An inspirational slimmer has shared some words of advice after he lost a staggering seven stone with Slimming World.
When he was younger, Haydn Knight lacked confidence and his weight held him back from doing the things he wanted to do. Now he is a different person.
Haydn joined his local Slimming World group in St Austell and through diet and exercise he met his target weight and went on to join the Royal Navy.
Five years on and Haydn still looks incredible. He has kept off six stone and lives a much healthier and happier lifestyle.
He now lives in Truro with his girlfriend and after serving four years in the Navy has a new job with Network Rail.
Haydn credits the support he received at Slimming World for his amazing transformation.
Passing on some words of encouragement to help others hoping to shed a few pounds after Christmas, he said: "My advice would be to enjoy it, dont go seeking a quick fix or rush it. The weight loss journey is the easy bit looking back its the maintaining thats hard.
"At Slimming World there is a strong group of people looking to help you out and to encourage you to reach your targets, for me having the support in class encouraged me to do well.
"You share stories and recipes and its a really good atmosphere.
"First joining at 21 stone I was very shy and nervous but all the consultants are great and put you at ease.
"There are foods that you will like, there are so many tasty healthier alternatives to use so a lot of your favourite meals can be made and enjoyed."
This is Haydn's story that he shared with Slimming World when he was 22.
When I left school aged 16, I weighed around 20st. My weight problem had started when I was 12 and moved to Cornwall after my parents separated. Perhaps part of it was living in a house full of boys: Id always pile my plate up quickly before my brothers could wolf down all the food. Neither they, nor my mum or stepdad, had issues with their weight, though. I was also obsessed with playing on my games console and would sit for hours snacking and gaming.
After leaving school I enrolled on a sports course at college, but I soon dropped out because I didnt feel confident. I joined another course at a catering college, then quit that one for the same reason. I didnt know what I wanted to do with my life and always felt that my weight was holding me back.
People would tease me about my size in what they thought was a friendly way. The truth was that I was touchy about my body and would cry about it in private. The more people told me to lose weight, the more I gave up even trying.Working at a fast-food restaurant really didnt help.
Ive always cared about my appearance Id have loved to wear designer clothes like my friends. However much effort I made to look good, I had no confidence at all.And, although I socialised with friends, I wouldnt chat a girl up in a bar. I was single until I met my now ex-girlfriend at work.
It was she who introduced me to Slimming World. She mentioned that she was going and asked me if Id like to join her. Ill admit I thought it was a womans thing I hadnt heard of men going to slimming clubs.
I was pretty scared that first night when I opened the door I saw about 30 women there and only one or two blokes. I couldnt have been made to feel more welcome, though. When my consultant told me how much I weighed, I was shocked. She was very reassuring and told me not to worry, and just to stick to the plan for a week, get to know it and focus on all the things I could eat. I was amazed to hear that I could still have burgers as long as I made them with lean mince and I could even have chips!
I went home that first night 100% determined to have a great week. I made Slimming World roast gammon and chips, and a big roast dinner, and introduced foods that we didnt usually buy, things like courgettes and asparagus.
Three months later I went on holiday to Greece, and forgot all about Food Optimising! I drank beer and ate lots of bread and when I got back Id put on 8lbs. I wasnt disheartened I got straight back on plan and the next week Id lost those 8lbs.
From then on, I lost a steady 2-3lbs every week. Id started my weight-loss journey with a 44ins waist and by the end of it I was wearing size 32ins. My boss got fed up with me asking for new uniforms...
See more picture's of Haydn's transformation by scrolling through the gallery below
Just before Christmas that year my girlfriend broke up with me. I was heartbroken, and realised that I could go one of two ways: I could comfort eat and pile all the weight back on, or I could stay focused and get on with my life. I chose the latter, and now I honestly think the break-up was the best thing that could have happened. I vowed that Id do three things: get to my target weight, pass my driving test and apply for a job in the Royal Navy.
I knew Id have to do a mile-and-a-half run for my Navy fitness test.Id always played rugby, even at my biggest, though Id barely last a whole game and certainly never did any sprinting. So I decided it was time I began running as well. When I went to the Navy careers office to sign up, I just scraped in under their weight limit, so I knew Id have to get fitter and slimmer to pass the medical test six months later.
I spent those six months building up my fitness, and had my medical on 26 June, the same week as my 22nd birthday. I even sacrificed going out to celebrate because I wanted to feel my best on the day. Id applied to be a weapon engineer a very hands-on, physical job, so you have to be fit. When I found out Id passed, I was really excited.
Just over a month later, in August, I reached my target weight. Id been aiming for my 7st award, and it was a brilliant feeling to be told Id made it. The difference in the way I look is so noticeable that people dont recognise me. Even my dad, who lives in Birmingham and hadnt seen me for six months, walked straight past me in a hotel lobby!
Looking back, I still cant quite believe the way I used to eat, or how quickly I could change my life. Today, I have filling, nutritious food, Ive given my games console to my younger brother and I go to the gym pretty much every day to hit the weights. I keep my biggest jeans in my wardrobe, just to remind me why I never want to go back to my old habits.
My mum is so proud of what Ive achieved. She says my confidence has soared and that Ive become a different person. Shes right! Two years ago I thought Id hit a dead end; now my future is looking brighter than ever.
More:
Slimming World star lost 7 stone - and five years on he still looks great - Cornwall Live