Vegan loses 20 kilos, slashes chances of getting diabetes

A Manchester man who followed a vegan diet for 16 weeks lost over three stone, lowered his blood pressure and drastically reduced his chances of getting diabetes

Zak Chowdhury ditched a diet high in processed meat and fatty foods for a 100% plant-based, vegan diet. The results are clear for all to see, with the 30-year-old losing over 20 kilograms, lowering his blood pressure and reducing his chances of contracting diabetes. Vegan diets are by no means applicable for everyone, but Chowdhury's progress is proof that you can still shed fat on a plant-based plan. Chowdhury, who works as a photographer, used to be clinically-obese but has now drastically improved his health markers. He has improved his health in the following ways:

• BMI - reduced from 32 to 26
• Diabetes risk - down from 15% to 3%
• Blood cholesterol - lowered from 5.7 to 4.3

Previously, Chowdhury's diet mainly consisted of late night curries and 'all you can eat' buffet feasts. He decided to make a change, and instead switched to a high protein vegan diet comprising vegetables, legumes and vegan protein shakes from Myprotein. Chowdhury's training plan also increased his activity levels. The Mancunian began working out five times a week and increased his daily step count from 3,000 to 10,000. In just 16 weeks, he went from 243lbs (110kg) to an impressive 198lbs (90kg). His progress skyrocketed, which MyProtein's Registered GP Mike Orton noticed in no time. Dr. Orton said: "The vegan diet has had an astounding impact on Zak’s health, and is something we don't usually see transform this quickly. "Not only has his weight dropped dramatically, it also reduced his risk of getting diabetes in the next 10 years from 15% to just 3%." Dr. Orton also remarked how Chowdhury's progress played a preventative role in fending off other health issues. "Zak has a family history of diabetes and heart disease, which he eradicated with his vegan diet and weight loss. "If he had not made these changes he would have likely developed diabetes and heart disease in the near future.”

Zak's daily diet

• Breakfast – Myprotein vegan protein blend
• Snack – Apple
• Lunch – Chickpeas, broccoli, peanut butter, a handful of nuts, tofu and spinach
• Snack – Vegan protein bar
• Dinner – Cauliflower curry with tomato base

Chowdhury notes how his energy levels have 'noticeably' increased, now feeling 'fitter and brighter' both physically and mentally. "I thought the food was going to be a real challenge, but after a few weeks, the vegan alternatives tasted just as delicious, it’s really just a case of cooking and preparing yourself." https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd4ldf7lf6y/ The 30-year-old supplemented his diet and nutrition with intense training sessions. His personal trainer was Tom Pitfield at Hale Country Club. Pitfield says: "Zak is a great example of how making a simple lifestyle change can dramatically overhaul your health. "He has consumed a diet very high in animal fats for many years, so by completely going cold turkey, he dramatically reduced his body fat and risk of diabetes."

Chowdhury adds: "I hope the results inspire other overweight blokes to reinvent themselves physically and mentally.

"For me, this was as much about the health benefits as it was losing the weight. I've got loads more energy and confidence to go out. I'm finally starting to date again, which is a brilliant result!"

If you - or someone you know - has made an impressive transformation with a story to tell, you could be featured on JOE's Transformation Tuesday! Just send your nominations to Alex.Roberts@JOE.co.uk