Mathew's New Found Confidence

Meet Mathew Wiggins: a 28 year old aspiring photographer and inspiration to the 7.3 million Australians struggling with weight problems and the one Down Syndrome child diagnosed in every 890 babies.

Mathew has lost more than 41kg at Wesley Weight Management's Gold Coast Clinic, reaching his target weight of 80kg and achieved a new level of independence in his life.  

Mathew was referred to the Clinic by a specialist after numerous other weight loss strategies failed. Mathew's mother Linda said,

"Because Mathew has a shorter neck from the Down Syndrome and also cannot associate the short term satisfaction of eating with the long term weight gain, he was putting on an unhealthy amount of weight. As a result he was beginning to develop sleep apnoea and other health issues.

"The Clinic was our last hope before lap band surgery and the purchase of a sleep apnoea machine which he would be forced to use for the rest of his life. So this weight loss was a saving grace.

"We can't thank the Clinic enough, it has really changed our lives. Both my husband and I have signed up and have already lost 9 and 12kg respectively."

In addition to the health benefits provided by the weight loss, Mathew has improved his confidence, expanded his horizons and takes pride in his personal appearance buying trendy surf clothing to fit his re-shaped body. Mathew's Dietitian Bianca Neaves said,

"Mathew lives at Byron Bay and has been visiting the Gold Coast Clinic every Tuesday. During the course of his weight loss program, Mathew learned to catch the bus to Southport by himself and then walk to our Clinic.

"He has taken our dietary advice and altered his shopping list to suit, trying different foods and beverages as suggested."

Bianca said the key to helping Mathew lose weight was to increase his sense of control with his eating plan and help him to understand his motivations for eating.

With a new lease on life, more energy and healthy sleep patterns, Mathew recently presented his first solo exhibition of his photographic works. Entitled 'Through My Eyes', Mathew timed the exhibition to coincide with Down Syndrome Awareness Week, with all proceeds going to the Down Syndrome Association.

Mathew says,"I want to help other people like me get jobs and become independent. I am very passionate about being a role model for other people, especially when it helps the people who have helped me."

The health professionals at Wesley Weight Management's Gold Coast Clinic attended the exhibition to support Mathew.

For more information about the Wesley Weight Management Clinic's medically supervised weight loss program or to book your obligation-free initial assessment with one of our Dietitians, call 1800 567 348 or complete our online enquiry form.