CONSUMING three cans of soft drink, two flavoured milks, chocolate, coffee with sugar and sweet biscuits was the norm for Geoff Shaw.

That was until he found out he was carrying internal fat that was pushing on his spine causing his back pain.

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The tree lopper is now a happier and healthier 10kgs lighter and has cut back on his sugar intake dramatically.

Now instead of drinking soft drink and flavoured milks, he drinks sparkling mineral water. 

But it was a tough start to his dramatic change of lifestyle.

"I went through three weeks of cold flushes and sugar withdrawals, got the shakes and couldn't sleep," Geoff said.

His determination to have more energy and change his body got him through the tough changes in lifestyle.

"I started cutting back sugar as soon as I left the hospital after being told I was fat," Geoff said.

He believes if you're unhappy with your body it if up to you to do something about it.

Geoff said he would like to lose another few kilograms.

Have you cut back on sugar? Email amy.formosa@frasercoastchronicle.com.au to share your story. 

DID YOU KNOW?

• Sugar is a form of carbohydrate that the body converts to glucose 
• Limit soft drinks as they are linked to obesity
• Small amounts of sugar, as part of a meal, are okay
• Limit foods and drinks with high amounts of added sugars
• Choose foods with natural sugars like fresh fruit