Teacher loses more than nine stone without weight-loss jabs after mindset shift

An obese Lincolnshire teacher who faced taunts and fatigue has transformed his life by changing his mindset and embracing a council-funded weight loss programme, shedding more than nine stone without a single weight-loss jab.

Glen Allison, 40, from Lincolnshire, reported his heaviest weight at 21 stone 8 pounds, a point at which daily life felt like a constant struggle. He describes a cycle of tiredness, irritability and physical discomfort in a body that drew ridicule from peers. “Life used to feel like a constant struggle. I was always tired, often irritable and physically uncomfortable in my own body,” he said. “My friends often teased me about my weight. There were even moments when I caught people pointing and laughing at me.” The comments and the sense that his body let him down affected not only his confidence but also the activities he chose to take part in and the decisions he made about his own health.

The weight problem he carried is linked, in part, to a medical issue from his childhood. A prior illness required an operation, and doctors advised his parents to “feed him more” beforehand. Allison says those early feeding patterns helped cement a relationship with food that became comfort, routine and a default response to stress. “Eating larger portions became the norm very early in my life, and as I grew older, those habits stayed with me,” he recalled. “It was comfort, it was routine, and it was something I relied on without questioning.” The weight gain continued for decades, and by his early 40s he faced a health risk that made action feel urgent.

The turning point came when Allison reached his 40th birthday and realized that maintaining his current trajectory would likely increase the risk of serious health problems. He opted to pursue help through One You Lincolnshire, a council-funded weight loss programme that includes a free 12-week membership to a local Slimming World group. In less than a year of attending weekly Slimming World meetings and engaging in regular exercise, he dropped to 12 stone 5 pounds, a weight loss of more than nine stone. As progress mounted, so did his enthusiasm for life and physical activity.

Along the way, Allison’s mindset started to shift in parallel with his body. He began focusing on long-term change rather than short-term diets, a pivot he says was reinforced by the programme’s emphasis on accountability. He credits the first 12 weeks of support as transformative, describing how structure and consistent support helped him break free from crash dieting and binge eating. “The real turning point for me came when I turned 40,” he said. “I realised that if I carried on living the way I was, I would be putting myself at even greater risk of serious health problems.” He added that accountability was crucial: setbacks would happen, but staying accountable, drawing a line under them, and continuing forward made all the difference.

With weight loss came a return to physical strength and a notable shift in mental health. Allison began weight training at the college where he works and found that his confidence grew as his body grew stronger. “Things are completely different,” he said. “My confidence has soared, I find myself smiling so much more, and I actually enjoy shopping for clothes now.” He described a renewed sense of control over his life and a healthier relationship with food. “There will be setbacks, gains, and moments when you slip up, and that’s completely normal. The key is to stay accountable, draw a line under it, and keep moving forward. The difference it makes when you begin to feel stronger, healthier and more confident is worth so much more than any takeaway or quick indulgence.”

As the pounds came off, Allison noticed a cascade of benefits beyond the scale. He regained the energy for everyday activities, rediscovered joy in hobbies and social events, and embraced a more active lifestyle. He now enjoys shopping for clothes again and has incorporated weight training into his routine, which he says reinforces the discipline he learned through Slimming World and the One You Lincolnshire programme. “Now I love clothes shopping,” he said. “I’m active, I feel better, and I’m meeting my goals.”

The broader impact of his journey goes beyond personal health. Allison believes the One You Lincolnshire scheme offers a model for healthier communities and reduced strain on the NHS. “This scheme doesn’t just transform individuals like me—it creates healthier communities and reduces strain on the NHS,” he said. He hopes the programme will be protected so it can continue helping others change their lives, stressing that the programme’s reach and structure were essential in his own transformation. One You Lincolnshire has been approached for comment. A spokesperson acknowledged the programme’s goals while noting its long-term future would be determined through a forthcoming consultation.

For many people facing similar challenges, Allison’s experience underscores the potential for lasting change through a combination of mindset shifts, structured support and accessible community programmes. Before joining the programme, he described meals that reflected a high intake of saturated fats and refined carbohydrates: breakfast of two fried eggs, four rashers of bacon, three thick sausages, mushrooms sautéed in butter, baked beans, three slices of thick white bread with butter, all washed down with a litre of full-sugar fizzy drink; lunch consisted of takeout cheeseburgers with chips and a sharing chocolate bar; dinner was four fish fingers on two slices of bread with butter and ketchup, plus a large portion of deep-fried chips; snacks included crisps and a chocolate bar. Now his daily meals favor lean protein, vegetables and controlled portions: breakfast is protein yoghurt with sliced apple and strawberries; lunch is a mixed-leaf salad with grilled chicken and balsamic dressing; dinner features lean steak with grilled mushrooms, a jacket potato with a small amount of low-fat cream cheese and a side salad; snacks include melon, pineapple, or berries, with water to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Allison’s story illustrates how weight management is as much about the mental and emotional relationship with food as it is about calories and exercise. He stresses that sustainable change takes time and commitment, and that support systems—whether from a local programme, healthcare providers or friends and family—are indispensable for someone who has battled weight issues since childhood. He also notes that structures like One You Lincolnshire provide not only the practical tools for weight loss but also the accountability that helps people stay on track over the long term. As the programme’s funding and future shape loom in policy discussions, his experience serves as a case study in how community health initiatives can impact individual lives and, by extension, public health outcomes.