At just 15 years old, Nicolas Garratt weighed 400 pounds. Bullied at school, he felt like a “freak, a monster” and was relieved when the COVID-19 lockdowns began in 2020. The isolation allowed him to avoid social interactions, and he would only go out at night when it was dark.
Now 19, Garratt has lost 200 pounds, exercises daily, and is building a following as a fitness influencer on Instagram, aiming to inspire others with his journey.
Garratt’s weight issues began at age 5, when he started consuming large amounts of junk food. The relentless teasing led him to drop out of school, and he coped with stress by eating excessively—up to 6,000 calories a day—feasting on burgers, pork pies, ice cream, and indulgent sandwiches.
By May 2020, he could barely move due to his weight, and even simple activities like walking around the block were agonizing. His mother tried to help him by enforcing a daily walk, but the pain was overwhelming. To numb his feelings, Garratt turned to alcohol and video games.
Concerned about his health, a doctor warned Nicolas Garratt he was on the brink of a heart attack. This wake-up call motivated him to change. He initially lost 140 pounds through extreme fasting, but this approach left him feeling dissatisfied with his appearance and led him to regain 50 pounds due to unhealthy habits.
Determined to improve, Garratt joined a gym in January 2023. He began weightlifting and walking regularly, both on a treadmill and outdoors. He now tracks his calories, aiming for 1,400 a day, and focuses on a balanced diet with chicken breast, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
At 5 feet, 8 inches tall, Garratt now weighs 196 pounds and has built muscle, which has boosted his confidence and optimism. He no longer turns to food or alcohol for comfort. The gym has become a positive space for both physical and mental health, providing him with a supportive community.
Garratt advises others on a weight loss journey to start by counting calories but emphasizes the importance of mindset. Persistence is key, as he believes that determination is more crucial than motivation. Even when motivation wanes, staying determined to continue is what drives success.
