The £800 Weight Loss Bet

Would you risk £800 for the chance to feel healthier and more energized? I am, and here’s why.

Why Now?

Right now, I weigh 95.3kg. That’s not my heaviest. My record was 115kg nearly 18 years ago. Still, my weight is heading in the wrong direction, and after so much effort over the years, it’s frustrating to see the number on the scale creeping back up.

My History with Weight

In February this year, I was at 89.25kg. It wasn’t quite where I wanted to be, but certainly better than today. Since then, I’ve gained more than 6kg, which is a 7% increase in just six months. I’ve been here before: working hard to get my weight down, only to see it drift back up when life intrudes.

Fifteen years ago, I blogged about preparing for a Tough Mudder. At that time, I was running four or five times a week, going regularly to the gym, hitting 10,000 steps a day, and tracking everything from food to workouts using a pile of apps and devices. I was never perfect, and I still haven’t figured out the right way of tracking, but at least I was trying. I was fitter, lighter, and sharper than I am now.

My Reboot Plan

This is my line in the sand: I want to lose 8kg by the end of this year, down to 87.3kg. It’s ambitious but doable. I know from experience that being lighter makes me feel better, both mentally and physically.

The Stakes

To keep myself accountable, I’m putting money on the line:

• For every kilogram I don’t lose, I’ll donate £100 to a diabetes charity.
• For every kilogram I do lose, I’ll donate £10 to the same charity.

Either way, the charity benefits. However, I’d prefer to help them because I’m back on track. I’m currently leaning toward supporting Diabetes UK because of their work on weight and Type 2 diabetes, but I’d love suggestions for smaller, grassroots organizations fighting diabetes. Please share your ideas in the comments. I will make the final decision by the end of August.

Would a bet like this work for you? Research shows that financial stakes can boost motivation. What’s your experience?

My Approach

I’m keeping things simple and structured:

• Diet: I’ll focus on portion control, cut back on processed foods, and allow one planned “off” meal per week.
• Exercise: I aim for at least three gym sessions each week, plus 8,000 daily steps, tracked with my fitness watch.
• Accountability: Weekly weigh-ins will be posted here every Sunday, along with monthly progress photos whenever I have access to a scale.
• Support: I’ll be sharing both victories and setbacks, since honesty keeps me on track.

What simple habits or routines work best for you? Drop your tips below!

Progress Tracker

Here’s a snapshot of my journey so far:

Let’s go.

Goal weight: 87.3kg
Deadline: 31 December 2025
Potential donation: £800 max for missed kg, £80 max for lost kg