Over the last ten years, Rob had noticed he had begun putting on more and more weight, which he attributes to a sedentary lifestyle and a desk job.

“My life was sitting at a desk. I wasn’t getting any exercise. I was tired all the time and once I got home, I just wanted to flop into a chair and listen to music or read a book,” says Rob. “Over a long period of time, it just creeps on. I guess you could say it was a bit of laziness as well. I just didn’t have the energy.”

As well as being lethargic, Rob was suffering from a host of weight related health concerns such as high blood pressure and sleep apnoea. However it was Rob’s younger sister who gave him the stern talking to he needed to do something about his health.

“My sister is a very healthy person, and married to a GP. I went home for a visit and she said straight out, we want you to be around for many years to come. You’re killing yourself. My brother-in-law also told me I was on my way to Diabetes,” recalls Rob. “Shortly after, I went to see my GP who told me the only way to address my high blood pressure was to lose the weight. He brought up the Wesley LifeShape Clinic’s website then and there and recommended I give them a call.”

Rob felt it was all such a clear wakeup call and knew it was time he got serious about his health.

“I didn’t really consider any other options other than the Wesley. I had tried another well-known program previously where you just buy shakes at the chemist. It’s up to you to come in or not and you see a different person each time. It just didn’t work for me,” says Rob. “What worked for me was the weekly appointments with my clinicians at the Wesley LifeShape Clinic. I developed a rapport with my core Dietitian and he always helped give me that extra push I needed to extend a little further.”

Initially Rob admits to doubting if the program would work for him, but he was spurred on by compliments from others.

“At first I was unsure I would stick at it. But the compliments helped keep me motived,” says Rob. “In the initial stages I lost 10kg but said to the Dietitian I couldn’t see it in the mirror. She went and got 10kg worth of simulated fat blocks down from the cupboard and plonked them on the table. She explained to me I had lost fat from around my primary organs like my heart and liver. That was amazing because until that time I had only seen a number on a page.”

Rob says he loves so many of the practical tools he received during his LifeShape 9 program, such as the client manual, which will now support his healthy lifestyle for the long term.

“I call the manual the other good book!” laughs Rob. “After finishing my core LifeShape program, I opted to go on a support program. I like going back and reviewing chapters I skimmed through the first time. I also love seeing my improvements on paper.”

After talking with other family members living in other states, Rob says he hasn’t seen another program as comprehensive as the one offered by Wesley LifeShape Clinic.

“Another sister has been looking for something similar, but there’s nothing like it,” says Rob. “She’s had to go out and find a Dietitian and will have to hunt down the other people. The team care approach is missing in other cities.”

With the help of the clinic, Rob has lost over 30kg^ and is seeing so many vast improvements in many areas of this life although admits there were challenges along the way.

“I had no physical fitness when I first started. There was the initial challenge of getting up each morning to go for a walk,” admits Rob. “The food available at the college is also a constant temptation. Hot chips are available twice per day. However I don’t feel like I’m missing out, those types of foods just look fatty to me now.”

Rob’s also had a challenge to get his friends to understand he’s just living a healthy lifestyle, not on a missionary crusade.

“Often when people invite me out for dinner they say, oh you have to watch your diet. But I don’t,” explains Rob. “I still eat most things; it’s really all down to portion size. I never feel deprived. If I want to have a small steak, I will. I just balance it. It still surprises me when people seem to think I have to have something different to them.”

Now Rob feels so much younger and has a spring in his step. The people closest to him have also noticed the difference.

“I feel good about myself. The boys at college also give me plenty of compliments - especially those who’ve been away and come back to visit,” says Rob.

When he looks back at photos of himself before starting the program, Rob says it’s hard to believe.

“I’m not proud of it,” confesses Rob. “I look bloated, and I think I was even holding my tummy in for that picture. I look at those photos of myself and I think I look like my father. Back then I thought it was genetic and I couldn't do anything about it. But you can.”

Rob implores anyone thinking about joining a program to do so.

“I highly recommend it. Anyone wanting to do it should - you can see it has worked on me,” says Rob. “I’m determined not to go back. Previously when I’ve tried to lose weight, I pushed my big clothes to the end of the wardrobe because I knew I’d need them again one day. This time I got rid of them and donated them to St Vinnies. I’ve bought a whole new wardrobe.”

When he reflects on his whole journey, Rob concedes his wake up call about his health and pleads from his family are what set him on the right track to healthy living.

“This wasn’t just to lose some weight,” states Rob. “This is for the rest of my life.”

*Your results may vary. To find out what you can achieve on your LifeShape Program book a no obligation initial assessment with one of our Dietitians, call 1800 567 348. Alternatively you can register your interest online.