An incredible transformation: from Vitality Health Check to marathon finish line
A routine Vitality Health Check ignited 40-year-old Sakhiwo Nzeki's will to live longer and in better health. Keep reading to find out how he took charge of his health and became an avid marathon runner.
Sakhiwo Nzeki's health journey began five years ago when a Vitality Health Check changed the course of his life.
"I want to see my three children grow up"
Weighing 80 kg with a short stature, Sakhiwo's results indicated an unhealthy body mass index (BMI) and high cholesterol levels, despite being only 35 years old at the time.
Sakhiwo resolved to lose 20 kg. That meant changing his eating habits. "I loved my pap and rice," he says. "It's nice to sit around, watch TV and have drinks with buddies. But I wanted to stay healthy and live as long as possible. I wanted to see my three children grow up."
Small steps = dramatic results
Sakhiwo adjusted his eating habits and cut down on alcohol. "I stopped drinking beer and started eating more meat and vegetables, steering clear of oily food and bread," he says.
He also started running again in 2018. "I woke up at 04:00 to go for a run every day. I was shocked at how quickly I lost weight. The last time I tried running was in 2015, when I wanted to look good for my wedding."
This combination of good nutrition and exercise had a dramatic effect: within just two months, he lost over 10 kg, dropping to 69 kg. By mid-2019, he achieved a healthy BMI and lost 20 kg in total.
"Now when it's time for my Vitality Health Check, I have no worries while I wait for my turn," he says. "I've been back to the same nurse who did my first check, and she tells me, 'Whatever you're doing, it's working. Just continue.'"
From couch to Comrades 'coach'
Sakhiwo's transformation went beyond losing weight. He became passionate about running major races like the Comrades and Two Oceans Marathons, and even started coaching his friends. "I also motivated my wife to start running," he says.
Today, running is a central part of his life. "I recently saw a photo of myself at a birthday party before I lost weight. I was embarrassed. I didn't realise how big I was with my mkhaba ['huge belly' in isiZulu]," he reflects.
Excess weight around the waist can raise one's risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. "I never want to go back to having that huge belly and the health problems it brought me," Sakhiwo says. "That's one of the things that keeps motivating me to continue exercising and eating healthily every day."
Feeling inspired by Sakhiwo's journey?
Do a Vitality Health Check at any Discovery Store, accredited Vitality Wellness Centre, Vitality Wellness Network pharmacy or Discovery Wellness Days.
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Early detection with the Vitality Health Check
Do a Vitality Health Check at any Discovery Store, or accredited Vitality Wellness Centre, Vitality Wellness Network pharmacy or Discovery Wellness days
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