60-Year-Old Business Owner Drops From the Mid-230s to 181 Pounds

John spent 10 years slowly gaining weight while he built his business and raised his family. In about a year he dropped from the mid-230s to 181 pounds. Here is how a 60-year-old business owner turned food into numbers and got his energy back.

John battled his weight for 10 years while he built his business and raised his family. He weighed between 235 and 240 pounds two years before this recording. About a year after he started working with Brian, he was down to 181.

John's Wake-Up Call: A Decade of Slow Weight Gain at 60

John Meyer is 60 years old. He owns a business in marine software, electronics, and yachts in Florida. He is a father of three and a grandfather.

He spent 10 years battling his weight. He put his energy into the business, into his family, and into holding everything together. Fitness and healthy eating fell to the back of the line.

Where John Started: From the Mid-230s Toward 181 Pounds

John weighed between 235 and 240 pounds about two years before this recording. That was roughly a decade after the slow weight gain began.

After working with Brian for about a year, John reached 181 pounds. He calls it his lowest weight in many years.

Turning Food Into Numbers: How Calorie and Macro Tracking Changed Everything

Before Brian, John worked out on his own with help from his son-in-law. He believed his nutrition was where he fell short. He tried some prepackaged meals, but they carried too much sodium and did not give him the protein he needed.

Working with Brian, John started tracking calories and macros for the first time. He calls himself an analytical numbers guy from running an electronics and software business, and turning food into numbers fit how he already thinks. He learned the difference between good carbs and bad carbs, and why protein amount matters.

The Plateau and the Diet Break: Raising Calories to Keep Losing

John lost 30 to 40 pounds while eating around 2,500 to 2,900 calories a day. Then his weight stopped moving even though he kept eating the same amount.

Brian recognized the pattern and raised John's calories for a couple of months to build muscle instead of cutting further. After that break, they moved into a smaller calorie deficit than before. John kept losing weight from there.

From Extra Large to Large: The Physical Changes John Noticed First

John says the real shift happened when he stopped focusing on the scale and started paying attention to how he looked and felt. His shirt size dropped from extra large to large. His waist went from a 38 to a 36 to a 34.

Those changes fed his motivation. Once he saw real progress, he pushed his training intensity even higher.

More Energy at 60 Than at 40

John says he has more energy now than he did at 40. He stays active with his grandchild, bikes and swims on weekends, and walks with his wife every night.

His wife has noticed the change too. John says he used to sit on the sofa watching TV on weekends. Now he stays busy and present instead.

Working Toward Pull-Ups: John's Next Training Goal

John now takes on Orange Theory challenges, swim-run-row events, and Navy SEAL-style events. He is training for a longer bike ride event and an obstacle event called the Frog Man.

His current goal is a full set of bodyweight pull-ups. He is working down from a 40-pound counterweight assist toward doing them on his own.

John's Advice: Get a Coach and Don't Rely on Yourself Alone

John says get on a real nutrition plan and a consistent exercise routine, and commit to it first thing in the morning so there is no excuse to skip it.

He also says never try to do this alone. Get a coach who can hold you accountable, watch your progress, and explain things in a way you understand.

Listen to Episode 21 for the full conversation between Brian and John.

Common Questions From This Episode

How much weight did John lose and how long did it take?

John weighed between 235 and 240 pounds about two years before this recording. After roughly a year working with Brian, he was down to 181 pounds. That is a drop of 50 to 60 pounds.

What made John decide to change his health at 60?

He had battled his weight for 10 years while putting all his energy into his business and family. He wanted more energy and control over his health instead of watching the slow decline continue.

What did John try before working with Brian?

He worked out on his own with help from his son-in-law, but he felt his nutrition was where he fell short. He tried prepackaged meals, but they were too high in sodium and short on protein.

How did John learn to manage his nutrition?

He started tracking calories and macros for the first time, turning food into numbers. He learned the difference between good and bad carbs and the importance of eating enough protein.

What happened when John's weight loss plateaued?

After losing 30 to 40 pounds while eating around 2,500 to 2,900 calories a day, his weight stopped moving. Brian raised his calories for a couple of months to build muscle before returning to a smaller calorie deficit.

What physical changes did John notice first?

His shirt size dropped from extra large to large, and his waist went from a 38 to a 36 to a 34. Those changes kept him motivated to push harder in training.

What does John's training look like now?

He takes on Orange Theory challenges, swim-run-row events, and Navy SEAL-style events. His current goal is a full set of bodyweight pull-ups, working down from a 40-pound counterweight assist.

What is John's advice for men in his old position?

Get on a real nutrition plan and a consistent exercise routine, and commit to it first thing in the morning so there is no excuse to skip it. He also says never rely on yourself alone. Get a coach who can hold you accountable.

Read more of Brian and John's conversation on the Driven For Health blog.