“My GP said I wouldn’t make 30” – Rangers’ fan loses 17st after joining Slimming World
“A lot of people have asked if I’m taking Mounjaro – I’m able to tell them I’ve lost weight by eating more healthily and becoming more active”
A Glasgow football fan who was warned by his GP he wouldn’t live to see his 30th birthday has defied the odds – celebrating the milestone birthday last month after losing an incredible 16st 12lbs (107kg) with Slimming World.
John MacDonald joined his local Slimming World group in 2023 weighing nearly 28st, after being diagnosed with prediabetes, sleep apnoea, high blood pressure and receiving a stark warning about his future.
His weight loss journey began dramatically when he collapsed during his very first weigh-in at the group, but the frightening experience became the catalyst for a life-changing transformation. Now weighing 10st 13lbs, John says the support, structure and shared expertise in his Slimming World group helped him achieve a goal he once believed was impossible.
John says: “Being told I might not make my 30th birthday if I didn’t lose weight was the wake-up call I needed. Everything changed in that moment – all I could think about was my family, especially my mum who I live with, and everything I’d miss.”
John’s first Slimming World session at Carrina McGovern’s group in Easterhouse took a dramatic turn when a panic attack landed him in Glasgow Royal Infirmary. He says: “As I stepped on the scales I felt sick, my chest tightened and I collapsed – I thought I was having a heart attack. Kind members drove me to A&E. Looking back it was anxiety, made worse by barely eating in the lead-up to joining. I’d built up such a fear of seeing the number on the scales. Facing the challenge ahead hit me all at once.”
Returning to the group the following week marked the beginning of John’s long-term success. Although embarrassed to go back after his first experience, John soon found everyone was just relieved he was OK. He puts his success down to the consistent encouragement and practical guidance he received every week. “Despite it all, Carrina never doubted me,” he says. “With her support and the group behind me, I began to believe change was possible and that changed everything. It was an incredible feeling.”
“The support at group made all the difference – there’s nothing like it,” he says. “I thought it would just be about getting weighed, but it’s so much more. The support Carrina gives everyone is outstanding. Whether you lose or gain each week, she keeps you focused so you don’t give up. She’s what kept me going.
“I’ve had ups and downs, but now I understand how to manage it. I trust the plan and I trust myself. My life has been completely transformed. I’ve gone from a 52in waist to a 31in waist and can now wear the designer clothes I’ve always longed to.”
John admits he once relied heavily on takeaways. He says: “I’d spend £30 most nights ordering enough for four. Now I steer clear of junk food and takeaways and I eat a lot more vegetables. Carrina suggested I start planning my meals and I’ve enjoyed trying new recipes from the Slimming World app. I’d never really cooked anything before and now I love being in the kitchen making meals from scratch – Slimming World’s Cajun chicken pasta is my go-to. Carrina helped me focus on small changes that really add up. I swapped two litres of sugary fizzy drinks and four sugary teas a day for low-calorie squash and sugar-free hot drinks.”
The changes have had a huge impact on John’s health and day-to-day life. He says: “I’ve gone from doing no activity to gradually starting to walk to the local shops. It’s a 15-minute walk but it took me an hour. I slowly built up my fitness until that walk took me five minutes. Now I walk everywhere and I love it. My sleep apnoea has gone, my breathing’s better and I’ve got so much energy.”
John’s transformation was marked by a powerful moment last month, when he celebrated his 30th birthday surrounded by the people who supported him.
“To celebrate turning 30 at my Slimming World group meant everything,” he says. “A few years ago, I didn’t think I’d get here. This whole experience has completely changed my life. I’ve gone from being told I might die young to feeling healthy, confident and excited for the future.”
John’s Slimming World Consultant Carrina says his story highlights the vital role groups can play – especially for men. She says: “John’s achievement is extraordinary and it’s a testament to his determination and willingness to lean into the support around him. We know men can sometimes feel unsure about joining a Slimming World group, yet John’s success shows exactly what’s possible. Our groups are welcoming, supportive spaces where everyone can succeed. I’m so proud of John – he kept going – even when it felt tough. That’s what made the difference.”
Laura Holloway, from Slimming World’s Nutrition, Research and Scientific Affairs team, says John’s journey reflects the proven benefits of group-based weight management.
Our groups make a real difference to long-term weight loss. The accountability, shared ideas and practical strategies all help members like John create lasting habits and achieve truly life-changing results.
This Men’s Health Week (w/c June 15th), men are being encouraged to prioritise their wellbeing. John – who has maintained his weight loss for over two years says he hopes his journey will inspire others. He says: “I was terrified walking through the door that first time, but it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. I didn’t think in the beginning I’d ever get this far. If you’re thinking about it – just take that first step. It could change your life like it changed mine.”
John’s success story features in the current issue of Slimming World Magazine – available on newsstands now with a brand-new look! Join your local Slimming World group or sign up online for even more recipes, guidance and support. To find your nearest group, visit slimmingworld.co.uk or call 0344 897 8000.
John’s success story features in the current issue of Slimming World Magazine – available on newsstands now with a brand-new look! Join your local Slimming World group or sign up online for even more recipes, guidance and support. To find your nearest group, visit slimmingworld.co.uk or call 0344 897 8000.
ENDS
Group: John attends Carrina McGovern’s Slimming World group in Easterhouse, Glasgow. For more information or to find your nearest group, visit slimmingworld.co.uk.
John MacDonald
Commencing weight 27st 11lbs (176.4kg)
Weight at group finals 10st 13lbs (69.4kg)
Height: 5ft 6in (168cm)
Weight lost: 16st 12lbs (107kg) in one year and five months
John’s day on a plate
| Before | After | |
| Breakfast | Sausage and tattie scone (square sausage with a triangular, flat potato scone in a morning roll with brown sauce) from the van near work Tea with two sugars | Weetabix, fat free natural yoghurt with banana Tea with sweetener |
| Lunch | Cheesy chips and curry sauce from chip van, two or three chocolate bars Full sugar cola | Chicken salad bowl from local cafe Water or low-calorie fruit squash |
| Dinner | Indian takeaway Full sugar cola | Slimming World’s Cajun chicken pasta with salad or vegetables or Slimming World kebab in a wholemeal pitta bread with lettuce, onion, tomatoes and gherkins Diet cola or water |
| Snacks | Tube of BBQ Pringles Cakes Crisps Coffee and tea with sugar | Fruit Two high fibre snack bars Low fat yoghurts Coffee or tea with no sugar or sweeteners |