A teenager from Watford lost more than three stone after kicking out pizza and chocolate from his diet.
Now he hopes to inspire his family and friends to become more health conscious after hitting his own target weight.
Adam Wild, 16, from Muriel Avenue, joined Weight Watchers last June and in less than one year, his weight dropped from 14st 2lb to exactly 11st.
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He said: "I wanted to get fitter. I found it difficult to play football but now I don't.
"I told my mum I wanted to start Weight Watchers but because I was 15 I had to ask the doctor."
Adam is a Year 11 pupil at Garston Manor School and hopes to join West Herts College in September, where he will study a BTEC Skills for Work course. He is also a keen musician, plays basketball and football, and enjoys bowling.
Before he started his healthy eating plan, Adam would eat chocolate, crisps and croissants. His particular favourite, however, was take-away pizza.
Adam, who has Down's syndrome, said: "When it was in the house, it said 'Eat me, eat me'. I had to eat it until it was gone. Now I have cereal bars, yoghurts and fruit. I always myself a healthy breakfast and drink water."
The Manchester United supporter said it was "quite easy" to lose weight by cutting sugary and fatty snacks from his diet, but he admitted he is still allowed a weekly treat.
He said: "I found it quite easy to follow. I have school lunches. On Fridays I used to have burgers and chips. Now I have a packed lunch with a tuna sandwich, yoghurt and a cereal bar."
Adam's mother Bernadette, 55, who cares for him and his sister Sophie, nine, said: "He's been so focused. It's been amazing. He wasn't miserable during it. He's just been so good.
"It dispels the myth of people with Down's syndrome have weight problems and cannot lose weight.
"I'm absolutely delighted for him. He's been trying to help the rest of the family to lose weight.
Adam added: "I'm very happy about my weight loss. My mum always encourages me so now it's my turn to encourage my mum."
Lyzette Barnard, Adam's Weight Watcher leader, said: "Adam is such an inspiring, motivated and absolutely an amazing member. Every week he's positive, gives advice to other members and even motivates his family."
Anyone wishing to join Weight Watchers who is under the age of 16 must have a letter from their doctor. For more information, visit www.weightwatchers.co.uk.
What is your secret to staying trim. Click the link below to share your slimming tips.
Posted by: Aimzie, Watford on 4:47pm Mon 21 Apr 08
My secret to staying trim is this;
i walk four miles a day, two in the morning and two in the evening. (this is only by accident as i walk to work. i have a car but no where to park!!)
i don't eat junk food, only maybe once a month if that.
and i eat two meals a day, i would have breakfast but i'd rather sleep longer.
done.
My secret to staying trim is this;
i walk four miles a day, two in the morning and two in the evening. (this is only by accident as i walk to work. i have a car but no where to park!!)
i don't eat junk food, only maybe once a month if that.
and i eat two meals a day, i would have breakfast but i'd rather sleep longer.
Posted by: Corrective Party on 5:48pm Mon 21 Apr 08
My doctor suggested I walk 5 miles every day, to make him feel better ... I asked why it should make [italic]him[/italic] feel better, he replied that by the end of the week I'd be 35 miles away! :)
My doctor suggested I walk 5 miles every day, to make him feel better ... I asked why it should make him feel better, he replied that by the end of the week I'd be 35 miles away! :)
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