Teacher, 40, who lost 9 stone without weight loss jabs shares the mindset switch that transformed his life

An obese teacher who was ‘pointed and laughed at’ for being fat has revealed how a change in attitude helped him shed over nine stone—without even a drop of weight loss medication.  

Glen Allison, 40, from Lincolnshire, tipped the scales at 21st 8lbs at his heaviest, and felt ‘depressed and overwhelmed’ living in a larger body.

He said: ‘Life [used to] feel like a constant struggle. I was always tired, often irritable and physically uncomfortable in my own body.

‘My friends often teased me about my weight.

‘There were even moments when I caught people pointing and laughing at me.’

‘It affected my confidence, the activities I took part in, and the choices I made.’ 

Mr Allison had always struggled with his weight, which he says stems from childhood illness. 

A medical condition required him to undergo an operation, and doctors advised his parents to ‘feed him more’ before the surgery.

He said: ‘Although their intentions were good, that is where my unhealthy relationship with food began.

‘Eating larger portions became the norm very early in my life, and as I grew older, those habits stayed with me.

‘It was comfort, it was routine, and it was something I relied on without questioning.’

It wasn’t until decades later, as he approached middle age that he decided that he wanted to ditch crash diets and binge eating so he could live life in a different way—and enjoy it.

‘The real turning point for me came when I turned 40,’ he said.

‘I realised that if I carried on living the way I was, I would be putting myself at even greater risk of serious health problems.’

Mr Allison signed up to One You Lincolnshire, a council-funded weight loss programme which includes a free 12 week membership to a local Slimming World group. 

In less than a year of attending weekly Slimming World meetings and regular exercise, he dropped to 12st 5lbs. 

As the pounds fell off, the motivation, as well as confidence, he’d been missing, began to ramp up. 

‘I lost over nine stone with the help of the scheme, and I am so grateful for them,’ he said.

‘That first 12 weeks of support made all the difference in helping me change my life, and I kept going long after it ended.’ 

Not only did Mr Allison feel his physical strength start to rapidly improve, his mental health did, too. 

He credits the programme for building mental resilience, and teaching him the importance of accountability, something which has been at the heart of his health overhaul.  

Mr Allison said: ‘There will be setbacks, gains, and moments when you slip up, and that’s completely normal.

‘The key is to stay accountable, draw a line under it, and keep moving forward.

‘The difference it makes when you begin to feel stronger, healthier and more confident is worth so much more than any takeaway or quick indulgence.’

Now slimmer and fitter, Mr Allison has embraced weight training at the college where he works.

He added: ‘Things are completely different.

‘My confidence has soared, I find myself smiling so much more, and I actually enjoy shopping for clothes now.

‘And a huge part of my journey was thanks to the support I received from the local council-funded programme.

‘It gave me structure, accountability and that initial boost to kick-start my journey.

‘Everybody’s path will look different.’

Mr Allison’s life did a U-turn after he signed up to One You Lincolnshire, but he’s concerned that others like him won’t be able to reap the benefits. 

The £3m-a-year programme may conclude in September 2026, while a consultation decides its long-term future.

He said: ‘This scheme doesn’t just transform individuals like me – it creates healthier communities and reduces strain on the NHS. 

‘Now I want to see the scheme protected so it can help others change their lives too.

One You Lincolnshire has been approached for comment.