Bradford College

Super Slimmer Sets the Standard!

There is growing concern that obesity looks likely to surpass smoking as the greatest cause of premature loss of life. It is one of the greatest health concerns in the Western world. Despite media coverage promoting the benefits of adopting a healthier lifestyle and healthier foods, obesity has grown by 400% in the last 25 years. Following a hospital visit that revealed a potentially serious liver condition, Pete Maggs knew that he had to lose weight - or run the risk of serious long term health implications.

Learning Resources Technician, Pete explained: “I was getting serious stomach and back pains. When I went to see the specialist he told me there was a large amount of fat building up on my liver and that there was possibly serious damage to my liver. He wanted me to lose 7 pounds in 6 months, so they could do a biopsy.” Pete lost an amazing 4 stones in 6 months. Doctors have described his weight loss as miraculous. Pete explained: “When I went back, all the levels had returned to normal and there was no longer any need to do the biopsy. The fat build-up had cleared itself!”

Pete continued: “I’ve lost over 4 stones. My 5 year old grandson weights 4 stones, so I’ve lost the equivalent of him in weight.  I’ve gone from 18 stone 2, down to 13 stone 10!”

Elaborating further on how he lost the weight, Pete said: “I started off in the gym doing 2 minutes of walking, then 2 minutes of running on the treadmill. I’ve just built it up from there and now I run for twenty minutes.” With the backing of Healthy College Manager, Jane Marshall, Pete has enjoyed the benefits of free gym membership in the College’s state-of-the art Trinity Green Campus. Bradford College is committed to providing a Healthy College environment to improve the health and wellbeing of students and staff. Jane has also worked closely with expert in obesity, Professor Paul Gately, setting up a ‘Weight Management Programme’ at the College for 16 to 25 year olds. Commenting on Pete’s weight loss and commitment to health, Jane said: “Pete’s looks fantastic! His commitment and dedication to a healthier lifestyle has really paid off.”

Pete also enjoys steamed meat and vegetables, as well as working out on the Wii Fit with his wife Margaret, who has also lost weight in a bid to enjoy a healthier lifestyle.  

Art lecturer and colleague, Carole Fletcher commenting on Pete’s weight loss said: “All Pete’s colleagues agree he looks fantastic!  Hopefully it will encourage other people to do the same.”

When asked what advice Pete would give to anyone thinking of losing weight, Pete replied: “Go for it!  If you’re going to lose weight, you’ve got to want to lose it. It’s no use saying ‘I’d like to lose weight’ then do nothing about it.  There are times when you lose a certain amount of weight, but then you have weeks when the weight just hangs there and you even gain a few pounds.  That can be a little disheartening.  Then all of a sudden the weight starts to go down. You’ve just got to keep persevering.”

When asked how Pete felt following the weight loss, he replied: “Fitter!  I can walk up a hill now without being out of breath and I don’t feel tired. I feel more confident.  Its been a really positive experience.  I feel healthier, happier and the risk to my health has gone.  I’ve never looked back!”