My Health Story

Many individuals can relate to the experience of gradual weight gain and the subsequent health issues that arise from it. This phenomenon is often a result of shifting focus away from health as individuals prioritise enjoyment in life.

Key contributors to this trend include the widespread availability of high-calorie processed foods, the consumption of sugary beverages, and increasingly sedentary lifestyles.

These elements not only affect personal health but also reflect a common experience that many people share, highlighting the importance of awareness and proactive measures in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

It’s crucial to highlight that almost all of the health issues listed below, except for Leptospirosis, can be traced back to my struggles with being overweight and moderately obese, as confirmed by various health authorities.

Robert McAnderson

Weight Loss Programs are not Sustainable

Over the past two decades, I experimented with various weight loss programs, each offering a unique approach and set of results. One program, in particular, stood out. I lost a staggering 28 kilograms in 16 weeks in their weight loss competition and won the first prize of $30,000. The financial incentives didn’t stop there- I was paid an additional $3,000 every three months to maintain the weight loss.

This economic boost motivated me to maintain my weight, but, like most weight loss programs, it was not sustainable. After the financial bonuses stopped, I started to regain the weight.

Something Had to Change

In September 2020, my health had deteriorated to the point where I considered retirement. It was at this critical juncture that I made a life-altering decision. I took control of my health and embarked on a program that resulted in a 40-kilogram (88-pound) weight loss. I not only maintained this loss but also reversed my diabetes, restored my kidney function, improved my blood pressure, and even regained nerve function in my legs.

At the time, my doctor described me as the healthiest 76-year-old man she has ever met, and I want you to know that anyone can do what I have done; there is nothing special about me or what I did other than the fact that I did it every day.

A Balanced Diet

My health habits give me a sense of control and empowerment. To maintain a balanced diet (see the diagram below for a better understanding of the changes I made to my diet), I drink 3 litres of water and walk 5,000 steps daily before breakfast. I weigh myself regularly and record my food intake, which helps me stay in control of my weight. I am empowered through daily reading and various podcasts, which keep me focused and in control.

My Health Story