In this powerful episode of Big Fellas, Darren and Mark sit down with Chris, who shares his incredible story of losing ten and a half stone, a transformation built on consistency, mindset, and a complete shift in how he viewed food and health.

Chris opens up about the struggles that came before his success, from battling with food choices and emotional eating to learning the importance of accountability. He explains how surrounding himself with the right people, including trainers and supportive communities, helped him stay on track even when motivation was low.

The conversation digs into both the physical and mental sides of transformation, exploring how changing your relationship with food, building structure into daily life, and finding purpose through fitness can completely reshape your future.

Chris’s journey is a true reminder that it’s never too late to change, and that progress comes not from perfection, but from persistence.

Key Takeaways:

• Chris lost 10½ stone through consistency, structure, and self-discipline.
• Accountability, from trainers, friends, and the MvF community, was key to his success.
• Shifting mindset to see food as fuel, not comfort, is crucial for long-term change.
• Mental strength and emotional awareness are vital to overcoming setbacks.
• Weight loss is possible at any stage — all it takes is a single decision to start.
• Community support makes the journey easier and more enjoyable.

🎯 Sponsored by Man v Fat

Find your community and start your own transformation. Join Man v Fat today with code BIGFELLAS and get £1 registration:

👉 https://manvfatfootball.org/

In this deeply personal and reflective solo episode of Big Fellas, host Mark Hall opens up about his lifelong journey with weight loss in a raw and emotional conversation, this time, with the help of ChatGPT.

Mark takes listeners back to his childhood, sharing his earliest memories of being teased about his weight and how those moments shaped his self-esteem, friendships, and confidence. He speaks candidly about the emotional connection he developed with food and how it became both a comfort and a challenge throughout his life.

As the episode unfolds, Mark discusses key turning points that pushed him toward change — from a difficult moment in his professional life to finding structure and success with the Cambridge Weight Plan. He reflects on the power of accountability, the unwavering support of his partner, and the lessons learned through years of weight fluctuations.

This isn’t just a story about losing weight; it’s a story about resilience, self-awareness, and the ongoing process of becoming healthier both physically and mentally. Mark’s openness serves as a powerful reminder that every journey has setbacks, but with the right mindset and support, progress is always possible.

Key Takeaways:

• Mark’s early experiences with teasing and body image shaped his relationship with food.
• Emotional eating played a major role throughout his life, especially during stressful times.
• A challenging moment in his career became the catalyst for positive change.
• Accountability — through his partner and the podcast — helps him stay consistent.
• Weight loss is never linear; every experience contributes to long-term growth.
• Health is an ongoing journey that requires self-awareness, support, and patience.

🎯 Sponsored by Man v Fat

Join a community built to help men lose weight, stay accountable, and find support. Sign up for Man v Fat today with code BIGFELLAS and get £1 registration:

👉 https://manvfatfootball.org/

In this episode of Big Fellas, Darren and Mark explore one of the toughest stages in any weight loss journey, the final hurdle.

They discuss the psychological and physical challenges that come with trying to lose those last few stubborn pounds, using the story of a listener named "Dave", who has already lost an incredible six stone but now struggles to shed the final one to reach a healthy BMI.

The lads dive into why progress often slows down near the end, how the body adapts to lower weight, and what adjustments can help break through plateaus. They talk about the need to recalibrate your diet, increase activity levels, and pay attention to the mindset shifts required when the scale seems stuck.

It’s an honest look at the mental side of weight loss, how compliments and external validation can both motivate and distract, and why staying focused on your personal goals matters most. With practical advice and real talk, this episode will help anyone facing the “last stone struggle” find a smarter, more balanced way forward.

Key Takeaways:

• Losing the final bit of weight is often the hardest part of the journey.
• Hitting a plateau is normal and requires strategy adjustments to overcome.
• Caloric needs decrease as you lose weight; the diet must adapt accordingly.
• Increasing physical activity can help restart progress.
• External validation can be motivating but also mentally challenging.
• Seeking expert advice or support can make a big difference at this stage.

🎯 Sponsored by Man v Fat

Join a community that helps you stay motivated, supported, and accountable. Sign up for Man v Fat today with code BIGFELLAS and get £1 registration:

👉 https://manvfatfootball.org/