Importance Score: 40 / 100 🔵
Incredible Weight Loss Journey: Man Sheds 17 Stone by Walking After Being Trapped in Football Turnstile
Overweight and struggling with obesity, Steven Duffield, 45, once found himself in an embarrassing predicament: stuck in a football turnstile due to his size. Weighing nearly 30 stone, Steven has since undergone a remarkable health transformation, losing an astonishing 17 stone through daily walking and lifestyle changes. This incredible weight loss journey has not only improved his health but also inspired him to help others facing similar challenges.
The Turning Point: Humiliation at the Turnstile
At his heaviest, Steven Duffield tipped the scales at 28.1 stone (178.7kg). His clothing size was a restrictive 5XL in American football shirts and oversized jogging bottoms. His weight gain was attributed to a decade of consuming excessive takeaways, snacks, and alcohol – reportedly 12 to 14 pints of beer each night.
The pivotal moment for Steven occurred in 2022 during a Boxing Day football match outing with his nephews. He became wedged in the turnstiles, an incident that served as a stark wake-up call. Compounding his health concerns, a prior visit to his doctor revealed he was too heavy for the clinic’s scales, and his Body Mass Index (BMI) was an alarming 59.2.
From Short Strolls to 25 Miles Daily
Determined to reverse his deteriorating health, Steven embarked on a simple yet effective weight loss strategy: walking. Initially, his walks were short, just to the end of his street and back. However, he gradually increased his distance, eventually walking over 25 miles every day.
Alongside increased physical activity, Steven overhauled his diet. He replaced high-fat processed foods with healthier alternatives like chicken and rice accompanied by vegetables. He also adopted intermittent fasting and experimented with dietary approaches like the keto diet, popular among celebrities, to further aid his weight loss.
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He also made the crucial decision to eliminate alcohol from his daily routine.
Rapid Transformation and Continued Progress
Within a year, Steven experienced significant weight reduction, losing 13 stone (83kg). He continued his healthy habits and shed an additional 4 stone (25.4kg), bringing his current weight down to a much healthier 11 stone.
Reflecting on his journey, Steven, a Kidderminster resident, acknowledged a period of personal hardship. “I had endured a mental breakdown and the loss of both parents within a few years, placing me in a very dark place,” he explained.
He further noted the impact of medication on his weight gain: “I was prescribed an antipsychotic drug which, unbeknownst to me at the time, slowed down my metabolism while simultaneously increasing my appetite and thirst.”
The Cycle of Loneliness and Overindulgence
Steven described a daily routine fueled by loneliness and alcohol: “Due to feeling isolated, I would wake up with a hangover and immediately go to the pub, consuming alcohol and food from lunchtime until closing time.”
“My daily intake would often reach 12 to 14 pints, followed by ordering an Indian takeaway. This unhealthy pattern became a repetitive cycle.”
Several events in 2022, he recounts, motivated him to “take charge” of his life and health.
Facing Public Humiliation and Health Warnings
“My excessive weight was becoming a defining characteristic. I felt I was gaining notoriety as simply ‘a fat drinker’,” Steven admitted.
He described instances of social rejection and public ridicule. “People started to avoid me, and once, while walking by a canal, teenagers subjected me to verbal abuse.”
His health assessment at the GP surgery further compounded his distress. “During a medical check-up, I was informed that I exceeded the weight limit of the clinic’s scales and had to be referred to the hospital—it was profoundly humiliating.”
The stark warning from his doctor delivered a serious reality check. “My doctor told me that, continuing on my current path, I likely had only 10 to 15 years left to live.”
The turnstile incident on Boxing Day served as the final catalyst for change. “Taking my young nephews to a Port Vale match should have been a joyous occasion, but instead, I became trapped in the turnstiles.”
“I vividly remember my stomach protruding over the metal bars, requiring three staff members to physically free me. The expressions of my nephews were distressing, and I was overwhelmed with embarrassment.”
“That night, I returned home knowing unequivocally that I needed to make a change, and that the responsibility lay solely with me. I devised a simple plan and began by walking.”
“Initially, my walks were minimal, just to the end of the street and back, but I diligently tracked my progress using a fitness application and gradually extended the distances from there.”
Embracing Podcasts and Dietary Experimentation
“Because of my considerable starting weight, the initial weight loss occurred relatively quickly,” Steven explained.
“During my walks, I engaged with podcasts focused on weight loss and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I began experimenting with various diets and fasting techniques.”
“It wasn’t merely about increased activity and reduced food intake. It was about gaining an understanding of my body’s needs, simplifying my approach, and focusing on day-by-day progress.”
Addressing Excess Skin and Inspiring Others
Despite his remarkable weight loss achievement of over half his body weight, Steven faces a new challenge: excess saggy skin, which he hopes to address through surgery.
“I am immensely pleased with my progress, but the loose skin around my abdomen resembles melted tissue,” he stated.
“Initially, the NHS declined to fund surgery for skin removal, deeming it cosmetic rather than medically necessary. However, the issue is more physical than aesthetic.”
“Attempting to play football again, I find the excess skin uncomfortable and restrictive. It feels like running with a weighty ball around my torso. While I view it as a symbol of my achievement, I would prefer to have it removed.”
A Message of Hope and Charity Goal
“I accomplished this significant weight loss without resorting to surgery or weight loss injections. I am now in a positive place and motivated to encourage others to achieve similar health improvements through sustainable lifestyle changes.”
Steven is now channeling his energy into a new ambitious goal: walking the equivalent distance of the Sahara Desert to raise money for charity.
He has committed to walking 1,880 miles by October to support Acorns Children’s Hospice.
This charity provides vital care for his 11-year-old niece Meggie, who lives with Trisomy 9 mosaic syndrome, a rare and life-limiting chromosomal disorder.
To contribute to Steven’s fundraising efforts, please visit: www.justgiving.com/page/saharayomp4acorns