I gave up my junk food habit that cost me £88,000 and lost 22 stone – I’ve become a better dad and husband

A MAN shed 22st after ditching a takeaway habit that cost him £88,000.

Jonathan Hodgson, 36, was 40st at his heaviest, getting out of breath just walking.

But the electrician signed up for a 28-day online bootcamp during the pandemic in 2020 — and lost 19lbs in the first week alone.

He is now a buff 18st after swapping pizzas and curries for salads and the gym, five days a week.

Jonathan, of Barnsley, said: “If I can do it, anyone can. I was always a big kid. You kind of roll with it after time.”

The married dad reckons he spent £200 a week on junk food over eight years, but is now hooked on a healthier lifestyle.

Everything changed for him in September 2020 when he came across a man who inspired him during lockdown with his daily, motivational fitness videos - namely, the owner of Barnsley Barbell, Pete Shaw, who he now describes as a friend.

He said: "I remember making my tea in my kitchen and watching one of his fitness boot camp videos. My wife has always been really supportive. She's never fat-shamed me or anything

"She came into the kitchen and said: 'Why are you watching these videos, but you're not doing anything with it?'

"I remember saying to her: 'I'll sort it out one day.'"

Jonathan, who is due to have excess skin removed next year, said: “I can move about and take on more jobs. I’ve become a better dad and a better husband.”