An Ipswich man whose weight dropped from 20 stone to "worryingly underweight" said he has finally healed his relationship with food and his body. 

Adam Dixon, 23, is celebrating one year as a personal trainer. He said that channelling his energy into fitness has been hugely beneficial to his mental health.  

As a teenager, however, Adam struggled with binge-eating, and at his heaviest weighed 20st.

“I never had the ability to know when to stop,” he said. “It’s something I struggled with all my life.” 

Ipswich Star: Adam Dixon in 2018, when he weighed 20 stone. Image: Adam DixonAdam Dixon in 2018, when he weighed 20 stone. Image: Adam Dixon (Image: Adam Dixon)

Ipswich Star: Adam Dixon (right) training with a client. Image: Adam DixonAdam Dixon (right) training with a client. Image: Adam Dixon (Image: Adam Dixon)

Ipswich Star: Adam Dixon pictured after winning a boxing match. Image: Brett KingAdam Dixon pictured after winning a boxing match. Image: Brett King (Image: Brett King)

Adam’s mental health had plummeted during his teenage years as he struggled with body dysmorphia, and he was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. 

The turning point came when his grandfather became ill, and Adam visited him for the final time. 

“He said, ‘I know you can do it. Follow your dreams.’ I’d always been interested in sport, but I could never stay fit. This was the extra bit of motivation I needed.” 

Over the course of 11 months, Adam lost 7st. However, he still hadn’t learned how to maintain a healthy weight.  

“Going into 2019, I was very underweight,” said Adam. “I became scared of food. I never wanted to go back to where I was, so I went from being obese to essentially anorexic.” 

It took a long time of educating himself about food and fitness for Adam to find a “happy medium", he said.

Now, he has been working as a personal trainer for just over a year. 

“I still have my ups and downs, but I'm happy with the progress I’ve made,” he said.  

“This is definitely the job I want to be in. I understand the struggles with food which many people share. “I get to wake up every day and help others.”