Jack sheds 7½ stones to become young slimmer of the year

Aug 13 2008 by Jon Tunney, Journal

A TEENAGER bullied mercilessly at school because he was fat was yesterday named Young Slimmer of the Year.

Jack Mitchell, 18, from Sunderland, lost 7½ stones over two years to earn the title.

He was taunted at school about his size after his weight peaked at 20 stone when he was 16.

He said: “I was taunted about my weight by pupils and a teacher. As the bullying got worse, I hid away at home, I was afraid to go out anywhere.

“By the age of 16, I felt totally worthless and had no self-esteem or confidence. I’d only go out to visit family friends in their own homes.

“The last straw was when I reached over 20 stone; I went to my favourite store to buy clothes and couldn’t find anything to fit. I knew I had to do something to change my life.”

Jack began attending Slimming World meetings to help him lose weight in July 2006 and switched to a healthy diet.

He said: “I was terrified the night before going to my first meeting, but when I went through the door I was welcomed by such friendly, smiling faces I immediately felt at ease.

“I could never have reached my target without their help. I’ve made so many close friends in the group now, we’re like one big family.

“When I was overweight I was very lethargic, I had no energy and my mental health suffered. Now that I’ve lost weight I exercise regularly – I feel so happy and so healthy.”

He now hopes to become a cast member at Walt Disney World Florida.

He said: “I love everything about Disney and would love to go and live overseas. Losing weight has been the best life-changing experience.”