Paul Costain has lost five stone and gone from a 40-inch waist to a 30-inch waist.

And so pleased with his own success, Paul has decided to launch his own slimming group in Balsall Common.

He said: "Twenty four million people in the UK are obese, it is predicted that this will increase to 27.5 million by 2010. 43 per cent of men are overweight, 22 per cent are obese that's a total of 65 per cent of the male population."

Since Paul's early twenties he has been overweight, always felt tired and lacked motivation.

He added: "I felt useless old and fat. The final straw came when I could no longer fit into a size 40-inch waist and, while on holiday in Florida, could only fit into a XXXL size T-shirt.

"Enough was enough and my wife Claire suggested we go to a slimming group together. I was like most men and not interested. I was embarrassed and felt scared in case I was the only man but Claire was incredibly supportive and encouraged me. I actually discovered that there were men already in the group.

"A lot of men think a diet consists of lettuce leaves and not much else but this simply isn't true. I have lots of favourites I still enjoy such as spaghetti bolognese, roast potatoes or chips, curries, Chinese and bacon and egg. Also when we eat out at the pub, I can still have a large steak. Doesn't sound much like diet food."

Paul lost his five stone in 12 months at Slimming World. Claire has also lost weight and between them they've lost eight stone.

He added: "I also have two daughters, one aged 12 and 16, who have also benefited from our new healthy lifestyle. The children eat what we eat 90 per cent of the time, but of course being children they still like to have the occasional treat."

Paul now exercises five to six days a week, attends a local running club and also regularly enjoys cycling, indoor climbing and is a member of a gym.

He said: "I have also just completed a cycle from London to Paris for humanitarian aid organisation Medecins du Monde. I left London and cycled across 260 miles of hilly terrain en route to the French capital raising money for charity."

Now Paul has lost the weight his main ambition is to achieve something challenging each year.

"I have decided to be the new consultant the Slimming World group in Balsall Common to try and help others achieve their goals too."

For more information about Paul's group contact him on 024 76 404327 or 07948 689036 or go along to the group on Tuesday evenings at 7pm in The Village Hall, Station Road, Balsall Common.