Ray Hadley reveals how he changed his lifestyle and dropped 18kg

"The way I was going, I probably wouldn't have made 70," Ray Hadley admits, talking about life leading up to his impressive 18kg weight loss.

During a routine GP visit in September 2020, Hadley tipped the scales at 114.5kg. Telling Men's Health, the "embarrassed" 2GB talkback radio broadcaster says he was ordered to do something about it, as his health was on the inevitable decline if nothing were to change.

Hadley reveals his diet consisted of "Whatever I could fit on my plate," and a typical day would see him put away three-quarters of a loaf of bread — an impressive feat, but not when your doctor sounds the warning alarm for type 2 diabetes.

Working with a weight loss coach, Hadley focussed on moving more and incorporating walking into his routine, even eventually ditching the golf cart on the course to get his steps up — something he now finds therapeutic.

"I don't wear a headset. I just find I think about things. Not always deep thoughts — maybe about the next show, my grandchildren, my wife. Other times I don't think at all … I'm just moving."

Together with his coach he overhauled his diet, but nothing too wild. Instead of the trainer's 3-4 litres of water (daily) recommendation, Hadley agreed to two litres of a flavoured variety. His plate changed to a low-carb focus with mealtime rejigged to encourage more of an overnight fast, and the results were impressive.

He dropped to 96.5kg — that's a loss of 18.5kg in six months — and his blood pressure dipped to 128/80 from 160/95 allowing him to come off his antihypertensive medication.

The 66-year-old recalls he stunned guests at his wedding with his transformation. "It was, 'Jesus, where's the rest of you?'"

Hadley said 'I do' to his PA, Sophie, in March, in an outdoor ceremony.

"And that acknowledgement makes you feel good about doing it."