A student who has turned his life around by losing more than seven stones in seven months is hoping he can prove to be an inspiration to others.

Mohammed Shafiq, 17, who is studying A-levels at Tong School in Bradford, realised he would have to take action when he topped the scales at 18-stone at the age of 16 and was struggling to find fashionable clothes to fit.

“I was ordering burgers and didn’t play any sport,” he said. “I just stayed at home and did not get out.”

It was a friend, 17-year-old Amir Afsar, who was training to be a boxer, who persuaded him to start going to the gym.

“He gave me the confidence and motivation to start training. I didn’t want to be a 20-stone 20-year-old,” said Mohammed.

Along with the regular training Mohammed, of West Bowling, changed his diet.

“Before I was eating five times a day – food cooked in butter and oils,” he said.

“Now I eat things like Weetabix, vegetables and salad with tuna and fruit and baked potatoes and pasta.

“But I am not too strict with myself because if I am I know I will splurge later. I still treat myself to a curry – it is hard to diet in an Asian family because it is like having a restaurant in your own home.”

Mohammed also made other small changes to become more active in his life, such as walking the four miles to school and helping more around the house.

As the weight dropped off Mohammed also became more active in his local community, helping out at a youth group and playing team sports.

The hard work has not only seen the 17-year-old’s waist whittled down from about 42 inches to 30 inches improving his physical health – it has also transformed his mental health and his outlook on life.

“Before I was defensive and would not talk to people but now I am going to enjoy my last year in school.”

Now he is hoping to start a youth group and help other youngsters who need to lose weight.

“Everyone is asking me how I have lost the weight and I want to inspire others to do it too and give people the urge to change,” he added.

“It is all about being positive and having a goal and being realistic – aim to lose about 2lb a week and eventually you will get there. The hard thing now is maintaining my weight. It is not easy but I have the encouragement of my family and friends. My parents say I have done them proud.”