TV show is a real eye-opener for Inverness chef
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A CHEF has said he will continue to try and improve his physical and mental fitness after appearing on a prime-time TV programme.
Dutchman Johan Sikkema (34), who is now based in Inverness, said the eight-week fitness programme he was placed on was only the beginning of his aim to reduce his risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Mr Sikkema has his work cut out though, as he is a chef at the Culloden House Hotel.
Father-of-six Mr Sikkema appeared on the BBC 1 programme Laid Bare where experts analysed every part of his body to find out more about him and the illness or conditions he might be prone to.
After a full medical, Mr Sikkema, was told that he was 100 per cent at risk of type two diabetes, and had a 44 per cent chance of heart disease.
The findings came as a shock for Mr Sikkema.
“My wife secretly entered me as a candidate for this TV programme,” he said. “When I got the call to say I had been successful I was a bit surprised. But I am glad I have done it as it has opened my eyes to the changes that I need to make in my life.
“Once I was examined by the doctors I sat down with a GP who talked me through the changes that I would need to make. I was then given an eight-week programme which included exercise and alterations that I would need to make to my diet.
“It may sound strange but working as a chef you don’t often get a chance to eat until it is very late at night. So I would come home from work, really hungry, and eat a big meal at 11pm. It wasn’t good for my health.
“Over the last eight weeks I have changed lots of things about the way I am living, and I am planning to do much more.”
Mr Sikkema said he wanted to make sure he was well and healthy for years to come.
He said: “It is not everyday that you get a wake up alarm to tell you that you need to change the way you are living your life so that you can live longer, so I am going to take this chance.”
Since the programme aired, Mr Sikkema has been inundated with support from people who saw him on the TV programme.
