World Physique

Interview by: Tammy Renee'

WP: Hey Scott! I have to say that Scott won our "First Runner Up" in our male online modeling contest. With what Scott has accomplished in such a short time will shock you. It is amazing that you use to weigh 237 pounds! What type of toll did that cause your body and to you mentally?

 SG: I was always tired. There was the lack of energy to do anything. I didn’t go to the gym that often. I didn’t like the size of my clothes. I looked like I had a beer gut with love handles. My doctor was not happy with my weight either.

Mentally, I felt like I didn’t look good to others and myself.

 WP: Could you tell me what challenges you faced to lose the weight?

 SG: People were trying to sabotage my weight loss efforts. Trying to find the right diet to help in the weight loss was difficult. Finding the time to get to the gym was always a challenge. I am not a morning person, so I didn’t like to go in the morning and by the time I go home at night it was late and I was too tired.

WP: I understand. Did you suffer from health problems when you were over weight?

SG: Yes. My wife and I were trying to get life insurance. They do blood work, and with that, I found out that I had elevated liver enzyme levels. My weight contributed to that issue. My doctor insisted that I had to lose weight. He did not want me any heavier than 215.

WP: Wow! Elevated liver enzyme levels! That's dangerous! Now that you have lost the weight, looking back, how did you feel about yourself when you were overweight? I hear so many overweight people say, "I might be heavy, but I am happy!"

SG: When I was overweight, I felt uncomfortable and just didn’t feel healthy.

WP: Did you find yourself hiding your body when you were over weight?

SG: Yes. I was wearing baggy shirts to hide the gut or wore the pants unbuttoned to be comfortable.

WP: To what extent did you take to lose the excess weight?

 SG: I went on a high protein, low calorie diet that a friend had given me. During the week, I stayed away from the junk food. When the weekend came around, I would have food that I wouldn’t have eaten during the week. It was my brief time to cheat a little so I didn’t feel deprived during the week.

I went to the gym faithfully 4 days a week. 45 minutes of cardio was part of my daily routine. I would then take each day and do a different part of the body. During the day, at lunch, I would walk two miles a day in under a half hour.

WP: How much do you weigh now?

SG: I weigh 210 pounds.

WP: You are also healthy and in shape now. If you could tell someone who was overweight anything, what would you tell them? How would you motivate them enough to make them want to lose weight?

SG: I would tell the experience that I had. I had a great network of support and they should surround themselves with that. I would tell them that their weight loss can be achieved. Set small goals so that they are reachable.

They need to have a friend or family member giving them great support during the whole weight loss process.

WP: While losing weight, did you ever consider giving up? If so, why and explain how you were feeling.

SG: I never felt like giving up. I set it my mind that it wasn’t an option. I set a goal for myself so, I was determined to achieve it. I had it in my head what I wanted to look like down the road.

WP: How did people treat you or "see you" while you were overweight?

SG: No one treated me differently, but in the same respect they never said that I need to lose the weight when they should have.

WP: What was the hardest part of being heavy, that you can remember?

SG: Trying to find clothes that fit right was difficult. Being tired all the time was frustrating.

WP: Do you feel you ate out of comfort or out of emotions?

SG: Yes, that would happen sometimes. I would also eat from boredom.

WP: Did a point ever come to where you felt that no matter what you did, you were made to be heavy for the rest of your life?

SG: No. I never felt that way.

WP: That's great because so many people do. It's good to see that you did not. Tell me, were there some little things you did to help control your feelings and thoughts about yourself while you were losing weight?

SG: I kept a mental picture of what I wanted to look like when I lost the weight. I had met a lot of people along the way that helped me keep going.

WP: That does help so you can reach your goals! How long did it take you to lose your weight?

 SG: It took me about eight to nine months.

WP: How did your life change once you started losing weight?

SG: I felt more confident, comfortable and healthier. I have been inspired to now help others who are need of help in their weight loss.

WP: What is your outlook on your life now since you’ve lost weight?

SG: I am happier at my current weight. I feel like I can do anything that I set my mind too.

WP: What have you accomplished since you have lost weight?

SG: I entered a competition on World Physique for the first time. I never imagined that I would get 1st runner up in their modeling contest.

WP: Yes, you did! That goes to show you don't have to be in competition and be a model to win! It's all about the physique and the support you have behind you. Compare your diet now to that of when you were heavy. How do they differ and what changes have you made in your diet?

SG: There is not as much junk and fast food as before. I have more protein in my diet along with some fish which I never liked to eat before.

WP: How do you feel about yourself now?

 SG: I feel much healthier, happier, more energy and very proud of what I have accomplished.

WP: What is the proudest moment in your life that you can remember?

SG: Winning 1st runner up for the World Physique contest.

WP: Awww, and I am so proud of you! What keeps you motivated now?

SG: The networking with professionals in the industry keeps me going as well as going to fitness expos.

WP: What is the one food you still love and eat, although you know it's not good for you?

SG: I have a weakness for french fries from McDonalds.

WP: Tell me about your family. Any kids, spouse?

SG: I have a wonderful and beautiful wife. We have been together for 18 years and married for 12 years. No children yet. My wife supports me in everything thing that I do. She is the best thing that happened in my life. For my birthday last year she paid for a trip to go to the Arnold Classic and Fitness Expo. She was a trooper walking around for hours and drinking all the energy drinks. She was a little wired at the end of the day.

WP: Outside of working out, what is your next love?

SG: I love bike riding, landscaping, traveling, hanging out with my family and friends and meeting new people along my journey.

WP: Any future projects?

SG: I would like to compete in a future body building event.

WP: I wish you the best! I think you will give it your all. What makes you?

SG: Determination and being strong willed.

WP: Are you different inside since you have lost weight or do you feel you’re still the same person?

SG: More outgoing when meeting new people but for the most part I haven’t really changed.

WP: What makes you happy?

SG: I love being with my friends and family. Being healthy and helping others in achieving their goals

WP: Any shout outs?

SG: I want to thank my wife for being there for me, supporting me and giving me motivation in doing whatever I wanted to accomplish.

I also could not have done it without my friends on my online network.

WP: It’s been a pleasure interviewing you! Thank you and good luck in your future endeavors!