A MAN has lost seven stone after being told where the nearest “big man” shop was while shopping.

Adam Hek, of Water Street, Great Harwood, is now in the semi finals of the Slimming World’s Man of the Year award after shedding nearly 100lb – about the weight of a baby hippo.

Adam, 21, a security officer at Hanson Cement in Clitheroe, said: “It just all came to a head. Before I started at Slimming World I went to a shop in Manchester and tried on a XXL top which was too small and the woman in the shop said “there’s a shop down the road for big and tall people”. It gave me a reality check.”

Members of each of the 13,000 Slimming World groups in the UK and Ireland will all have nominated their own Man of the Year, like Adam’s group.

And now he is one of just 35 men shortlisted in the semi-finalists. The overall winner will be chosen by a panel of judges on July 12 and will receive a seven night holiday to Chicago or £3,00 prize.

He said: “I am really pleased to get through to the semi-finals. All I’ve done is stick to the plan.”

Adam joined in September 2013 weighing 20st 3lb and at his last weigh in was 13st 7lb.

He said: “I was turning 30 and, although my health was alright at the time, I didn’t want it to be a factor in the future. I weighed 20st 3lb and I wanted to do it for me.

“I went along to the classes with my sister in Rishton. I knew it was all or nothing, so I gave it my all.

“My consultant was brilliant. She made me feel really welcome and her encouragement and enthusiasm made me lose weight.”

Previously Adam would eat foods high in saturated fat such as kebabs, fry-ups and pints of milk and piles of sandwiches.

But now he eats more fresh fruit and vegetables, home cooked foods, salads and drinks plenty of water.

He said: “I used to eat to excess. I have trained myself to realise when I am full and when to stop.

“People I haven’t seen for a long time didn’t recognise me. It feels good to have made such a big difference to my appearance and life.”

Adam has gone from a 44in waist to a 36in waist, and from a XXXL top to a large.

He said: “Before joining I didn’t cook much, but now I have a real passion for it. I even go round to my sisters and cook and my family, and friends enjoy it because it’s all healthy and tasty food.

“I have another 4lb to lose to reach my target. Even simple things like putting on my socks is much easier.”

He said: “I am going to keep going to the group to support others. If I can help one person improve their health and weight then that would be fantastic.”