A SUPER slimmer from Greenock is half the man he used to be – after an incredible NINE-stone weight loss transformation.

Brian McAlees is almost unrecognisable after a remarkable transformation in little over a year.

The 46-year-old tipped the scales at 19 stone 12 pounds at his heaviest in July last year but after quitting sugar and joining the gym he is now a slender 11st.

Brian has lost a staggering 18 inches from his waistline, having shrunk from a trouser size 48 to 30.

Brian, who lives in Belville Avenue, said: “I wasn’t in great health and I wasn’t feeling good then something clicked in my brain.

“I was 19st 12lbs at my heaviest and had lost about a stone before going to the gym, but once I joined it just snowballed from there.

“I’ve now lost about nine stones and it’s been great.

“Did I ever think I’d be the size I am now? No chance.

“It sounds cheesy but I feel like a different person, I really do.”

Brian, who celebrated his 46th birthday yesterday, has also overhauled his diet and cut out crisps, chocolate and the ‘minimum’ two litres of Irn Bru he drank on a daily basis, drastically reducing his sugar intake.

At his heaviest he was on a high dose of prescribed heart medication but is now drug-free and fighting fit.

But the Greenock man says his biggest weight-loss weapon has been the gym at the Waterfront Leisure Complex — and paid tribute to staff for helping to change his life.

Brian, who works in residential childcare, said: “The guys at the Waterfront have been great.

“They really changed my outlook. When I started I didn’t set any goals, but they kept me going.

“One of the most popular questions I’m asked is what diet I’m on, but the change is because of my workout programme and guys like Brian Gilmour helping me out 

“From the staff at reception to the guys in the gym, they all motivate you. If I can do it, anybody can.”

Fitness co-ordinator Brian Gilmour says Brian is one of the gym’s biggest success stories.

He said: “This is the strongest indication that good things will happen if people apply themselves to the advice that’s given.

“Gym instructors and personal trainers can give lots of good advice but it’s down to the individual to take that on board and run with it.

“Brian has been the best example of that for years and years.
“He was just disappearing in front of our eyes.”

Rachel Anderson, who is a gym shift leader at the Inverclyde Leisure facility, added: “With Brian it’s not just about the weight loss and the way he looks but also the difference to his health and that’s what we’re trying to promote — health and prevention.”