Chris turned his health around for his family

Despite his active lifestyle, Chris' struggles with binge eating slowly caused his weight to creep up over the years. As he progressed from pre-diabetes to type 2 diabetes, and then to potentially needing injectables to manage his health, Chris realised he needed to make a change for himself, his partner and his kids. Having lost 10 kg over a decade ago with the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet book, Chris knew he could trust the science behind the diet and signed up to the online 12 Week Program. He lost an incredible 17.4 kg* in 24 weeks, and received a refund^.

Starting weight: 110.4 kg

Current weight: 93 kg

Total loss: 17.4 kg

*In 24 weeks. Individual results may vary.

Chris' story

Describe your life before the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet

I've always been fairly solid but over the past 10 years, the weight slowly crept upwards. At my heaviest I was 113.3 kg. I've always been quite active and did a lot of walking, but I was a pretty big binge eater – I could easily polish off a big bag of chips with a side of chocolate, processed meats, slabs of cheese and anything else that crossed my path.

What made you decide to finally lose the weight?

I had been pre-diabetic, then type 2 diabetic for about three years. I wasn't managing it and my weight was at its heaviest. We were away for a Christmas vacation and I had time to think; I realised I was essentially on the way to an early grave. I felt ashamed, helpless and a failure to my partner. I was on the highest doses of oral diabetic medication my doctor could prescribe, and I was being threatened with injectables. I knew I had to do something for my wife, my kids and most importantly, myself.

Why do you think the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet worked for you?

The meal plan helped me to organise my day. The food & exercise tracker and photos kept me motivated, and weigh-in days kept me accountable. My initial results, and experiencing a drop in blood sugar readings, kept me motivated.

How has your life changed since you lost the weight?

My blood glucose levels went from 10.4 to 5.6 millimoles per litre in three months and I've had a reduction in my diabetes medication. My blood pressure and resting heart rate have significantly decreased and I no longer take blood pressure medication. Upset stomachs are a thing of the past, heartburn is gone and I've had a significant reduction in inflammation and joint pain – especially in my knees.

I just feel better in general; everything is easier to do and I don't fatigue as quickly.

What advice do you have for others trying to lose weight?

Take each day at a time and don't concentrate on the days you stumble. There are going to be celebrations, holidays, amazing days, terrible days and tragedies that will throw you off course as part of life. Just fight on.