### Tomas Marks: From 27 Stones and Daily Struggle to Finding Confidence, Love—and a New Life
A young man from Christchurch, Dorset, who once battled crippling anxiety and life-limiting obesity, is celebrating a remarkable transformation after shedding over nine stone. Tomas Marks, 25, previously tipped the scales at more than 27 stone, struggling not just with his weight but also the heavy emotional and social burden that came with it.
For years, Tomas found everyday life filled with discomfort and embarrassment. Ordinary activities, such as dining out or socialising with friends, quickly became sources of anxiety. He regularly faced situations where restaurant chairs and booths failed to accommodate his frame. “It was humiliating. I vividly remember the unease of squeezing into booths and feeling like all eyes were on me,” Tomas recalled. These episodes fostered a constant sense of self-consciousness, leaving Tomas physically drained and emotionally deflated.
Tomas’s largest struggle, though, was internal. He described his mental health as being under constant siege. Feelings of being judged by strangers in public fuelled social anxiety, while his self-worth waned with every negative experience. “Every outing felt like a challenge. I couldn’t shake the notion that people were scrutinising and making assumptions about me,” he admitted.
His eating habits spiralled over time—a coping mechanism for the stress that accompanied his daily life. A typical day would see him consuming three full meals, interspersed with up to ten snacks, often late into the night. “There were nights when I’d raid the kitchen at 11pm or grab fast food on my way home, even after a meal out,” Tomas confessed. He estimates his daily intake was frequently above 4,000 calories, describing his snacking as not only excessive but also a temporary balm for emotional pain.
The cycle of overeating and low self-esteem seemed endless until a close friend introduced Tomas to MAN v FAT, a UK-based weight loss programme designed specifically for men. The initiative combines camaraderie and competition, hosting weekly football matches as a supportive and enjoyable way to encourage weight loss. Tomas embraced the challenge, reigniting his previous passion for football as a goalkeeper, which he hadn’t experienced since his school days.
Intermittent fasting also played a significant role in Tomas’s transformation. He limited his eating window, fasting from 8pm until 11am each day, a strategy he now wholeheartedly recommends. By also giving up alcohol, carefully prepping meals, and focusing on balanced nutrition, Tomas started to see incremental but significant physical changes. “Planning meals ahead gave me control. I kept track of my macros and managed portion sizes, which made it easier to stick to my goals,” he explained.
The benefits quickly became apparent beyond the scales. Friends and colleagues were the first to notice his slimmer figure, regularly complimenting him and providing a powerful boost to his confidence. Shopping for clothes became a positive experience again, no longer limited to specialist outlets for larger sizes. Tomas remembers the joy of fitting into a regular pair of jeans and the sense of pride that washed over him—citing such milestones as proof of his progress.
Perhaps most transformative, however, was the impact on Tomas’s personal life and relationships. Previously, dating had been fraught with difficulty and disappointment, with Tomas often feeling overshadowed by low self-confidence. “I gave up hope that I’d ever meet someone,” he admitted. Yet, bolstered by his new outlook and self-esteem, he bravely returned to dating, soon meeting Faye, whom he describes as “truly wonderful.” The pair quickly bonded, and Tomas credits the journey with allowing him to be himself—an achievement he never imagined possible just a few years ago.
Reflecting on his journey, Tomas recognises that the most profound change is how he feels about himself. “Before, I loathed seeing my reflection. Now, I feel happy and confident,” he shared. Tomas’s progress underlines the complex reality of weight loss—the journey is shaped not just by what is eaten, but by confronting emotions, reshaping mindsets, and, perhaps most importantly, rebuilding a sense of self.
Tomas’s story serves as a reminder that lasting change often stems from personal support, community, and self-belief. His willingness to share his journey offers hope and inspiration to others facing similar challenges, proving that with determination—and a little help from friends—a brighter future is truly within reach.