A Norwich man has more energy and has taken up tennis after losing almost 9st.

Josh Beal, 26, has gone from 20st 7lbs to 11st 12lbs and is now in the running for Slimming World's Man of the Year.

“I’d been unhappy with my weight for a while, yet I just didn’t face up to it," he said. "I thought weight-loss groups were for women and expected them to be a bit cliquey – I couldn’t have been more wrong and now I recommend it to all my mates.

“And I thought losing weight would be very restrictive and that I’d always feel hungry, but I’ve been able to enjoy my favourite meals like burger and chips, spaghetti carbonara and curries."

READ MORE: Norwich woman says breast implant illness left her blind

Norwich Evening News: Josh lost almost 9st on Slimming WorldJosh lost almost 9st on Slimming World (Image: Slimming World)

As well as losing weight, Mr Beal also has a new-found passion for exercise.

“As the weight came off I started to feel more energetic and decided to try something new," he said. "I’ve taken up tennis, running and using the exercise bike.”

Rebecca Jones, who runs the Norwich group, is incredibly proud of Mr Beal.

She added: “His determination and motivation have never faded – I hope he inspires other people to take the first step towards losing weight for good."

The national title winner for Slimming World’s Man of the Year 2023 competition will be announced at the end of August.