Mark Labbett, famously known as “The Beast” on The Chase, has achieved remarkable success in his career. 

As he approaches his 60th birthday, he has a lot to be proud of—his long-running role on the popular quiz show, an incredible weight-loss journey, 

and most importantly, being a devoted father to his seven-year-old son, Lawrence. However, despite his accomplishments, 

Mark has shared a heartbreaking concern: he fears he may not live long enough to see his son graduate.

A Life-Changing Health Transformation

The 59-year-old quizmaster has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, shedding nearly half his body weight after being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. 

His struggle with weight has been a lifelong battle, and at his heaviest, he tipped the scales at 29 stone. 

Despite his size, he always maintained a level of fitness, even managing rigorous workouts on a cross-trainer.

Mark’s biggest weakness, as he admits, has always been sugar. The realization that he needed to make serious changes in his lifestyle became even more pressing when he became a father. With Lawrence’s future in mind, he is now more determined than ever to stay healthy.

A Commitment to a Healthier Lifestyle

In his pursuit of better health, Mark has made drastic changes to his diet and fitness routine. His weight loss journey has seen him drop to around 18 stone, possibly even into the 17-stone range, giving him a physique similar to what he had during his rugby-playing days as a teenager. However, he acknowledges that losing muscle mass over the years has contributed to his lower weight.

Looking back at old episodes of The Chase, Mark can hardly recognize himself. He explains that being a large man with a big frame allowed him to carry excess weight without it being as noticeable as it might be on others. However, he now understands the dangers of visceral fat, which he was carrying internally. This realization pushed him to take his health more seriously.

A Wake-Up Call: Arthritis and Diabetes Management

While his weight loss was already in progress, a health scare last winter gave Mark another reason to stay disciplined. He suffered his first major attack of arthritis, which forced him to confront his own mortality. Up until that point, he had felt invincible, but struggling to climb stairs was a stark reminder that his body was changing.

To monitor his health more effectively, Mark started using a Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring Patch. The device gave him real-time insights into his glucose levels, which revealed he had been allowing his sugar intake to creep up too high. Seeing the numbers fluctuate throughout the day was an eye-opener, making him more aware of the impact of his dietary choices.

Although he had already been making progress with weight loss, the glucose monitor reinforced the need for consistency. He admitted that he had been indulging in too many “cheats” and that his body paid the price for it. The patch now helps him stay accountable, ensuring that he remains disciplined with his carbohydrate and sugar intake.

A Father’s Deepest Fear

For Mark, the ultimate motivation behind his health transformation is his son. Becoming a father later in life means that he wants to maximize the time he has with Lawrence. His biggest goal is to see his son graduate—a milestone that would mean the world to him.

By the time Lawrence reaches 21, Mark will be in his early 70s. While he hopes genetics are on his side—his father’s side of the family has a history of longevity—he is also aware that his height and former weight could reduce his lifespan. Because of this, he is determined to do everything he can to increase his chances of being there for his son’s future milestones.

Mark is immensely proud of Lawrence, describing him as a well-adjusted young boy who has inherited his father’s talent for mathematics. Watching him grow into a bright and healthy child brings Mark immense joy, reinforcing his commitment to staying healthy for as long as possible.

Looking to the Future

As he approaches 60, Mark feels content with where he is in life. He enjoys his role on The Chase, where he has earned the title of the world’s most experienced Chaser, having appeared on three different versions of the show across multiple countries. His career has brought him incredible opportunities, including working on a prime-time American show and even meeting Hollywood icons like David Hasselhoff.

Despite all he has accomplished, there is still one professional dream he hopes to achieve—hosting his own quiz show. He hopes that one day, ITV will give him the chance to take the lead in a show of his own. Until then, he remains dedicated to his work and his fans, embracing every moment with gratitude.

Mark Labbett’s journey is one of resilience, self-improvement, and an unwavering dedication to his son. While his health battles have been challenging, they have also given him a renewed sense of purpose. His mission is clear: to stay strong, keep pushing forward, and ensure that he is there for Lawrence every step of the way.

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