Morbidly obese Chris Leppard is a shadow of his former self after shedding more than 5st in 11 weeks.

Chris, 23, has been sticking to a gentle exercise regime and improved diet after he hit 33 stone earlier this year.

His weight led to him being controversially sectioned under the Mental Health Act in February to undergo mental assessment.

It followed written recommendations from health experts alarmed at his rapid weight growth because of his condition, Prader-Willi syndrome.

People with the hereditary condition fail to recognise when their stomach is full, leaving them craving food most of the time.

However, since being discharged Chris, who lives with mother Anne in Chiltern Drive, Hastings, has changed his habits completely.

Every day he attends Zeus Gym in Grand Parade, St Leonards, goes on regular walks and has cut down on fatty and sugary foods.

Now he weighs 28st 4lb and his mother is delighted. Mrs Leppard, 48, said: "He is doing everything that is asked of him.

"He is really changing. He has started a college course. I'm so proud of him I even bought him an MP3 player. Life is looking up."