'I was too fat to fit in a rollercoaster'
Graham Gibson • Published 23 Mar 2012 08:20
9 Comments
A DUNFERMLINE slimmer left mortified after being too large to fit into a rollercoaster has shed five stones in 20 months to be named Greatest Loser 2012.
Graeme Crosbie (30), Jennie Rennie's Road, was asked to move to a specially designated seat for overweight thrillseekers on a ride at Orlando's Universal Studios.
The humiliation and the resulting holiday snaps forced him into action as he realised he had reached his heaviest ever weight of 21 stones.
Fast forward more than a year and a half and Graeme has dropped from a 46- to a 36-inch waist and lost three inches from his collar size (see picture).
His success has inspired him to launch his own Slimming World class in Dunfermline, becoming the only male consultant on the east side of Scotland.
He explained, "I had been overweight for most of my adult life and weighed 21 stone when I joined - the heaviest I had ever been.
"The weight crept on slowly over the years since I left school and started working full-time in a desk job, where I had access to a great canteen so eating convenience food became the norm.
"The final straw was being asked to move from the standard seating rows in Universal Studios' rollercoasters to the modified seating rows - larger seats for larger people. I was mortified at this and it really affected how I felt about myself.
"The other reason was that I was suffering from some back and joint pain. Instead of climbing the two flights of stairs at work I would take the lift instead. I did not want to be an overweight, unfit, unhealthy 30-year-old."
Graeme joined Slimming World in Inverkeithing and was initially nervous about having to starve himself in a class filled only with women.
However, he soon discovered he could still eat all his favourite foods simply by cooking them himself in a healthier way rather than getting carry-outs.
"Like a lot of men I thought slimming clubs were only really for women and I would be really restricted in what I could eat. I was completely wrong!
"There was a broad mix of people attending the class, sharing ideas and supporting each other's weight losses.
"I can honestly say I have never been hungry and have not had to give up anything I love.
"I've learned how to cook food that my partner and I love in a very healthy way.
"A favourite of mine is a hot and spicy homemade chicken curry with loads of rice, onion bhajis, spiced onions and a huge helping of tomato salsa on the side. Plus I still enjoy a few beers with it as well!"
Graeme was awarded his local group's Greatest Loser 2012 award and his confidence has soared.
"When I was bigger I never really ventured into exercise. I would join a gym, go for a few swims and then not go back. Everything has changed since I began losing the weight.
"I rejoined a local gym in February last year and am now going three to five times a week.
"I really surprised myself by being able to complete three to four spin classes a week."
And it's not just inside a gym where Graeme now finds he can exceed his expectations.
"I always wanted to learn to snowboard but was always too heavy and self conscious," he admitted.
"I'm hoping to start my lessons very soon now that I have a new-found confidence.
"I always wanted to be able to go into a designer shop, pick up an item of clothing and know that it would fit me and I would feel great in it. Thanks to Slimming World I can and have several times."
Graeme is relaunching the Slimming World class at 7.30pm on Monday 2nd April in St Ninians Church, Whitelaw Road, Abbeyview, Dunfermline.
Any interested parties should contact Graeme on 07730577221, graeme-slimmingworld@sky.com, www.slimmingworld.com or on Facebook - Slimming World Abbeyview.
This article appeared in Dunfermline Press 23 Mar 12
Have your say. Post a comment on this article.
-
desk1282
1 post
Mar 23, 13:00
Report commentwell done Graeme, all CST wishing you all the best :) :)
Recommend?
Yes 10
No 1
-
supersonic
242 posts
Mar 23, 17:28
Report commentThis gentleman is a prime example of effort and willpower! If you want to do it you can, you just have to put the effort in! I'm sick of hearing people going to lose weight all the time and doing nothing about it!
Well done Graeme!!!
Recommend? Yes 12
No 2
-
******
Mar 24, 12:35
Report commentThis comment has been removed by a moderator
-
bicyclebob
159 posts
Mar 24, 14:06
Report commentmore great news from the press, gets worse.
Recommend? Yes 3
No 13
-
maclam
332 posts
Mar 24, 17:14
Report commentanother nonsense story we have to suffer
Recommend? Yes 5
No 10
-
******
Mar 24, 19:33
Report commentThis comment has been removed by a moderator
-
******
Mar 25, 16:32
Report commentThis comment has been removed by a moderator
-
midge1
58 posts
Mar 27, 23:55
Report commentthe lad got a wide awake call to his problem and good for you Graeme for acting on it hope you feel happier with yourself well done
Recommend? Yes 6
No 1
-
jocknroll
85 posts
Mar 28, 23:48
Report commentIt's a good story and fair play to Graeme but it strikes me as being little more than an advert for Slimming World.
Recommend? Yes 1
No 3
-
redrobin
294 posts
Mar 30, 09:17
Report commentgood to see a bloke taking the group
no disrespect ladies but guys think slimming is always for the ladies
I'll be there
Recommend? Yes 2
No 0
-
redrobin
294 posts
Apr 4, 19:06
Report commentBrilliant opening nite graeme
at last someone telling us what it is!
any guys reading this?
get yourself along next monday
by the way your assistants are great.
Recommend? Yes 2
No 0
-
WhatabouttheBay
7 posts
Apr 11, 20:55
Report commentThis needs to be used an example for other young people who eat and drink as if they are immune to nature.
So what if people think its an advert, if it helps another person to live a healthier lifestyle then it would be worth the plug.
Whatever works.
People will be moaning about advertising fun runs next.
Scotland needs a lifestyle change - This lads taken his step - what about you?
Recommend? Yes 4
No 0
Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.
