Mark lost 7st 2lb

Standing proud at 24st 4lb, an impressive 7st 2lb lighter than his initial weight, Mark wowed the audience at The Biggest Loser finale. But weighing in at a worrying 31st 6lb in the first week of the show, just how did Mark come to earn the unenviable title of this year’s heaviest man?

Mark has struggled with his weight since his teens. Although he tried to lose weight in the past he never succeeded and the arrival of his twin children, Alex and Owen, meant he became a self-sacrificing parent causing his weight to spiral further out of control.

It was Mark's wife, Karen, who applied to The Biggest Loser because she was so concerned for Mark’s health — even though she too was overweight. Mark was apprehensive about it at first, but Karen persuaded him to go through with it. He was shocked when they came back from holiday to find out they had been selected. “I just wondered what I’d let myself in for," he says. "I wasn’t sure I was capable of doing it.”

Going on the show meant leaving their children at home. The couple had never been away from their children before, so they told them why Grandma was going to be in charge. Mark says, “We explained we were going away to get fit and healthy so we could be around for them for longer.”

Experiencing Loser life

Mark’s life took a sharp turn once he set foot on Biggest Loser soil. He says, “The first week was like the baptism of fire for us, what with all the healthy food and exercise.”

But, fortunately for him, he had his wife Karen there every step of the way. They experienced their entire weight loss journey together. They entered the house together and left together, and they were even both on Richard’s blue team – the only couple not to be separated.

Mark says, “Having Karen was a massive help. She was someone to turn to for words of wisdom and inspiration. I don’t know what we would’ve done if we’d been on different teams. I wouldn’t have liked it one bit.”

The only time the couple were on different footings was when Karen made the final three and Mark didn’t, but Mark wouldn’t have it any other way. He says, “I’m over the moon Karen made the final three. She worked so hard to get there and I’m chuffed to bits.”

Continuing at home

As the couple left the house to prepare for their final weigh-in at the ultimate Biggest Loser finale, they knew they had to maintain their strict healthy diet and exercise regime.

They continued their trend of togetherness and used each other for much-needed support. Mark says, “Karen and I workout together most of the time and I aim to go about six times a week. We both love exercising now and we’ve got a few friends at the gym, so we have a chat and then get down to work.”

Karen also cooks the whole family healthy meals and her turkey mince stir-fry always goes down a treat with Mark.

Mark also continued to use The Biggest Loser Club, which he’d relied on heavily while in the house. “The Club is great, because it’s so easy to log on and get your calorie information from the online diary. The exercise tips and recipes were also really handy when we got home,” he says.

Seeing results

Each week the contestants saw the results when they stepped on the scales, but Mark knows only too well there are other results and figures that are just as important.

When Mark entered the house, his blood pressure was 163/108. Now, having shed 7st 2lb, it is 138/82. His heart rate has also normalised. “Before I was a heart attack waiting to happen, but now my risk is greatly reduced and it is dropping every day.”

The children’s lives have also benefited from their parents weight loss. Mark says, “Whatever they want to do we can do it now. Bike rides, trips to the park; we just get up and go. I’m so much more active – I’m like a whippet now!”

Finale, but not the end

Mark came in fourth place on the runners up leader board, losing over 22% of his starting body weight. He says, “I was a bit nervous, but I loved it. The crowd were amazing!” And he truly believes the best man won: “I was so glad Paddy won. He’s such a nice lad and we’ll definitely keep in touch with him and Wil”

Mark is turning 45 years old 7st 2lb lighter and he can’t believe what he’s achieved. “I’m so proud of myself – of us. If it wasn’t for the show I would still be the same weight, or probably larger. I look at life through a new lens now and I like what I see.”

Although for Mark his journey isn’t over, he knows what to do now, and will take it one day at a time. “I’m going to work off one stone at a time so I have small, achievable targets. Then one day I can look back at the whole journey.”