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  • Downsizing

  • By: Tom Watson
  • Narrated by: Tom Watson
  • Length: 6 hrs and 51 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (402 ratings)
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Downsizing cover art

Downsizing

By: Tom Watson
Narrated by: Tom Watson
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Summary

'There's no easy way of saying this,' he said, taking a deep breath, 'But I have a feeling you may be diabetic.'  

'Two years ago I turned 50, weighed 22 stone and was heavily medicated for type 2 diabetes. I thought it would be all downhill from there. By radically changing my nutrition, cutting out sugar and taking up exercise, I've changed my life and reversed my diabetes. I hope my story will inspire others to regain their health and happiness and discover the new lease of life I'm experiencing.'  

Tom Watson began to put on weight in his early 20s, having developed an appetite for fast food and cheap beer while studying at the University of Hull. As time progressed - and his penchant for anything sweet, fatty or fizzy persisted - he found himself adjusting his belt, loosening his collar and upsizing his wardrobe to XXL. He continued to pile on the pounds when he entered the world of politics as MP for West Bromwich East (despite short-lived flirtations with fad diets and fitness classes). By December 2014, his bathroom scales had tipped to 22 stone. After being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in late 2015, he decided to take control of his diet and exercise. He started to feel better quickly and within a short time his long-term blood sugar levels were within normal range. By July 2018, he came off medication.

©2020 Tom Watson (P)2020 Octopus Publishing Group

What listeners say about Downsizing

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Heartwarming!

Whilst I am not a Labour supporter Tom’s personal journey of finding health and peace crosses all political divides. He has laid himself bare and shows how we should be kinder to ourselves but take control of our own destiny. I too have managed a significant weight loss but five years down the line am still finding it a struggle to maintain that loss. I strongly believe that maintenance is hardest, a never ending journey. A thoroughly heartwarming and uplifting book which offers hope to thousands!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Loved this!

As Tom himself says this is not a manual for weight loss and getting fit but his down to earth honesty of his story was inspirational.

As a result I have picked myself up, dusted myself off to give changes (hopefully sustainable changes) to my lifestyle and habits another go and even laced up my trainers and listened to the book on a couple of 30 minute walks last two days.

Congratulations on your achievements Tom.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing book by a great man irrespective.

of politics. A fascinating biography of transformation by a man in his most challenging moments. A heartfelt honest book.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Good except for the occasional score-settling

I enjoyed this as an audiobook. Tom does a good job of reading it. Overall the message is clear and the references sufficient for what is basically an autobiographical window into someone improving themselves.

It was mainly let down by some obvious score settling, which isn't dignified.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Pure Inspiration!!!

Tom, I don't know where to start.
I'm writing this with tears in my eyes having listened to your book in one sitting.
As we approach Christmas with the food bought I know now is the time plan my weight loss once and for all. I needed the right motivation, and having been an avid listener of Audible books in the past couple of years, I downloaded this book together with Dr Michael Mosley. Bring on 2022, and from the bottom of my heart, thankyou for sharing such an inspirational journey.

Merry Christmas

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Great listen

bought the book ages ago but didn't listen to it. shame because I really enjoyed it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Heartwarming,honest potentially life saving read!

Having taken up a ketogenic diet myself earlier this year l was interested to read about Tom Watson’s experience. Like him my reason for wanting to loose weight was and is focused around the desire to live a longer and healthier life. Whilst not having so much weight to loose I could see the warning lights of high BP, insulin resistance flashing on my ‘dashboard’. Tom Watson story didn’t disappoint its heartening,instructive with lots of passing references to further reading for those interested in regaining health understanding keto and the devastating and dangerous impact stealth sugar in our food chain is having on our long term health. At a time when we are seeing increasing pressure on the NHS largely caused by the impact of weight gain the cause of which as the book highlights is largely not our fault Mr Watson shows how we can take back our health, reduce the burden on the NHS and give ourselves a better opportunity to live longer and have more time with our loved ones. His anecdotes made me smile as I associated with many of them. I would recommend this book to anyone who is concerned about their weight or general health, are in their 40’s or who have kids who you want to grow up healthy and not constantly battling weight and chronic health conditions. Essential and great read!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Totally inspiring

I decided to listen to my first ever Audible book after listening to Tom Watson on the Jeremy Vine radio show. I am not a diabetic but I admire his incredible achievement of weight loss and reversing his type 2 diabetes. A moving story that is narrated by him. Well done Tom you are an inspiration.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Encouraging read

Tom has done remarkably well losing 8 stone and his book is inspiring. It has encouraged me to start my own weight loss program, so for that it deserves 5 stars. If there is any slight criticism, I would have like a bit more information on his weight loss progress and how he overcame the daily temptations of food. A bit more information on the individual meal times would have been useful but maybe that will come in a further book.

I did enjoy the book and got the impression that Tom is a thoroughly decent bloke supported by his family. I wish him well in his future endeavours and hope that he gets back into politics because the world needs people like Tom to make a difference!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Encouraging experiential story of weight loss.

Worth listening to, Tom Watson's diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes became the springboard for a staggeringly impressive health recovery. While not agreeing with all his political views, he speaks well and passionately about the need to make progress in not allowing another generation be sold a sugar coated carb addicted life with all its consequent woes.

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