"When you’re staying in hotels, you get used to eating the easy way so you just order pizzas on Uber Eats": Cameron Menzies begins weight loss journey after turbulent year

Cameron Menzies is in the midst of a turbulent darts year. The Scot produced some impressive sporting moments, but was simultaneously confronted with physical and mental issues. After a difficult spell, the 37-year-old decided to change course. With help from the PDC, therapy, and a revamped lifestyle, Menzies now seems to be moving back in the right direction.

One of the highlights of the year came at the World Matchplay. Menzies caused a major upset by knocking Luke Humphries, then one of the clear title favorites, out of the tournament. The Scot played superbly and showed why, on his best days, he can compete with the world’s elite.

The follow-up, however, was dramatic. In the next round Menzies barely got going. After just two legs he felt unwell, dropped to his knees, and was forced to retire from the match. Once again there was concern about the Scot’s health.

Things had already gone wrong earlier this year. At the World Darts Championship, Menzies lost to the young Charlie Manby, after which he suffered an angry outburst. He slammed his fist several times on a small table. A moment that not only left a strong impression on those present, but could also have physical consequences that may affect him for the rest of his life.

Menzies then decided things had to change. A key part of that is his physical condition. He has already shed a few kilos and is trying to drastically improve his diet.

When Viaplay asks him how much weight he has already lost, Menzies responds briefly but clearly: “A few kilos.” The Scot is not done with his transformation, though. “Hopefully a few more, but that’s for health reasons. Changing my diet has helped enormously.”

Travel for darts tournaments proved especially problematic for his eating habits. Hotel rooms, long days on the road, and little time meant the easiest option was often the least healthy. “When you’re staying in hotels, you get used to eating the easy way. So you just order pizzas on Uber Eats,” Menzies explains. He is now consciously trying to change that. “But now I buy salads.”

Those adjustments seem to be paying off not only physically. Menzies notices he also feels better mentally and is trying to gain more control over his emotions.

Alongside his physical problems, Menzies also struggled with mental challenges. The PDC decided to support him and put him in touch with a hypnotherapist. According to Menzies, that guidance has helped him a great deal. “The PDC put me in contact with hypnotherapy. It hasn’t just helped with darts, but with life in general.”

At the same time, the Scot admits he has not always had time in recent weeks to continue his therapy. “I haven’t seen him in the last few weeks because I’ve been so busy.” Still, he wants to pick it up again soon. “I’m going to contact him next week and speak to him.”

Menzies also notices the impact of the support. He looks back on his angry outburst at the Worlds with mixed feelings. “It helped, because I don’t like being like that. I don’t want to be like that,” he says. Menzies acknowledges he sometimes gets carried away by the moment. “I get carried away by the moment. But as you can see, I’m full of adrenaline.”

For Menzies, the road back to the top is not just about higher averages and more wins. The Scot seems primarily focused on reinventing himself away from the oche. With a healthier diet, professional support, and greater attention to his mental well-being, he hopes to put the difficult period behind him. His upset against Humphries already proved the quality is still there. Now Menzies must find the physical and mental stability needed to show those qualities consistently.