Maine Dad Sheds 180 Pounds to Shine at Son’s Graduation

Justin Dudley, a father from Maine, made a life-changing transformation that left his son proud and his wallet a little heavier. Mortified at the idea of being in graduation photos with his son Ethan, Dudley embarked on a weight-loss journey that saw him shed an astonishing 180 pounds—and save $2,000 a month on groceries in the process.

At his heaviest, the 48-year-old information technology worker weighed 343 pounds and wore size XXXXL clothing. Dudley admitted to being a self-proclaimed "fast-food addict," indulging in meals followed by desserts like ice cream, chips, and candy. His monthly junk food bill ranged from $1,600 to $2,400. Talk about a costly craving!

In April 2024, spurred by Ethan’s upcoming high school graduation, Dudley decided to turn his life around. "I always hated having my photo taken," he said. "But I wanted to make my son proud for his special day." And proud he did.

Dudley devised a strict meal plan that combined calorie counting with intermittent fasting. He drank only tea and coffee during the day, saving his one meal—a carefully measured 1,200-calorie dinner—for the evening. For context, the typical daily calorie intake for an adult male ranges between 2,000 and 3,000 calories.

To complement his diet, Dudley incorporated home workouts into his routine. The results were quick: he lost 22 pounds in the first month and another 20 pounds by June 2024, just in time for Ethan's graduation. Although he "still cringed" at the thought of being in photos, Ethan’s pride in his father’s hard work was undeniable.

Dudley’s journey didn’t stop there. Since the big day, he has continued to lose weight, bringing his total loss to an incredible 180 pounds. Reflecting on his transformation, Dudley said, "I look back at old pictures and can't believe how far I've come." His new eating habits have also trimmed his grocery bill to just $300 a month—a fraction of what he used to spend.

Beyond the financial and physical benefits, Dudley has gained a new lease on life. Inspired by the death of his own father, he now looks forward to traveling and making memories with Ethan. "Losing my dad hit me hard, and I didn’t want Ethan to lose me prematurely," he shared. "Before my dad passed, he told me not to live with regrets or postpone anything for tomorrow." Wise words that Dudley has clearly taken to heart.

For those considering a similar path, Dr. Jason Fung, a Canadian nephrologist and expert on intermittent fasting, emphasizes consistency. "Following a set eating plan makes it easier to stay off fast food," he said, noting that food addictions benefit from abstinence rather than moderation. And while intermittent fasting isn’t exactly a walk in the park, making it a habit can lead to lasting success.

Today, Dudley is proof that determination and self-discipline can lead to remarkable change. His story serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to rewrite your own narrative.