A 16-year-old from Peacehaven, East Sussex, who weighs 20 stone 6 lbs, says his obesity is partly due to his father showing love through food rather than physical affection. Josh, who appears on the 5Star programme 'It's Your Fault I'm Fat', admits to hiding sugary snacks in his room and comfort eating because he feels miserable.
Josh suffers from severe joint and back pain that keeps him awake at night. He describes himself as 'obese' and says he feels angry and disappointed in himself. 'I don't like my belly, or my man boobs, or my arms and I feel sad that no one will love me and I will never lose the weight,' he said.
His father, Charlie, a bus driver, struggles to express emotions and rarely hugs his family. Josh said: 'It doesn't help with my dad showering food instead of a hug.' Even Charlie admits the family are 'living their own lives'. Josh's mother, Tracey, regularly cooks processed meals.
Determined to change, Josh persuades his parents to join him on a strict six-week diet and exercise plan. His daily calorie intake will be reduced from 4,500 to 1,500, and his father will consume just 500 calories for two days a week. Personal trainer Luke warns Josh that his size puts him at risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and liver disease.
Despite clearing unhealthy food from the kitchen, Josh has a hidden stash in his room. On the first evening of the diet, he cooks a healthy meal for the whole family.
