James Shadbolt sheds 25 kg in six months after family cardiac scare

James Shadbolt, a 40‑year‑old from Poole, England, lost more than 25 kg in a six‑month period by changing the way he plates his meals, controlling portions while still enjoying foods like pizza and sandwiches. He was motivated after witnessing his stepfather Kevin suffer a cardiac arrest at home in December 2023, performing CPR until emergency services arrived.

The near‑death incident prompted James to seek EMDR therapy for the emotional impact, join the MAN v FAT program that combines football sessions for overweight men with weight‑loss support, and follow nutrition guidance from fitness coach Eric Roberts via a podcast. His wife Penney helped discover the program, and the combined lifestyle adjustments enabled the substantial weight loss.