A CHOCOHOLIC groom-to-be who shed over a third of his body weight - says he is still able to scoff chocolate every day.

Dean Woods, 30, was shocked into action after his weight ballooned to 27 stone and six pounds, and was forced to shell out for plus size clothes.

The chocolate lover, who is due to marry fiancé Isabel Cook in August 2017, said he realised major changes were needed if he was going to slim down for wedding pictures on his big day.

Mr Woods has since lost an impressive 10 stone in just 10 months after joining a Slimming World group - but was still able to dive into his favourite treats over Christmas.

The Ebbw Vale resident said: "I didn't want to realise I had a weight issue and put on a fake smile to cover the embarrassment.

"I was spending a fortune on plus-size catalogue clothing ranges.

"But I did not want to look like it for the wedding photographs or hinder any chances of a family in the future."

Mr Woods, who was suffering from depression and high blood pressure, said he was also embarrassed he had to use the fire exit of his football club rather than the turnstile - due to his 58 inch waist.

Since joining the weight loss group in March though, he now has a chest size of 40in and a waist size of 36in - losing 18 and 22 inches respectively.

He said: "The plan is simple and the groups are inspiring."

His new eating plan still allows him to eat chocolate every day, in moderation, he added.

"My breakfast includes fresh fruit with Weetabix and milk," said Mr Woods. "Lunch is baked fish with oven-baked potato chips and asparagus and spinach. Dinner can be almost anything. My favourite is an all-day breakfast complete with hash browns, sausages, bacon and all the trimmings.

"I no longer worry about my health now or in the future as I feel and look great.

"I'm now looking forward to my wedding more than ever."

After leaving his job in September, Dean is now a consultant for his own Slimming World group, which is set to launch on January 3.

He said: "Sharing my story and journey has helped so many already and I want to pass on my new confidence and lifestyle onto others.

"There's no better time to start than immediately after Boxing Day and prepare yourself for the new year and a new you."