Real Life Weight Loss: "I lost 230lbs after a seizure almost killed me"
New Yorker Andrew Goldblatt lost a staggering amount of weight following a big wake-up call
At 540lbs, Andrew Goldblatt fell into a deep depression due to his weight and the passing of his father.
Born and raised in Long Island, New York, Andrew was always a big guy and when his father passed at the age of 15, it pushed him into a deep hole he could not get out of - he wanted nothing more than to lie in bed and eat all day.
Andrew told Truly: "I tried to lose weight a ton of different ways but putting back on the weight was a lot easier than expected."
Andrew would comfort eat, constantly eating and drinking. He said: “I couldn’t fit into most cars. I couldn’t go on rollercoasters or sit at my desk."
- NEW: Science has found the best equipment-free fat-burning exercise
- PLUS: How COVID-19 could be linked with mental health
To make matters worse for Andrew, he began having regular seizures and the turning point came when he had a seizure in his bedroom.
Andrew said: “I had a seizure in my bedroom and I was too large to get down the steps in the stretcher. The only option would be cutting down the side of my house so they could forklift me out."
This was a huge wakeup call for Andrew that triggered the start to his weight loss journey. Due to a new food regime and intense workouts, Andrew has managed to lose 230lbs and continues to encourage others to do the same.
Get the Fit&Well Newsletter
Start your week with achievable workout ideas, health tips and wellbeing advice in your inbox.
"When I first started losing weight, all I did was walk a mile around my block" said Andrew.
This is a great first takeaway: walking is one of the simplest, most accessible forms of exercise you can do. It's low-impact, meaning it's not very harmful to our joints, and we can incorporate it easily into our day by eschewing the car or bus.
Once walking becomes part of your day and you're able to build up to fitness, you could transition to more strenuous forms of exercise such as running, resistance training or swimming.
All you need is a good pair of the best shoes for walking, and you can check out our guide to walking for weight loss for more information on getting started.
Liked this?
- Fitbit deals: How to get Fitbit bands and fitness smartwatches for less
Matt Evans is an experienced health and fitness journalist and is currently Fitness and Wellbeing Editor at TechRadar, covering all things exercise and nutrition on Fit&Well's tech-focused sister site. Matt originally discovered exercise through martial arts: he holds a black belt in Karate and remains a keen runner, gym-goer, and infrequent yogi. His top fitness tip? Stretch.
-
This dietitian's mini pizza recipe is under 400 calories a serving and only takes 15 minutes to make —
Healthy eating Want a quick, healthy comfort meal? Try these veggie-packed mini pizzas with a naan bread base
By Lou Mudge Published
-
An expert coach says every runner should be using this routine to improve form and avoid injury
fitness, running I felt weak and lacked power when I ran, until I started adding these three core-strengthening exercises to my weekly routine
By Sam Rider Published
-
Real life weight loss: How this woman lost 100lbs in less than a year (and kept it off)
Weight loss Londoner Martyna lost 100lbs in a year after placing a bet against herself online
By Matt Evans Published
-
Real life weight loss: How Chris lost nearly 180lbs safely and sustainably over 4 years
Weight Loss Californian Chris began his weight loss after looking in the mirror and seeing "nothing but a heart attack" waiting for him
By Matt Evans Published
-
Real life weight loss: From being 360lbs and anxious to losing 160lbs in two years
Weight loss Thomas was approaching 400lbs, anxious and depressed. Now, he's 160lbs down, active and more outgoing
By Matt Evans Published
-
Real life weight loss: How this woman lost 105lbs after getting pregnant at 21
Weight loss Brianna became a single mother and decided to turn her life around for her daughter, losing 105lbs
By Matt Evans Published
-
Real life weight loss: How this California man lost 242lbs in two years
Weight loss Matthew Rivera lost an incredible amount of weight, going from 487lbs to 242lbs in just two years with lifestyle changes
By Matt Evans Published
-
Real life weight loss: How this woman lost 200lbs through healthy lifestyle changes
Weight loss Danitza Casas lost an incredible 200lbs with the help of walking, spin classes and an accountability partner
By Matt Evans Published
-
Real Life Weight Loss: How this busy mom lost 130lbs in 11 months
Weight Loss Brianna lost 130lbs without stepping foot in the gym, to create a better life for her and her daughter
By Fit&Well Published
-
Real life weight loss: "I lost 215lbs and changed my life after a suicide attempt"
Weight Loss Summer Stultz changed her life after losing 215lbs, feeling fitter and stronger than ever – but left with loose skin
By Matt Evans Published