I couldn’t tie my laces without breaking a sweat – but I lost 9st in a year eating takeaways, chocolate and crisps

A HAIRDRESSER lost nine stone in 12 months while still enjoying takeaways, chocolate and crisps – and says dieting is “pointless”.

Joshua Hilton, 30, began his weight loss journey on January 1, 2024 as part of a New Year’s resolution.

At 20 stone, he found himself avoiding people, struggling to tie his shoelaces, and battling severe mental health challenges.

Joshua, from Chippenham, Wiltshire, said: “I wasn’t living – I was just existing.

“I’ve tried every single diet – slimming groups, keto, even diet pills – it’s not the right way to do it.

“My mental health was on the brink, I would avoid people in the supermarket and I struggled to even tie my shoelaces up without going into a sweat.”

Determined to prove everyone wrong, he committed to a calorie deficit approach, eating fewer calories than he uses in a day, and focusing on gradual and sustainable weight loss.

He entered into a pack with his hairdresser teacher, Sarah Jane Clark, 53, and the two of them together lost 22 stone – the equivalent weight of an adult lion.

Joshua’s method is straightforward: calorie deficit without strict food restrictions.

He said: “I still eat cake, chocolate, and takeaways.”

“It’s all about portion control and prioritising protein, vegetables, and fibre.

“You don’t have to give up carbs or live on salmon and rice – it’s just about being aware of calories.”

Joshua’s former diet consisted largely of sugar and fast food, including three to four litres of full-fat Coke daily, multiple takeaways per night, and minimal water.

Now, he enjoys balanced meals like granola with fruit for breakfast, gammon and chips for lunch, and a takeaway or a meal out for dinner, with room for evening snacks like cake and chocolate bars.

But he has not cut out ‘bad food’ and still eats them when he wants providing he maintains a calorie deficit.

He now weighs just over 11 stone and has become passionate about dismantling the myths surrounding weight loss and diet culture.

Joshua said: “We’re fighting against toxic fad diets and the stigma around food addiction.

“Food addiction isn’t treated like other substance abuses, but it’s just as real.”

Sarah has a similar transformation story.

Once a hairdresser herself, she has now transitioned into helping others as a wellbeing coach, using her own experiences to guide those struggling with food addiction and weight issues.

Sarah, now a wellbeing and eating disorder coach, lost 12-and-a-half stone.

Together, they’ve gone from a teacher-student dynamic to a friendship that supports others and challenges “toxic diet culture”.

Through Joshua’s TikTok page and Sarah’s Facebook group called step by step with Sarah Jane, the duo shares their insights and supports others.

Joshua is also training to become a weight management coach, while Sarah continues to advocate for positive, sustainable approaches to health and nutrition.

“People always say New Year’s resolutions won’t last, but sometimes they do,” Joshua said.

“You can enjoy food and still lose weight.”