Leo McAfee Jr. found a healthy program he believes in – and is sticking to it even on vacation without feeling as if he’s missing out.
At 25, Leo McAfee Jr. had already struggled with his weight since childhood. He visited Medical Weight Loss Clinic in Warren for the first time in February 2018. Over the next year, Leo gained tools he needed to finally succeed in achieving his long-time weight loss goals, began doing CrossFit and lost 40 pounds. But he’s quick to point out that there’s more to his success than numbers on a scale.
“The weight number on the scale doesn’t really appease me that much,” Leo says. “The thing I was worried about was getting down to a lower pant size, a lower shirt size and feeling comfortable.”
He also feels like he’s doing his part to prevent health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke that have affected his family members. Now, he strives to continue to eat healthy for longevity and to feel comfortable with his body.
We spoke to Leo about his experience. Here’s what Leo has to say about his first year working with our team at Medical Weight Loss Clinic.
What led you to MWLC?
“I was new to the area, and I drove through a parking lot and saw that they had a Medical Weight Loss Clinic and I had been looking to do something different than what I had been doing. I went in for a free consultation. I drove in and stopped in at that moment.”
Why did you choose MWLC over other weight-loss options?
“I had tried things on my own like Whole 30, a version of the caveman diet and things like that but I had always known that those things aren’t sustainable. I was looking for sustainability. When I had my consultation, they talked about sustainability, so I thought this is different so maybe it will work.
“I had been trying to lose weight since I was 393 pounds when I was 16. When I went in, it was about my 25th birthday. At that point I weighed 264 and I still wanted to try to lose more.”
What has your experience been like so far?
“The experience has been great. I lived down the street from the clinic at the time so that was helpful. And every time I would go in, they’d give me good tips, good information and they taught me how to eat. I found out I was eating way too much in general, drinking too much sugar, eating too much salt, too much sugar — not eating the right things. I wasn’t getting enough sleep. They just taught me how to live my life in a way that was going to allow me to lose weight in a way that I wanted to and sustain it.”
What has been most helpful about the program?
“They get to know you on a more personal level. I would talk to them for a long time. I would go in and learn about them and their journeys. That was helpful too, to talk to someone who had been through it already.”
What has been your biggest challenge? How have you overcome it?
At 25, Leo McAfee Jr. was looking for a weight loss solution that he could maintain. He found one at Medical Weight Loss Clinic.
“My biggest challenge has been eating out when I go and travel because I travel a lot for work and pleasure, but again, the folks that work at the clinic gave me options and things to do while I go out and while I travel, and it was helpful. Anytime I’d go on a trip or anything I’d only gain two or three pounds and lose it right back.
“I went to Colombia, and I told (the MWLC team), ‘I’m not going to go to a foreign country and not experience the food,’ and they said, ‘That’s fine just do it within reason. You don’t have to try everything. You can stay away from carbs and fried food.’ I actually lost weight. I was disciplined enough that I would say I just want to try other people’s and eat my own (healthier food). “
How has your life changed?
“Throughout the program, I also joined a CrossFit gym. This helped me feel better emotionally and physically. It feels as though a weight has been lifted from my shoulders (or in this case, my body) and I feel as though I’m on the cusp of something greater than I’ve ever experienced before — the things I’ve been waiting my whole life for. I can fit into clothes I never could before, physically do things I never could do before, and have an overall more positive and optimistic view on life.”
If you are ready to gain the support and tools you need to achieve the healthier weight and lifestyle you dream of, contact Medical Weight Loss Clinic today. Book your free consultation here or call us at 248-353-8446.
