In Stephen Beer's case, mental health resulted in years of addiction. Firstly to alcohol in his early 20s, and then food, resulting in Steve, 46, ending up morbidly obese. Steve, from Plymouth, demonstrated other classic symptoms including self harm, suicidal tendencies, attachment & relationship issues. He has had 6 marriages and found it very difficult to maintain meaningful relationships. Steve featured on Channel 5s "Too Fat To Work " after being convinced it would be a positive programme highlighting the problems associated with the public image of obesity. In fact, all it did was vilify him and he was denounced in the media as 'Britain's fattest scrounger'. The effect of this sent him on a downward spiral, culminating in an attempt to kill himself by jumping off a bridge. Steve was sectioned for 72 hours and received the help and support necessary. Still, upon return to his home & wife, Michelle, Steve continued to self harm and sink deeper & deeper into depression. He was unable to leave his home through fear of attacks, scared to answer his phone, was in a financial crisis and was estranged from family and friends. Life seemed pretty gloomy. Then in May 2016 Steve and Michelle met a new friend and upon discussion Steve realised he had an eating disorder and addiction and it was ok to talk about his mental health issues. Following an appearance on ITVS This Morning in September 2016, Steve broke down when discussing his mental health. The relief of admitting it publicly was liberating. Very soon he received a diagnosis of Borderline personality disorder and made the conscious decision to highlight his condition. Steve now is an advocate of child obesity awareness and men's mental illness , steve recently also was given a membership of anational obesity forum for his campaign work,in 2014 steve lost a friend to obesity ,his friend was so big that he was bed bound steve was trying to get him out ,when steve finaly got him help he died,,,even though steve went through depression and sucide steve has not given up about loseing weight..just recently steve s dad bob was told he had cancer .book comes out december
Views: 215 | Enquiries: 0There Must Be More To Life Than This . . . ?: One man's journey on the human side of the statistics and attitudes surrounding obesity in the UK today From number 1 bestselling author Ali Bagley and Steve Beer, host of Crossroads Podcast UK this book tells the story we rarely see, the human side of tackling obesity from a man’s viewpoint. Yes, we show you the statistics, we will talk about attitudes generally and yes, this book will give you tools to fight your own battles but more than that, Steve tells his story. From a childhood where the seeds of his anxiety were sown right the way through his early addictions, relationship issues and onto his very public experiences with his obesity. This is more than a story, it’s an insight into the challenges we all face, every day, in staying mentally and physically healthy. In Stephen Beer's case, mental health resulted in years of addiction. Firstly to alcohol in his early 20s, and then food, resulting in Steve, 46, ending up morbidly obese. Steve, from Plymouth, demonstrated other classic symptoms including self harm, suicidal tendencies, attachment & relationship issues. He has had 6 marriages and found it very difficult to maintain meaningful relationships. Steve featured on Channel 5s "Too Fat To Work " after being convinced it would be a positive programme highlighting the problems associated with the public image of obesity. In fact, all it did was vilify him and he was denounced in the media as 'Britain's fattest scrounger'. The effect of this sent him on a downward spiral, culminating in an attempt to kill himself by jumping off a bridge. Steve was sectioned for 72 hours and received the help and support necessary. Still, upon return to his home & wife, Michelle, Steve continued to self harm and sink deeper & deeper into depression. He was unable to leave his home through fear of attacks, scared to answer his phone, was in a financial crisis and was estranged from family and friends. Life seemed pretty gloomy. Then in May 2016 Steve and Michelle met a new friend and upon discussion Steve realised he had an eating disorder and addiction and it was ok to talk about his mental health issues. Following an appearance on ITVS This Morning in September 2016, Steve broke down when discussing his mental health. The relief of admitting it publicly was liberating. Very soon he received a diagnosis of Borderline personality disorder and made the conscious decision to highlight his condition. Steve now is an advocate of child obesity awareness and men's mental illness , steve recently also was given a membership of anational obesity forum for his campaign work,in 2014 steve lost a friend to obesity ,his friend was so big that he was bed bound steve was trying to get him out ,when steve finaly got him help he died,,,even though steve went through depression and sucide steve has not given up about loseing weight..just recently steve s dad bob was told he had cancer .book comes out december
new start When Steve Beer moved to Exmouth, he became a prominent local figure known for his community involvement and past media appearances. National Media Figures: He became a frequent guest on high-profile UK television programs, including This Morning, and news segments on BBC, ITV, and Sky.Weight Loss Journey: Following a public backlash, he documented a significant weight loss journey (losing over 8 stone at one stage) and transitioned into an advocate against the stigma of obesity. Community Campaigner: In Exmouth and online, he is known for running various support groups such as "Never Give Up" (focused on obesity) and "Our Loved Ones" (for those who have lost family members). Media Presence: He hosts the Crossroads Podcast UK, which covers life experiences and entertainment, and has authored a book titled "There Must Be More To Life Than This . . . ?" about his journey. In 2026, Steve Beer continues to be an active community figure in Exmouth, primarily focused on health advocacy and local support services. His current activities include: Health Advocacy: He serves as the chair of the Exmouth stroke survivors' club, representing its members to local government and advocating for better post-hospital care. Media Production: He continues to host and produce the Crossroads Podcast UK, an online radio show and podcast that covers personal life stories and entertainment. Community Groups: Beer remains a central figure in local support networks, including "Our Loved Ones" for bereaved families and "Never Give Up" for those dealing with weight and health issues.Yes, the Exmouth Stroke Survivors Club has received several prestigious awards and recognitions for its community service and support of stroke survivors: Active Devon Volunteers Awards 2025: The club secured second place in the East Devon District, Mid Devon District, and Exeter category for its significant community contributions. Active South West Award: The group has received recognition from Active South West for two consecutive years as of late 2024. South West Business and Community Awards 2022: The club won the 'Outstanding Contribution to the Community' category. DeVA Quality Assurance Mark: The club holds the DeVA Quality Assurance Badge, awarded to community groups in health and wellbeing that meet high voluntary sector standards. Dementia Friendly Recognition: The group was officially recognized as Dementia Friendly in December 2023 for its inclusive support. Community UK Award: The club has also been cited as a recipient of a Community UK Award for its rehabilitation and emotional support services. The club continues to be a "lifeline" in Exmouth, meeting weekly at All Saints Church Hall to provide meals, memory cafés, and specialized rehabilitation support.
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