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LAD Sheds Weight To Transform His Body After Death Of Brother

LAD Sheds Weight To Transform His Body After Death Of Brother

What a change.

Michael Minay

Michael Minay

At his heaviest, Javier Hernandez weighed 325lbs (147kg), and hated himself for it. He even contemplated suicide.

However, following the death of his brother in 2011, he became determined to fix himself, and started with his weight.

Six years later and he's shed 180lbs (81kg), and continues to work out seven days per week.

Credit: Facebook

He told Yahoo: "I always hated being fat - the way it felt and looked - and all of my insecurities showed in my daily actions."

Bullied over his weight since a young age, he struggled to find clothes to fit as his family found it hard to budget for them. And then, on top of all of that, his brother passed away six years ago.

Javier added: "My depression began to get the better of me, and I wanted to end my life altogether.

"It was then that I was able to make the choice to focus on fixing me - inside and out!"

Credit: Facebook

But being 'thin' wasn't enough, he wanted to be fit. So, to fulfil his wishes, he became creative in his working out. He would sneak into apartment gyms to use their equipment and research muscle toning exercises that can be done anywhere.

Javier gained a second job which allowed him to pay for gym membership, and gave him an additional nutritional class.

He focused on the Atkins diet - healthy proteins (chicken and tuna) with health carbs (like sweet potato) - and calorie counting.

Javier Hernandez is also the name of a Mexico international footballer, who takes the nickname 'Chicarito' or 'Little Pea' - but looking at the muscle mass of this Javier, he's far from little.

Credit: Facebook

Credit: Facebook

He made a promise to his late brother to change his life, and it was this that kept him motivated. A photo of his former self in his wallet or also acted as inspiration.

In one year, he lost 120lbs (54kg) and noticed that it wasn't just his physical strength that improved but his 'mind became stronger too'.

He's now moved from calorie counting to focusing on macronutrients. This enables him to enjoy some of the food he loves.

A typical day will see him eat eggs, lean meat or tuna, healthy carbs and plenty of vegetables.

Sadly, Javier has lost four brothers to date, the most recent in 2015, but it's his new family that can motivate him further.

"My new family keeps me motiviated," he added. "My two boys and wife brought a new meaning to my life.

Credit: Facebook

"Now I have people who need me, love me, and want me to be the best version of myself. I feel like I finally deserve my improved life.

"It inspires me to know that every year I have made some crazy dream come true like buying my first home, when there was a time I thought I would die in the streets."

The mental health issues that come from being overweight are common, however they can be dealt with, and transforming your body is an amazing feeling.

Earlier this year, Mark Ludlow, who was once 18-stone (114kg) and also considered suicide, spoke to LADbible about his incredible turnaround and the importance of self-development.

Credit: Facebook

They are both incredible transformation stories who, hopefully, can help and inspire others too.

'U OK M8?' is an initiative from TheLADbible in partnership with a range of mental health charities which will feature a series of films and stories to raise awareness of mental health.

Explore more here and don't suffer in silence. Reach out. It's the brave thing to do.

MIND: 0300 123 3393.

Samaritans: 116 123.

CALM: Outside London 0808 802 5858, inside London 0800 58 58 58.

Mental Health Foundation

Featured Image Credit: Facebook