Back in 2009, Andrew Montgomery, from County Armagh, weighed 520lbs. However, after seeing some wedding photos where he dwarfed the bridesmaid he was dancing with, he decided to do something about it.
Sticking to his New Year’s resolution, Montgomery lost 210lbs in 12 months, half of his own weight.
At his heaviest he had a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 60.26, however, he had no idea how heavy he was as he had never weighed himself. A healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 25.
Montgomery was in the morbidly obese category and got out of breath walking up a flight of stairs.
He was forced to action after seeing photos of himself towering over a size 8 (UK) bridesmaid, Hayley Doyle, at a friend’s wedding. He joined an online weight-loss site, Lighter Life, in January 2010 and lost half his body weight in one year.
The construction worker bought a treadmill and consumed just 500 calories per day, living on milkshakes, soup, and cereal bars. After ten months he began eating a balanced diet.
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He told the Daily Mail “'I couldn't avoid the pictures and it was a shock to see how huge I looked next to a size 8 bridesmaid.
“I had never weighed myself and I didn't realize how big I was until I could see myself compared to other people.
“That was the wake-up call I needed.
“I realized I could no longer avoid my weight issues and that if I didn't do something about it I might never find someone who wanted to walk down the aisle with me.'
This year Montgomery’s resolution is to find himself a wife.
His mother (60) was extremely worried about his health and tried to encourage him into a healthier life before.
She said “I used to be terrified that Andrew wouldn't wake up in the morning - he was miserable, our relationship was in tatters and I never thought he'd get and girlfriend and move out.
“Now all he needs is to find a nice girl to sweep off her feet - let's see what the New Year brings.”
6 Comments
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.irishcoffeekid | Jan 04, 2012, 07:53 AM EST
Well done to Andrew - what a great start to 2012 - he should be so proud of himself and it has to be a wonderful feeling for his mum who was so worried about him. She gets back a happy son with great potential for a longer healthier life - finding a wife isnt the be all and end all of everything but he'll be a happier guys regardless! Losing weight is so hard to do, he is a "Biggest Loser" hero without going on TV to do it!!
GeorgeDillon | Jan 04, 2012, 07:47 AM EST
Well done Mr Montgomery. Now that your belly is gone, you'll be able to get MUCH closer to hot women like the one you had to hold at arms length in the pic.
ellenfromcork | Jan 03, 2012, 09:23 PM EST
Cathy Hayes, for God's sake! He didn't "dwarf" the bridesmaid, she dwarfed him!!!
jamieLM | Jan 03, 2012, 04:38 PM EST
Congratulations to Andrew and to simplesandy. Losing weight and keeping it off is hard work. It requires a change in lifestyle and vigilance. Better health is the reward.
MegK311 | Jan 03, 2012, 02:36 PM EST
Andrew, congratulations on your weight loss. You will be an inspiration to a lot of people.
simplesandy | Jan 03, 2012, 09:41 AM EST
Kudo's Andrew, I lost 135 pounds and I know how hard it is to do. you just have to stick with the program and stay focused when it comes to food . and as for finding a nice girl. she will come your way when God is finished preparing her for you . be patient , it will be when you least expect and arent looking . God bless and happy new years xo