A Lowestoft dad has shed three stone in as many months, after being inspired by a seven-foot American professional wrestler.

Eastern Daily Press: Matt Johnson and WWE superstar Big Show following weight loss. Pictures courtesy of Matt Johnson and WWEMatt Johnson and WWE superstar Big Show following weight loss. Pictures courtesy of Matt Johnson and WWE (Image: Courtesy of Matt Johnson/WWE)

Three months ago, Matt Johnson, 31, weighed almost 17 stone, the heaviest he had ever been and said it was having a negative impact on his mental health.

However, he took inspiration to make a change from an unlikely source, after watching the transformation of veteran WWE wrestler Paul 'The Big Show' Wight.

The 45-year-old grappling giant, who is billed as the world's largest athlete and is a former WWE Champion, himself shed five stone after making big changes to his diet.

Mr Johnson said: 'Bizarrely, Big Show was a big inspiration - his transformation was amazing.

'I listened to him on a podcast and he spoke about how his treat days aren't really treat days - he's just found a diet that works for him and the treats are still healthy treats.'

Father-of-one Mr Johnson, who has a five-year-old son, Joshua, himself made adjustments, cutting out dairy products, bread and moving to sugar-free fizzy drinks.

He added: 'My weakness has always been fizzy drink. I thought that would be my biggest issue, but luckily I have taken to sugar-free drinks really well.

'The first two stone went like that and my motivation was through the roof, but as it became slower to shift it was a struggle, but I've just got to stick to it.'

As well as the wrestling behemoth, Mr Johnson says his wife, Gillian, has been a constant source of support through his weight loss.

'I owe a lot to my wife,' he said. 'I am a woeful cook but she's been the healthy dinner and tea queen.

'She is much happier now too, as I felt absolutely miserable and my mood wasn't helping at home.'

As well as making changes to the food he was eating, Mr Johnson upped his dedication to exercise, regularly using different gym equipment as well as playing football.

He added: 'That has made a world of difference. I think to be successful you need to experiment and find something that really suits you and doesn't feel like a regimental boot camp.

'It's much easier to keep the weight off that way, as well as losing it in the first place.'