A man who weighed nearly 20 stone after transferring his addiction from drugs and alcohol to food has lost five stone, thanks to seven words from his therapist. Brandon Kaitschuck, 32, was told: 'The problem is you don't respect yourself.'
Brandon began using marijuana at 15 and later turned to harder drugs, including fentanyl. He managed to maintain high grades and a job in sales while addicted, but eventually hit rock bottom. After years of rehabilitation and relapse, he sought help from therapist Mohamad, who gave him the blunt advice that changed his life.
After quitting drugs and alcohol, Brandon's addiction shifted to food. He would order from multiple takeaway restaurants at once, eating everything in one sitting. At his heaviest, the 6ft 1in man weighed 19.5 stone (123 kg). He then adopted a strict diet of lean protein, vegetables, and whole grains, weighing every portion, and continued training.
Within 18 months, Brandon lost five stone and has kept it off. He completed an Iron Man race despite suffering a hernia while helping a volunteer. He credits his Christian faith and the support of family and friends for his transformation. 'I'm not proud of who I was, but I am endlessly grateful for the grace I was shown,' he said.
