Bulge-battlers drop four stone in Biggest Loser weight loss challenge

The contest saw four overweight Express & Star readers put through their paces by trainers at Chris Jewkes Fitness in Wolverhampton.

The group took part in a gruelling month of intensive workouts and drastic diet changes, but the hard work has paid dividends with some astonishing results.

Karl Woodhouse was this year's biggest loser, the 40-year-old salesman from Hollybush Lane, Penn shedding just shy of two stone to finish on a weight of 19st 2lb.

The father-of-two had piled on the weight when he quit smoking and began binging on junk food, but after sweating it out in three workouts a week and switching to a healthier diet the pounds began to fall off.

Mr Woodhouse's efforts matched the best results ever achieved in the competition's four-year run.

Chris Jewkes, who owns the gym in Danescourt Road, Tettenhall, said education had played a key part in changing Mr Woodhouse's dietary habits.

"When he started with us Karl didn't realise where he was going wrong," he said.

"He told me he would have good days and bad days, but really they were bad days and really bad days!

"He needed to make some huge lifestyle changes to get to where he is now.

"Karl's success shows that with the right education, instruction and commitment you can get fantastic results."

James Hardman, aged 29, from Upper Gornal, lost 18lb off his 21st 7lb frame to finish second in the contest, which was held in January. The shift worker had been getting up for work at 4am but not eating until the afternoon, a habit that was playing havoc with his metabolism.

Mr Jewkes said: "When he did eat, he was eating the wrong things. James knew where he was going wrong, he just needed help to make the right changes."

The quartet of fat fighters was completed by Mandy Stevens, from Albrighton, and Sandra Harris, of Upper Gornal, who both lost 7lb.

Mr Jewkes added: "This was a tremendous achievement from all four of them. It is not about stopping eating, but once you start to reduce your calorie intake you start to see results.

"Losing weight can be tough, but they showed the dedication necessary to achieve their goals.

"They also had great support from their families, which is crucial."