Healthy eating - Phillip Rogers

Healthy eating - Phillip Rogers

Phillip is pounds lighter after healthy eating regime

Phillip Rogers is enjoying a new lease of life after shedding an amazing 5 stone in weight on a healthy eating and fitness programme.

Phillip, 33, was forced to tackle his weight problem 18 months ago when his weight soared to 17 stone 6 pounds. His breathing problems increased and staff at Shinewater Court where Philip lives feared for his life.

“I found it very difficult to breathe, especially when eating, and I'd go blue around the mouth,” Phillip, who has spina bifida and hydrocephalus, explained. “I was reluctant to lose weight, but I didn't have any choice. I'd been going to a gym for a while but I really needed to watch what I ate.”

Staff at the Eastbourne residential home where Phillip lives introduced a Friday morning weigh-in and put him on a healthy eating plan to help shift the pounds.

He boosted his weight loss with regular workouts at Freedom Leisure in Hailsham, which boasts specially adapted fitness equipment for wheelchair users. Three sessions each week on the rowing machine and a variety of weight machines also improved his general fitness.

Phillip told Link: “It hasn't been easy to lose so much weight, but I feel so much healthier. My breathing has improved and I now have a new wheelchair, which is 4 inches narrower than my old one, which means I can get into taxis and get through normal-sized doorways. I'm much more confident than I was before too, because I feel so much better and can move around more freely.”

Keeping Phillip on the straight and narrow where his diet was concerned was the job of Georgina Abbott, Unit Administrator at Shinewater Court, which caters for 30 disabled adults.

Georgina said: “I think Phillip reached a point where he knew he had to tackle his weight problem. It was really a case of re-educating him about the sort of foods he should be eating - healthy meals with plenty of fruit and vegetables and definitely no snacking between meals.

“I have a regular weekly weigh-in for several people here - myself included - so we all help and support each other. Of course Phillip's success has inspired us all. It is a marvellous achievement.”

In October Phillip tipped the scales at a slim line 12 stone 4 pounds, and he is determined to lose a few more pounds.

But one problem his amazing weight loss has created is the need for a whole new wardrobe of clothes. Phillip added: “My Mum comes and takes me shopping quite often - she's thrilled with my new look.”

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