Mathew Udale’s journey to transformation began when he found himself weighing 31 stone and landed in the hospital. His struggles with weight and mental health had plagued him for years until a turning point in his life pushed him towards changing for the better. The 29-year-old from Nantyglo had reached a breaking point when his long-term relationship ended in July 2023, leaving him feeling overwhelmed and helpless. Mathew reflected on feeling “pathetic” and “useless”, a sentiment exacerbated by the relationship strain caused by his weight. In a moment of despair, he attempted to harm himself and ended up spending four agonising days in the hospital.
However, it was during this dark period that Mathew experienced a moment of clarity and determination. He described leaving the hospital on August 7, 2023, as a rebirth, a chance to shed his old self and embrace a new beginning. Born with mobility challenges and asthma, Mathew acknowledged that his weight had worsened his existing health conditions. The journey to shedding over 16 stone was not easy, with the initial weeks posing the greatest challenge. Through the support of Slimming World and his mentor Louise, Mathew altered his diet drastically, swapping out unhealthy choices for nutritious options.
Stepping into the Slimming World group initially filled Mathew with nerves and trepidation, but the encouragement from fellow members kept him motivated. The positive results on the scale further fuelled his determination to continue on his path to better health. As his confidence grew, Mathew incorporated one-on-one workout sessions with trainer Darren to complement his dietary changes. The combination of perseverance, support, and dedication led Mathew to achieve a remarkable weight loss of 16 stone 7 pounds.
Now, Mathew’s daily meals consist of wholesome foods like porridge, fruits, vegetables, chicken, and green tea, a stark contrast to his previous diet of large portions of unhealthy treats. Despite his ongoing struggles with mobility, Mathew’s weight loss has empowered him to lead a more fulfilling life. He credits his newfound friends and family for their unwavering support throughout his transformation journey. Mathew’s inspiring story serves as a beacon of hope for those embarking on their own paths to better health.
As Mathew continues to navigate life with his disability, his remarkable weight loss has opened up new possibilities and improved his overall well-being. By sharing his journey, he hopes to inspire others to embark on their transformation quests and embrace a healthier lifestyle. Mathew’s story exemplifies the resilience and determination needed to overcome adversities and emerge stronger on the other side.