A DAD-of-two who was sparked into action to lose weight after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes has transformed his life.

Sales executive Stephen Bielby had successfully shed the pounds previously, after once tipping the scales at over 23 stones.

But stresses such as a family bereavement set him back and the weight started to once again pile on.

Now the 46-year-old – from Sutton – is more than three stones lighter, no longer on medication for diabetes and has even gained a diploma to become a personal trainer!

“I’d lost weight in the past but I went back to my old ways and the pounds began to creep back on,” says Stephen.

“I think I was in self-denial.

“I did have a small restart at trying to lose weight, but a family bereavement stopped me in my tracks and my mind was just not there – my brain wouldn’t get on board with the fact that I was unhealthy once again.”

He survived a cancer scare, but received the diabetes diagnosis and that prompted him to join Skipton WW ­– formerly Weight Watchers.

Stephen set himself several goals, including a return to horse riding – which he enjoyed as a teenager – and being able to once again wear a slim-fit suit he’d bought years ago.

As well as opting for healthier food choices, he has also introduced exercise to his life.

He completes daily workouts on his cross trainer and is inspiring others to exercise and follow healthy lifestyles through his own YouTube channel, Corona Quarantine Control.

Stephen dropped from 20st 9lbs to 17st 7lbs in just six months.

He is enjoying a new-found body confidence, shrinking from a waist size 48 to 44.

And two months ago he stopped taking his diabetes medication.

“My mental outlook on food and exercise has changed,” he said.

“I am making much better decisions and food choices.

“WW does change your mindset. It lets me have the foods I want without the programme feeling restrictive.”

Tribute is paid by his WW coach, Carol Wynn.

She said: “From the day Stephen walked into my workshop, he got straight to work using our app and he attended the workshop week-on-week. He quickly saw results and I know that along with using his cross trainer, these all help his journey.

“Stephen is a real ambassador for WW.”