Mark Labbett, famously known as "The Beast" on ITV's The Chase, has captivated audiences not only with his trivia prowess but also with his remarkable weight loss journey. Diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2016, Labbett embarked on a path of significant lifestyle changes, resulting in a transformation that has inspired many. Nearing 60, Labbett, who started on ITV's The Chase from its inaugural episode in 2009, is in the best shape of his life. This article delves into the details of his journey, exploring the motivations, methods, and milestones that have defined his success.
The Initial Spark: Health Concerns and Family Motivation
Weighing 29 stone (406 pounds) at his heaviest in 2003 when he was a full-time teacher, Labbett faced a turning point when he was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. This diagnosis served as a wake-up call, prompting him to make drastic changes to prevent further health deterioration.
Beyond his health, Labbett's primary motivation stems from his role as a devoted father to his 7-year-old son, Lawrence, whom he shares with his former wife Katie Labbett. He confessed that his primary goal is to ensure his health for the sake of being there for his son for as long as possible. The prospect of witnessing his son's graduation is a particularly strong motivator. "One of my life goals, because I was a more mature father when Lawrence appeared, is to see him graduate. He'll be 21 when I'm 71, 72, and that's my mission."
Labbett commenced using a Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring Patch last year, which has been instrumental in managing both his diabetes and weight loss aims. "I'd lost a bit of weight before then, but last winter I had my first real attack of arthritis and it was a shock to the system because up to that point you think you're immortal. Then suddenly, when you struggle to walk up stairs, you realise you're not. I'd been gradually letting my glucose levels slide and enjoyed too many cheats, so when I put the monitor on I was shocked by my glucose levels." The towering TV personality has shared that he's managing his condition much better these days. "It's been a real eye-opener. I've been doing panto with it on and you can almost see the glucose level in real time. It's made me realise I've got to be far more disciplined with carbs and sugars."
Key Strategies in Labbett's Weight Loss Journey
Labbett's weight loss journey is a testament to the power of lifestyle changes. His approach encompassed several key strategies:
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Dietary Overhaul
The most significant transformation occurred in Labbett's diet, with a substantial reduction in sugar and carbohydrates. He credits this "complete nutrition overhaul" as being pivotal to his success. Labbett cut down on two key foods to aid his weight loss and now credits his low sugar and carb diet as being pivotal to his complete nutrition overhaul. He further confessed: "I have no 'off' button, in the same way for some unfortunate people when it comes to alcohol, they can just keep going. I could have a couple of chocolate bars and then reach for another."
Increased Physical Activity
His pet Labrador Retriever, Baloo, also played a crucial role in his weight loss journey. Discussing this on ITV's The Pet Show with Dermot O'Leary and Joanna Page, he said: "I was walking him around the fields, taking me places… I think he's helped a lot, simply because I'm doing more activity."
Avoiding Surgical Intervention
Despite being tempted by weight loss surgery, Labbett chose to get fit "the old-fashioned way". Mark Labbett achieved his weight loss without surgical intervention, having been advised against a gastric band due to how his body processes sugar. He was tempted by the gastric band but a good friend of mine who's a GP, said my problem is sugar, I have a sweet tooth.
The Impact of Lockdown
Mark previously revealed that he started losing significant weight during the first coronavirus>Covid lockdown in 2020. He had already shed around three stone before the pandemic hit, but with nurseries shut and his "hyperactive" toddler keeping him on his toes, he found himself losing even more weight. Speaking to the Loose Women panel in 2023, he admitted: "I found at the end of the evening instead of going to the fridge for late night snacking, all I could do was collapse on the bed." Additionally, experiencing symptoms akin to Covid, such as loss of taste and smell, lessened his desire to eat for a couple of weeks, further aiding his weight loss.
Milestones and Current Status
Labbett's dedication has yielded impressive results. He's now the "smallest" he's been in 30 years, having lost around 64kg (10 stone), while still standing tall at 6ft 6in. Regarding his current weight, he concedes: "I've been meaning to go and get a set of bathroom scales. My guess is about 18st, maybe in the 17s. I've got roughly the same physique as I had when I was playing rugby at 18 years old, but I've got less muscle so that might take it down even more."
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Public Reaction and Labbett's Openness
Labbett has been candid about his journey, sharing his experiences and insights on various platforms. This openness has resonated with the public, earning him praise and support. Viewers were quick to praise him. "Mark Labbett has lost some weight - looking good," one person tweeted. One fan commented: "Mark looks incredible after dropping the weight. Watching his interview he seems like such a lovely guy."
Challenges and Maintaining Motivation
Labbett acknowledges the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, particularly with his sweet tooth. "I have no 'off' button, in the same way for some unfortunate people when it comes to alcohol, they can just keep going. I could have a couple of chocolate bars and then reach for another."
To overcome these challenges, Labbett remains focused on his goals, especially his desire to be there for his son. He also uses a Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring Patch, which has been instrumental in managing both his diabetes and weight loss aims.
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