Ishtiaq Hussain wants to inspire others in the community to change their lifestyles before it is too late.

The 43-year-old, lost over 10 stone by exercising and changing what he ate.

“I was always overweight and I was always fighting a losing battle. Of course I did the odd diet but nothing really worked.

“I never exercised, I ate junk food quite a lot and the thought of walking anywhere was out of the question.

“As a taxi-driver I think your health suffers a lot more. I would eat when I could and I would want a curry every single night.

“It is far easier just grabbing a can of cola and then a kebab at lunch.”

Ishtiaq visited a local gym 18 months ago, weighing in at 24 and half stone with a 48 inch waist.

“I had to go to a special shop just to find clothes to fit me! You think you will always be fat but you have to begin one day.”

“The first time I stepped into the gym (Colosseum) I didn’t think I would still be there over a year and a half later and over 10 stone lighter.

“But then I just went on a strict exercise regime and would visit the gym every day for an hour and a half.

“Much of the time was spent on the treadmill – something I had never been on before. It just isn’t the exercise though – you have the change the foods you eat.”

The father of four says his family have been surprised at his commitment, “They didn’t think I would stick with it. My kids, the eldest of who is 13 has never even seen a slim version of me.”

Owner of the Colosseum gym, bodybuilding champion Malik Khan, said, “When he first walked in I don’t think he knew what to expect.

“You can normally tell if someone is committed but after a month he was determined to change his life forever.

“It is not just about exercise though and Ish is a great example of someone who has lost weight for the long-term by also making changes to his diet.

“He has been very focussed and full credit to him for putting his heart body and soul into it.”

Zuber Mayat added, “His weight loss has been gradual and he has done it the right way by exercising.

“Even I admit in those first few weeks I had my doubts but he proved us all wrong!” Ishtiaq said, “The gym were very supportive and both Mal and Zuber were on hand to give expert advice when I needed it.

“It is simple advice. At first I would exercise and then go and have a pizza afterwards. I thought it would be fine but you have to cut down on such habits.”

Ishtiaq says many people in his predicament wait for things to happen before they react.

“There is no magic pill that is going to change your life. If you want to lose weight you have to be serious and you have to be determined.

“At times it is not easy but it is worth every single minute.”