24-year-old slimmer is a third of his former self

A 24-year-old man has said he feels “normal” for the first time in his life after shedding two thirds of his weight, having recently lost 160kg and dropped 76cm from his waistline.

Oliver Bales, from Portsmouth, Hampshire, said he had been bullied about his weight — which at his heaviest reached nearly 247kg (39 stone) — throughout his school and university life.

He said he was unable to stand for long periods without being in pain, had high blood pressure, and could not fit on seats on public transport or in lecture theatres at university.