Downsizing

By: Tom Watson

Narrated by: Tom Watson

Length: 6 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's Summary

'There's no easy way of saying this,' he said, taking a deep breath, 'But I have a feeling you may be diabetic.'  

'Two years ago I turned 50, weighed 22 stone and was heavily medicated for type 2 diabetes. I thought it would be all downhill from there. By radically changing my nutrition, cutting out sugar and taking up exercise, I've changed my life and reversed my diabetes. I hope my story will inspire others to regain their health and happiness and discover the new lease of life I'm experiencing.'  

Tom Watson began to put on weight in his early 20s, having developed an appetite for fast food and cheap beer while studying at the University of Hull. As time progressed - and his penchant for anything sweet, fatty or fizzy persisted - he found himself adjusting his belt, loosening his collar and upsizing his wardrobe to XXL. He continued to pile on the pounds when he entered the world of politics as MP for West Bromwich East (despite short-lived flirtations with fad diets and fitness classes). By December 2014, his bathroom scales had tipped to 22 stone. After being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in late 2015, he decided to take control of his diet and exercise. He started to feel better quickly and within a short time his long-term blood sugar levels were within normal range. By July 2018, he came off medication.

©2020 Tom Watson (P)2020 Octopus Publishing Group

Inspirational, shocking and addictive.

Although I haven’t been diagnosed with any form of diabetes I have suspected for some time that I was heading down that path. A typical fat bellied 54-year-old who has spent the last 10 years trying to avoid putting on weight so that I could keep up with the activities of my ever growing children and my partner who herself was a fitness fanatic.

To compound my worries I was also in the family that primarily eat vegetarian food. My partner has been vegetarian since she was in her teenage years and my children have been brought up vegetarian, although they have occasionally strayed.

However like many of the listeners to this book I have spent too much time sitting in an office chair putting on weight, becoming ever more frustrated trying to keep my belly in check.

I didn’t eat too much, I drink very little in the way of alcohol, but I know my main vice is The use of sugar in tea and coffee. I have tried to swap out sugar for the various sweeteners available in the supermarkets but they all taste rubbish and eventually end up coming back to granulated white sugar.

In the last couple of years I had been diagnosed with depression, although in crowds I was always the fun one. More recently my blood tests showed that I had high cholesterol.

One of the problems was that I hate to be on antidepressants as I have never been one for taking medication, and I felt they were exacerbating my weight gain.

However once you’re on antidepressants it can take some time to come off them. While talking to my doctor he suggested I take additional pills to manage my cholesterol. (It does make you wonder whether or not they’re on commission from the drug companies)

I had seen Tom’s book in my app and had also been drawn to his amazing transformation by seeing him on the television every few months and thinking he’s had a very ill or is doing something amazing.

I downloaded his book to find out his secret.

I won’t spoil the book for any potential buyers but the information, the issues he identified and his obsessive investigations into health, well being, and exercise are to be commended. Together with the inefficiencies in government policy and the power of big businesses are enlightening.

I highly recommend this book and wool support Tom in his cause.

A Superb Listen

Brilliantly read by Tom Watson, I went through a whole range of emotion, from anger at the sugar industry and disbelief at the inertia in the government, to elation and emotion as Tom reached his goals. An amazing example to us all!

Motivational.

Iinspirating, motivating and energizing. I loved this book listening to Tom read in his calm relaxed manner telling the story of hes struggles, trials, and tribulations has motivated me to take charge of my own health. A great read.

What a bloke

What a bloke. Regardless of your politics or even your own weight and fitness levels this man has something to say to all of us... great stuff

Kicked me into action

Absolutely followed the book with a conparison of my life. Has kicked me into action and am starting my journey. Well written and read. I will listen many times i am sure.

Great account of his journey and inspiring.

Great listen.
if you're overweight, pre-diabetic or diabetic then it's worth spending time with Tom's account. you'll change your views and habits.
Well done.

brilliant book, a great nudge to become healthier

really loved this, especially Tom's warm tone. a natural storyteller and inspiring.
would highly recommend to anyone wanting to face up to health issues without being preached at. a genuine example of his own experience and path to gaining knowledge and applying to his own life.
interesting to hear about his life and political backdrop without being overly political.

Great book to take on holibobs!

Good read, informative. Tom has taken responsibility of his health & wellbeing! Worth considering mine!

Way too much politics

I did not like this at all. Hardly anything about dieting. Lots of mundane day to day dialogue like walking downstairs and having a glass of water. Too much politics. It's good that people have asked him for help since he lost weight. It will be great if he makes changes to policy. But the book was dull.

insightful

You really learn a lot. The man has really achieved and he is inspiring others. i lost 1 stone just lostening and beong motivated