Beau Griffin, 39, from Las Vegas, has battled weight issues for most of his life. At his peak, Griffin weighed over 700 pounds, a point he describes as his rock bottom. The weight caused severe physical and mental distress, and he even contemplated suicide, feeling like a burden to his family.
“I had thoughts of ending my life because I felt like I was a burden,” Griffin told TODAY.com. “It was a very dark time, but I eventually realized that wasn’t the answer. I needed to find another way to improve my situation.”
Today, Griffin has transformed his life. He has lost 450 pounds, undergone skin removal surgery, and now feels “1,000% better.” His remarkable journey earned him first place in the 2023 “Submit Your Fit” contest by EoS Fitness, which recognizes the most inspirational fitness transformations among its members.
Struggles with Weight Gain
Griffin grew up with overweight parents who were unsure how to help him with his own weight issues. He recalls his father’s unhealthy encouragement of overeating. “My dad used to say, ‘You can eat all that? Way to go,’” Griffin remembers. “So, I would try to eat even more to impress him.”
He also identifies as an emotional eater. Food was his solution to any negative emotion or boredom, and sugary treats like candy and ice cream were his weaknesses. Fast food was a staple in his diet, often including double cheeseburgers, shakes, fries, and multiple refills of sugary sodas. In 2014, his weight peaked at 735 pounds, severely affecting his mobility and mental health.
Turning Point and Weight Loss
Griffin’s turning point came when a friend urged him to address his weight issues for the sake of his loved ones. The friend warned him that at his weight, he was a “ticking time bomb.” Motivated by this wake-up call, Griffin began researching bariatric surgery.
Doctors advised Griffin to lose some weight before undergoing surgery. He started by eliminating sugary sodas, which helped him shed the first 100 pounds. In 2015, he underwent gastric bypass surgery, which significantly reduced his stomach size and helped him manage hunger and fullness better.
Post-surgery, Griffin followed a strict diet, focusing on protein and avoiding carbs and sugars to prevent complications like blood sugar crashes. He started exercising with gentle activities, such as walking in a park and swimming. Over time, he progressed to using gym equipment, including bikes, ellipticals, and weights.
Griffin now works out four to five times a week, combining 45 minutes of cardio with 30 minutes of weight training. His current weight stands at 270 pounds.
Challenges and Achievements
Griffin faced additional challenges during his journey, including a blood clot in his lung and an infection in his leg following surgeries. Despite these setbacks, his life has changed dramatically. He has traveled to Hawaii, hiked Diamond Head, and enjoyed skydiving and parasailling in Mexico. He is also in a three-year relationship.
“All these experiences would not have been possible if I hadn’t decided to make a change,” Griffin says.
Advice for Others
Griffin offers these tips based on his experience:
Prioritize Your Health: “Take your health seriously and do whatever you can to improve it.”
Never Give Up: “Even if things seem bleak now, making different choices can lead to a completely transformed life.”
Be Consistent: “Show up every day, and things will get better. Show up with intention, and improvements will come even faster.”
Griffin’s story is a testament to the power of determination and resilience in overcoming significant health challenges.
