A UK teen was the object of bullying weighing 280 pounds (127 kg). But now he has lost 97 pounds (44kg) and become the country's top "Slimmer", named for the weight-loss club to which he turned for help in his bid to lose weight and ease the pain encountered at school.

"Jack says his character's changed completely since losing weight and eating healthier: My confidence and self-esteem has gone way up. Before, it was nonexistent."

Here is the story from Slimming World:

Eighteen year old Jack Mitchell from Sunderland has been announced as the winner of Slimming World's Young Slimmer of the Year 2008 after losing a phenomenal 7½ stones (97 lbs).

Before joining Slimming World, teenager Jack could barely face walking into a shopping centre, let alone working in one of its brightest, busiest stores. But since losing weight, Jack has turned his life around, overcoming his shyness, beating the bullies that tormented him at school and landing his dream job at the Disney Store.

"The night before joining Slimming World, I didn't get a wink of sleep. My stomach was churning and I was filled with fear at the thought of all those unfamiliar faces staring at me. Much to my relief, when I walked through those doors nearly 18 months ago, I saw a bunch of people just like me – smiling, chatting and stepping on the scales as if it were the most natural thing in the world! Now I'm one of those people too and it feels amazing!

"My main ambition in life is to become an actor or TV presenter – and with all this new-found energy and confidence, I truly believe I can do it. Believe me, having lost 97 lbs. (7½ stones), I know anything's possible when you're determined enough! If you've got the right support and tools behind you (and at Slimming World, I've received tons of both!), there's nothing to stop anyone from achieving their dreams!"

(READ more at the BBC)