EXCLUSIVE: John MacDonald collapsed on his first weigh-in with Slimming World but has since lost 17 stone and recently celebrated turning 30 – a milestone his doctor warned he might never see
A slimmer who was warned by his GP he wouldn’t see 30 has just celebrated the birthday milestone after losing nearly 17 stone.
John MacDonald described the frank conversation as the “wake-up call [he] needed” as he transformed his diet and became more active. He said: “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.”
The Rangers fan turned turned 30 last month after losing an incredible 16 stone 12lb (107kg) with 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,” John, of Glasgow, continued.
His weight loss journey began dramatically when he collapsed during his very first weigh-in at the group. But the frightening experience that left him in hospital led to this life-changing transformation.
Now weighing 10st 13lb, John says the support, structure and shared expertise in his Slimming World group helped him achieve a goal he once believed was impossible.
John added: “To celebrate turning 30 at my Slimming World group meant everything. 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 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.
During John’s first Slimming World session at Carrina McGovern’s group in Easterhouse, Glasgow, fearing he was having a heart attack.
But the fear of the scales had led to him having a panic attack and Glasgow Royal Infirmary gave him the all clear. He said: “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 said. “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 said.
“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 continued: “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.“
He said he focused on “small changes,” adding: “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 said: “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.
John’s Slimming World Consultant Carrina said his story highlights the vital role groups can play – especially for men.
“John’s achievement is extraordinary and it’s a testament to his determination and willingness to lean into the support around him,” Carrina said.
“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.”
Before John would have a sausage and tattie scone but now has Weetabix, fat free natural yoghurt with banana.
For lunch cheesy chips and curry sauce from the chip van and now he enjoys a chicken salad bowl.
For dinner he had an Indian takeaway with full sugar cola and now had a slimming world meals and recipes. He has also swapped his tubes of Pringles and cakes for fruit and low fat yoghurts.