there was no time to waste. A blood test revealed very high levels of unhealthy cholesterol and low levels of iron and other nutrients. A shaken David remembers that his doctor made it clear that he was in for some serious health problems, perhaps a heart attack before the age of 40, if things didn’t change fast.

“I was shocked and Anna was terrified," he said. “At 108kg, I knew that I was very overweight and although I knew it was time to take action, I felt overwhelmed.”

David began to make essential changes. He began walking daily and eating healthier foods. "Although I was still very stubborn early on and I would eat ice cream and whole packets of Tim Tams regularly plus fast food chicken burger meals and Thai takeaway. Thankfully, I stopped binge drinking and only drank in moderation," he said.

Then, Anna found The Biggest Loser Club and suggested he give it a go. “Actually she went ahead and paid three months’ membership before asking me about it so I had no choice but to conform to The Club program 100%; I definitely didn’t want to let her down” says David.

Anna prepared nearly all of their meals. “We were amazed at how good the food and menus are. The nachos, chilli beef and beans, and parmesan chicken are now firm favourites in the newly formed Fairs household," David said. “I remember Anna telling my mother-in-law how surprised she was at the amount food I am allowed to eat as well as the quality of recipes,” he added.

The couple also joined a gym. “All it took was 45 minutes of fast walking on the treadmill each day and I began shedding the kilos. I was also learning about diet and nutrition and I thought – hey, this actually works!”

David began to push himself and began running on the treadmill and added weights to his routine. Then, he began working out with a personal trainer.

While the busy graphic designer doesn’t have much time to keep up with the forums, reading the success stories is a big Club plus and he finds looking at the before and after shots particularly inspiring.

Health smart

David and Anna usually start the day with a high-fibre bran cereal with low fat milk and fruit. Lunch is often a salad with a small portion of lean protein, such as tuna or chicken, dressed with balsamic vinegar and a little olive oil.

“Sometimes I get a low-fat Subway sandwich and I drink plenty of water. Snacks could be fruit, vegetable crudités or rice cakes with cottage cheese," David said.

For dinner, the couple go for meat or fish with lots of salad or steamed vegies and a small serve of pasta. Takeaways aren’t banned, but tend to be healthier options such as a vegetable stir-frys or Japanese noodles now.

Steps to success

“I still love Thai takeaway and indulge with Swiss dark chocolate and chocolate ice cream occasionally plus the odd beer or two with my mates,” David said, “but I find that using my online diary helps me to manage my daily calorie intake quickly and effectively. My lifestyle has changed for the better and I couldn’t be happier.”

David puts his success down to a combination of factors, but says timing was key. “Like quitting smoking, I had to be ready to take the first step. I knew I needed to change my attitude to life as a whole and that’s what I did.

Starting his weight-loss journey at 108kg, David shed 16kg in time for his wedding photos when he weighed-in at a trim 92kg. A six-week European honeymoon has meant the scales are registering a small gain right now, but David is as determined as ever to continue with his healthy eating and daily exercise habits and keep them up for good.

"I am happy in all other areas of my life and content with the person I am. I feel stronger than ever and most importantly, I feel free. Free of the weight and of the poor self image. My cholesterol is at a healthy level and I longer have to fear what the future holds. Hopefully I will get to live long healthy life with my wonderful Anna.”

Wedding photos © Lee Grant