Man shares dramatic transformation after losing 30 stone and becoming personal trainer
A man has dropped a mammoth 30 stone to become a competitive bodybuilder and now looks completely different.
Jack Ako, 29, grew in size after splurging on 10,000 calories a day on takeaway pizzas, burgers, crisps and chocolate.
At his heaviest, he weight 47 stone (300 kg) but said he became 'sick' of looking at himself in the mirror, prompting him to tackle the major feat and cut down the pounds.
Now after four years of hard grafting, the dad-of-one weighs 16.5 stone (105kg) having lost around 30 stone (190kg).
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He told of how he ditched the pounds after having a gastric band fitted, changing his diet and going to the gym. He now works as a personal trainer.
And, the dad is also just a few weeks away from his first bodybuilding tournament and his sharing his story to inspire others.
"I was embarrassed by my size, and at times I didn't know how much longer I had to live," he explained. "But now, after losing all the weight I have, I can't believe how I used to live at that size.
"I was told by doctors that there was a five-year waiting lists for help - but to be honest I didn't think I would survive that long.
"I've gone from not being able to walk up stairs to running 5kms easily and lifting heavy weights. I'm living proof that no matter how big you are, you can become the person you want to be."
But it was only at age 18, when he stopped playing sports, that the weight slowly piled on. He then landed a job running a bookies, aged, which was when he said his eating habits worsened.
He explained: "Before setting off for work I would have some toast at home with my family. But before I would get to the office, I would stop off at Greg's and get two breakfast sandwiches.
"Then I would have my packed lunch, but then I would also nip out and get either fast food or a meal deal. And before coming home I would grab a pizza or KFC and then have my tea.
"I would then be sat behind a computer all day watching TV or gambling - it wasn't a good environment. I was eating around 10,000 calories a day easily while doing minimal exercise."
By the time he was 25 Jack weighed 46.8 stone. He said he 'hated' the way he looked in the mirror and went to the NHS but there was limited help available for him.
In April 2022 he flew out to Turkey and had a gastric band fitted privately which he said shrank his stomach for 18 months. In the space of a year he managed to lose 15 stone.
He said: "I still wasn't eating well, but I was eating a lot less as I felt fuller for longer which helped me start losing weight.
By the time the 18 months in 2024 he was up he was down to 27 stone. Jack said it was then he decided to take his weight loss seriously.
He said: "I thought to myself I have come this far, lets see how far I can take it. I started researching nutrition and the gym and how I could become healthy for myself."
Now two years on, he weighs 16 stone and has successfully regained his body by losing fat and gaining muscle at the same time. He also attributes his wife for helping him stay consistent by helping cook his meals and offering encouragement.
He has also since flown back out to Turkey twice to have excess skin removal surgery done. Staggering before-and-after images show the tremendous weight-loss transformation Jack underwent.
He has since started his own weight loss coaching business - Akotrainz - helping people who were once in his position shed pounds and feel comfortable in their own skin.
Jack said: "Sometimes I feel annoyed that I have wasted 10 years of my life being that size. But to get into shape, this isn't a secret exercise or diet - it is about winning each day.
"It is about being consistent and being there for yourself. The biggest change for me since losing weight is that I am now seen as a reliable person for my family, especially for my daughter.
"Before, my mum or my wife would never bother to ask for my help but now I am the first person they call.
"It has given me a purpose in life and allowed me to feel like a provider for my family, which I have always wanted to be."
He has since got into bodybuilding and in a few weeks will be taking part in the Pure Elites World Championship bodybuilding show in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.
For Jack, the competition isn’t really about winning a trophy - it’s about standing on that stage knowing he once weighed 47 stone.
He said: “This is about showing people who are sat at home who don't think their lives are worth anything, or don't think that they could achieve such a thing, that anybody can do anything.
“Because if I, after 47 stone, can compete in a world championship category, then you really can literally do anything.”
James Holt