Man gets dumped - after losing ten stone

An Essex schoolteacher lost 10 stone in a year - and was promptly dumped by his girlfriend when he reached his target weight.

Ryan Buckman, 26, from Westcliff-on-Sea, ballooned up to 22 stone before coming up with his own diet and exercise regime.

However, it cost him his relationship after he gave up alcohol and romantic meals out to transform himself from morbidly obese to superfit.

His girlfriend of four years gave him the elbow just before he reached his goal weight and celebrated by running a half marathon.

But there was a happy ending for Mr Buckman who went on to land his dream job, as a PE teacher, and find love with fellow teacher Kimberley.

Now, he says he is the happiest he has ever been and wants to inspire as many youngsters as possible to lose weight.

He says: "Looking back I did get obsessed with the calorie counter; I was on it all day and wouldn't eat anymore when I reached the maximum.

"But my ex said she didn't like the attention I got when I lost weight. It pushed us apart and it was sad at the time and I ended up losing too much weight.

"But now after meeting Kim my life feels perfect. She helped me put the calorie counting into perspective and I gained a few pounds to look healthier."

He had always wanted to be a PE teacher - but was too ashamed to apply when he was massively overweight and couldn't run without getting out of breath.

"I'm so proud to be able to help the kids at school who saw me fat and know it's possible to get slim and healthy," he added.