A man who felt like “life was always a constant struggle” has revealed how a council-funded weight loss programme saved him – but now it’s facing the axe.
Glen Allison, 40, tipped the scales at 21st 8lbs at his heaviest and felt “depressed and overwhelmed”.
Life quickly became a daily challenge, with the teacher suffering from fatigue and harsh comments from other people.
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The 40-year-old was “trapped” in a never-ending cycle until he came across One You Lincolnshire, a council-funded weight loss programme.
In less than a year, he dropped to 12st 5lbs and was given back the motivation, as well as confidence, he’d been missing.
Now, though, he’s worried others won’t get the same life-changing opportunity as the council proposes to axe it completely.
“This scheme doesn’t just transform individuals like me – it creates healthier communities and reduces strain on the NHS,” Glen told What’s The Jam.
“Life [used to] feel like a constant struggle.
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“I was always tired, often irritable and physically uncomfortable in my own body.
“My friends often teased me about my weight.
“There were even moments when I caught people pointing and laughing at me.”
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“It affected my confidence, the activities I took part in, and the choices I made.
“I lost over nine stone with the help of the scheme, and I am so grateful for them.
“That first twelve weeks of support made all the difference in helping me change my life, and I kept going long after it ended.
“Now I want to see the scheme protected so it can help others change their lives too.”
The £3m-a-year programme will keep running until September 2026 while a consultation decides its long-term future.
Glen fears, though, without free support – including a 12-week Slimming World referral – that many people won’t get started.
His own battle began as a child after a medical condition led doctors to advise his parents to “feed him more” before surgery.
He said: “Although their intentions were good, that is where my unhealthy relationship with food began.
“Eating larger portions became the norm very early in my life, and as I grew older, those habits stayed with me.
“It was comfort, it was routine, and it was something I relied on without questioning.”
Crash diets and gym sessions failed to stick – until he discovered One You Lincolnshire.
Glen said: “The real turning point for me came when I turned 40.
“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.”
Now slimmer and fitter, Glen has embraced weight training at the college where he works.
He added: “Things are completely different.
“My confidence has soared, I find myself smiling so much more, and I actually enjoy shopping for clothes now.
“And a huge part of my journey was thanks to the support I received from the local council-funded programme.
“It gave me structure, accountability and that initial boost to kick-start my journey.
“Everybody’s path will look different.
“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.”
Jam Press has contacted One You Lincolnshire for comment.
DIET BEFORE:
Breakfast: Two fried eggs, four rashers of streaky bacon, three thick sausages, mushrooms cooked in butter, with baked beans, three slices of thick white bread, with butter; all washed down with a litre bottle of full sugar fizzy drink.
Lunch: Takeaway cheeseburger with chips, and a sharing chocolate bar for afterwards.
Dinner: Four fish fingers on two slices of thick white bread with butter and ketchup, and a big pile of deep-fried chips.
Snacks: Sharing a packet of crisps and a shared chocolate bar.
DIET AFTER:
Breakfast: Protein yoghurt, sliced apple and strawberries.
Lunch: Mixed leaf salad, with fresh tomatoes, crunchy onions, grilled chicken and balsamic dressing.
Dinner: Lean steak cooked under the grill, with some grilled flat mushrooms, and a big fluffy jacket potato with low-fat cream cheese instead of butter, and a salad on the side.
Snacks: Slices of melon, pineapple, or berries, or a small packet of crisps and at least two litres of water throughout the day.
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