You couldn’t make up Wil Graham’s story. Just 10 months ago he was approved to have a gastric sleeve, in which surgeons were to remove 90% of his stomach to help him lose some of his 27-stone bulk. He visited his parents to tell them the news and while there he borrowed their computer. That was when he saw the advertisement for this year’s series of The Biggest Loser.
Now, he has quit his customer service job, goes for a five-mile jog every morning before hitting the gym, he’s been crowned The Biggest Loser 2011 and he’s £25,000 richer. He’s lost a whopping 8st 7lb – 34.69% of his starting body weight – by following a healthy diet and lots of exercise, all with the help of The Biggest Loser trainers Richard and Angie, and The Biggest Loser Club.
Wil never did have the surgery. He says, “It was fate. I was meant to be there at that moment on that day. I was using surgery as a last resort, but I obviously didn’t need it because I have done it by myself.” And although he admits he will never know the outcome of the surgery, he is sure he wouldn’t feel as fit and positive as he does now.
Wil was so certain he was destined to be on the show that he cancelled the operation before knowing for sure if he was to appear. He reveals, “I put all my faith in the show. I had to get on and I had to give it 100%. I was just so desperate to lose weight. The Biggest Loser was my last option before I allowed someone to cut me open and change me forever.”
Living the Loser lifestyle
Wil has tried most diets and so thought himself a bit of a nutritional know-it-all. However, when he was taught about balanced meals and portion control while in the house, he realised how little he did know. “It’s not just about restricting your calories – it’s about eating the right foods at the right times and in the right quantities,” he explains.
The exercise didn’t click quite so easily though. He says, “I would’ve paid to be numb for the first few weeks. Even my finger tips hurt!” His exercise before entering the house entailed a walk to the shops or sitting in the Jacuzzi of the gym. But he says, “My definition of exercise has changed. Now I’d rather do an intense half-hour workout, rather than a relaxed session for an hour. I like my exercise to have a purpose.”
Wil’s trainer was Richard who saw the passion, focus and determination in Wil’s eyes and knew he wanted him on his team. Wil says, “Richard told me I didn’t have to trust myself because I could trust him. I did and it paid off.” With his cancelled surgery in the back of his mind, he knew he had to give every workout the 100% he’d promised. Speaking like his trainer Richard, he adds, “I left everything in the gym every single time I trained.”
Click to enlarge photos
Friends
Wil before
Wil
Wil after
Loser winners
Wil's Club results
Wil's weight loss graph
Wil's Club diary
Friends and foes
Everyone had their pillar of support in the house and for Wil, there was his best friend. “Paddy has seen me at my strongest and my weakest. We’ve laughed and we’ve cried. He’s more like family to me now.”
The show also bought new friends into their lives, namely Rob and the twins Ayanda and Zandela. “We were all in our twenties, single and fat. We didn’t have to feel self-conscious. Oddly, we put ourselves out of our comfort zone by going on the show, but then we felt comfortable with each other.”
Competition existed between the contestants though, especially in the last few weeks. Wil was seen taking temptation in week six to win himself a safe card. He explains, “I knew if my blue team were below the yellow line Mark and Karen would save each other, so I had to protect myself. Temptations aren’t just about the calories – they’re political and change the game completely.”
The Club’s biggest fan
As well as nutritional advice and personal training, there has been something else behind Wil’s staggering weight loss. “There are three key factors to my success: Richard, Angie and The Biggest Loser Club. The Club has been instrumental in my weight loss and I know I wouldn’t have lost as much without it.”
He reveals he kept a personal journal beforehand, but now the avid diary user relies on his online diary instead. “I enter everything religiously and when I can’t get online I use the print out and add it in later. It helps me know exactly what went in and what’s gone out and I love the nutritional breakdowns!”
Another favourite function of Wil’s is setting mini goals into his personal plan. When he began his journey he had eight stone to lose to reach a healthy weight – a daunting task for anyone. But he says, “Breaking that down into smaller goals in my Club program made it all seem so possible.”
Making life changes
Wil used The Biggest Loser Club both while in the house and when he continued his weight loss at home before weighing in at finale. So how did he find healthy living back in the real world?
The first thing he did was quit his job as a customer service manager for a bank. He realised on his first day back that it was one of the causes of his bad habits. He explains, “I felt secure there and like I didn’t need to change, which clearly I did.” After eight years of being called ‘Big Wil’ and ‘Fat Wil’ by his colleagues, the new slimmer, healthier Wil threw in the towel.
He says, “It was a big decision, but it was the right one. Every decision and gamble has paid off. I’ve put myself first every step of the way and I’m healthy and happy – money can’t buy that.”
The Biggest Loser winner is amazed at his new self, but still wants to lose one more stone and will continue to rely on The Club to help him achieve that. “I want to see my congratulatory video message from Rich or Angie when I get there,” he says laughing.
Five quick-fire questions
How did you celebrate at finale? “I had half a glass of red wine and then went home. I didn’t want to undo all my hard work.”
How will you spend the £25,000? “My car broke down last week so I’m going to buy a new one. I’m going to get a Smart car simply because I can fit in it now!”
How proud are you of Paddy winning the runner’s up prize? “I’m over the moon for him. I’ve been pounding that boy in the gym as he didn’t think he could do it. Looks like I’m going to be busy on a holiday then!”
What now? “I want to get into writing and maybe do some charity work too – marathons, triathlons, who knows. Whatever it is, I’m going to go for it, rather than shy away from it.”
Lucky in love? “I’ve been on two dates, but one was too nice and one was too bossy. I’m hoping to find a girlfriend soon though!”
And we’re sure it won’t take long looking so handsome, Wil! Join the queue ladies ...
Find out how all the contestants did at The Biggest Loser finale 2011 with our round up.