Bullied 20-stone boy loses almost half his body weight to win slimmer prize

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Jack Mitchell, 18, lost seven and a half stone to earn the title and said the final straw was when his weight peaked at more than 20st.

'I went to buy clothes and couldn’t find anything to fit', he said. 'I knew I had to do something.'

New man: Teenager Jack Mitchell shed more than seven stone to become Young Slimmer of the Year. His weight had previously peaked at more than 20st

He switched to a healthy diet after joining Slimming World in July 2006. Jack, from Sunderland, now has his sights set on a job at Walt Disney World, Florida.

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.

Proud: Jack was bullied mercilessly at school

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

'I used to not eat at school and did not like eating in front of other people, because of the bullying,' he said.

'I would go all day without eating and then sneak food upstairs in the evening. I would just go from school to the car and not speak to anybody.

Jack's new healthy regime features a diet of high-fibre cereals and fruit, replacing his old diet of burgers, chinese takeaways and chocolate biscuits.

'I used to only have two close friends, and they were the only people I let in. But in the slimming group I go to now I know everybody, it's like a big family.

'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.'

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

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

'I feel like there's nothing I could not do now - I feel like a star.'