Darren's story

I've lost 7st 7lbs105lbs47.5kg – it took me exactly 12 months.

What prompted your decision to lose weight?

I'd been overweight for years and it was affecting my sleep (I had sleep apnoea) and my health so I knew I needed to do something. It was a colleague at work who had lost 5 stone that really inspired me to get started.

How did you hear about Nutracheck?

I found the app on the Apple Store and read the reviews.

Has your weight stayed fairly consistent over the years, or have you always had to manage it?

Before I started Nutracheck my weight had just crept up year on year, for the past 25 or so years.

How easy was it to fit the changes you made into your lifestyle?

It was a challenge at times, but I was determined!

What was the most difficult thing?

Being away from home – I often have to travel for work.

How do you feel now compared to before?

Fabulous – so much better, more alert and able to enjoy life.

My sleep apnoea has gone & my blood pressure is ideal.

Any notable milestones to report?

I set myself an initial target of losing 5 stone in 8 months, which I achieved over 2 months early. I felt so much better and motivated that I decided to carry on to achieve my final target and healthy BMI in 12 months.

All of my health indicators are now good, my sleep apnoea has completely gone, my blood pressure is in the ideal range, as is my cholesterol.

What 3 tips would you give to anyone who has weight to lose?

1. PLAN AHEAD - ensure you know what you'll be eating when, especially if you have a weak time - e.g. when you get home from work. Keep healthy snacks available at all times. When eating out, look at the menu in advance and choose a healthy option.
2. COUNT EVERYTHING - do your best to honestly count every calorie. Put all you eat and drink into Nutracheck, and all your exercise. And keep doing it. Become obsessive about it. If you can't weigh/measure the exact quantity make your best honest estimate.
3. STAY IN CONTROL - don't let events or other people knock you off you plan, be determined. I've found when I asked people for their support that they reacted positively and helped me, including people at work and staff in restaurants.

How long have you been maintaining your weight loss now?

9 months.

How easy are you finding it to maintain your weight?

It's certainly easier than losing it, but I still have to stay disciplined, I still record everything on Nutracheck and use the tips and tricks I learned whilst losing weight - if I don't my weight starts to creep upwards again. I've allowed myself more treats into my eating regime again now, and don't worry if I have the odd treat day with no counting, especially for special occasions.

How often do you weigh yourself? Do you still record this in your Weight Tracker?

About once a week, usually first thing on a Saturday morning. Yes, I also take photos of the reading on the scales on my phone!

How much does your maintenance weight fluctuate by? What do you do if you've gained a few pounds?

I aim to stay within 4lb either way of my target BMI, if I go above this then I just reduce my daily calorie allowance and stick rigidly to plan until I'm back below my target weight.

What are your 3 top tips for someone who has just hit their goal?

1. Set yourself an acceptable weight range, weigh yourself weekly and if your weight is outside of your range then take action immediately
2. Stick with the healthy habits and choices of food you learned whilst losing weight - don't just go back to your old ways
3. Take up some exercise - I hated exercise but am now running 5km+ two or three times a week to keep fit (it's so much easier now I've lost weight) and the exercise really makes me feel better. I used the NHS couch to 5k programme to start me off.

How confident do you feel that you will be able to maintain your new weight for life?

I'm not as confident as I would like to be, but I am determined!