This Guy Shed 50kgs Of Fat And Beat Diabetes

Not many guys make the effort to save themselves after they find out they are 123kgs and diabetic. This guy is not one of those guys.

by Men's Health

October 19, 2017

Navendren Chetty’s wedding vows signalled not only the beginning of married life, but also a huge weight loss, and he beat diabetes in the process.

Weight Before: 123
Weight After: 75
Vitals: Navendren Chetty, 33, Joburg
Height: 1.7m
Occupation: Director
Time To Goal: 8 months

The Gain

I’ve always been overweight and I was cool with it. Nothing phased me because I was the happy-go-lucky “big guy” but I really started overindulging in 2011.

The Change

It was Sunday afternoon when I ended up in casualty with stomach pain. The doctors diagnosed me with type 2 diabetes and my cholesterol was high. The next morning at 5am, a nurse – who really did not care enough to wake me first – injected me with insulin. When I woke up and told her it hurt, she told me to, “get used to it”. I decided then and there that I was going to beat this somehow.

The Strategy

I owe my transformation to my wife and a client of mine (who I affectionately call Uncle Vincent). I knew I had to change my habits, but had no clue where or how to start. That’s when Uncle Vincent scheduled an appointment with his dietician; who then set out a seven-day meal plan for me, which my wife prepared – she also got me to the gym five times a week. Her encouragement was all the motivation I needed. The weight loss came quickly and consistently.

The Reward

My health has improved tremendously. I don’t have to take any medication to regulate my insulin levels or control my cholesterol, and my pancreas is now able to produce the insulin required for normal function. But I do still test my blood sugar regularly as a diabetic should. I didn’t realise the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle until it adversely affected my life, and I think that a lot of other people make the same mistake.

Result

I have lost 48kg in eight months and I am down from a size 44 to a size 32. I have two young kids (a one- and a three year old) and I am now able to keep up with them – which has been my biggest reward. This change has inspired me to help others who are battling with weight problems and diabetes: thank you Men’s Health for keeping us educated, and who knows? Maybe this article will inspire someone to lose weight and improve their health!