West Lothian man sheds seven stone in bid to 'watch his grandchildren grow up'
A West Lothian grandad has told how his life changed for the better following a stunning weight loss journey.
Michael Ashby, 69, moved to Scotland in 2001 and weighed more than 24 stone. His health was rapidly in decline and he was taking different medications including pills for blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes.
He was also injecting himself with daily insulin shots before making the decision to lose weight and improve his lifestyle. Michael, from Armadale, has now lost over seven stone, reports the West Lothian Courier.
READ MORE: East Lothian vehicle crashes into Post Office in busy town centre
READ MORE: West Lothian man tried to rob shop brandishing a bottle with t-shirt over his head
He said: "Losing the weight meant no more pills for blood pressure, no more pills for cholesterol, and my insulin has been reduced by half."
Despite losing seven stone Michael hit a plateau and needed support. He then decided to join Slimming World - inspired by his desire to watch his four grandchildren grow up.
Michael continued: "I wanted to lose more, but I hit a brick wall. I love how Slimming World's Food Optimising is about eating healthy food. You can mix and match speed-free foods with healthy extra choices.
"My favourite meal is curry and that's become a hit with the whole family. You never go hungry."
Michael realised what his success really meant during a doctor's check-up, when his doctor told him that he was no longer required to take his blood pressure or cholesterol medication, and his insulin dose was cut in half.
That was the moment he truly believed he could reach his goal.
Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
He added: "I was determined to get to my target weight. I have more energy now, I'm walking more and faster. My biggest challenge was giving up anything sweet - crisps, biscuits, and cakes.
"I'm proud of myself. People see me now and can't believe how good I look."
Michael's wife Sandra added: "I am proud of Michael for sticking to it and achieving his personal target weight. He didn't give up and he turned his health around."
Michael's Slimming World consultant Sandra Hartley, who runs her group from Armadale Methodist Church, is delighted with his progress.
Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox
She said: "Now that he has reached his target weight, Michael is pushing himself even further, setting a new goal to lower his weight enough to fall within a healthy BMI range.
"If you want to lose weight, come along to a group--you won't regret it."
Sandra's groups run every Thursday at 5.30pm and Friday at 7.30am and 9.30am at Armadale Methodist Church.