A BODYBUILDER from Newport who has an eating disorder and diabetes has won a national title.

Steven Appleton was chosen Mr Wales Athletic by the National Amateur Body-Builders’ Association (NABBA) at a competition last month.

The 31-year-old, who was one of three participants in the over 185 centimetres category, has a passion for bodybuilding - but struggles to put on weight because of bulimia, which he has been fighting for five years.

Mr Appleton, of Seabreeze Drive, said: “I have been interested in bodybuilding for 17 or 18 years, but I have only been taking it seriously for about seven years.

“I enjoy everything about bodybuilding, it is a challenge to be the best built man. It gives me a lot of pleasure.”

Mr Appleton started fighting against bulimia after a bad relationship. The eating disorder then led to him suffering from Type 1 diabetes, he said.

“When I looked in the mirror, I felt fat” said Mr Appleton, who is receiving counselling and treatment for his conditions. “But depression is my main problem.

“Bodybuilding has helped me because it gives me a focus and keeps me going.”

His coach, Matthew Ali, said that Mr Appleton, who is from Caerphilly originally, trains five times a week and, that before the competitions, he is on a high protein diet.

“When he is going to compete, he makes an extra effort not to be sick because it would be damaging for his bodybuilding,” he said.

Mr Ali said that, when taking part in competitions, participants are judged on their symmetry, condition and muscle mass from every angle with different poses.

“I come from a family of bodybuilders and I have been friends with Steven for a long time,” said Mr Ali. “ He always comes to competition and helps me get ready for the show - that is how he became interested.”

Mr Appleton said: “I want to thank Matthew for everything he has done for me, I would not be where I am now without him.”

Since winning the competition, Mr Appleton has been a victim of online trolling.

Mr Ali added: “Nobody knows the struggle he has gone through, people should know what he has done to get where he is.”