Alex Major, a 25-year-old handyman from Bolton, has gone from weighing 25 stone and rarely leaving his house due to severe acne to becoming a model and Mr England finalist. He will compete in Mr Global on Sunday, September 27, and has reached the final of Mr England, organised by the Miss England contest.
From isolation to international stage
At his heaviest, Alex weighed 25 stone (just over 150kg). He says his acne left his self-esteem so low that he would avoid eye contact and sometimes stay indoors for weeks or months. He also battled an unhealthy relationship with food, sometimes eating up to 15 times a day, including takeaways such as Indian, Chinese, KFC and McDonald's.
Alex said: "My confidence was extremely low. I struggled to look people in the eyes and would often walk down the street looking at the ground because I wanted to avoid eye contact. There were times when I felt so low that I wouldn't leave the house for weeks, sometimes months, because I didn't want people to see me."
Natural weight loss through diet and exercise
Over three years, Alex lost 11 stone through simple dietary changes and regular gym sessions. He now weighs 14 stone. He said he made the changes naturally, without weight-loss jabs.
He added: "I simply made changes to my diet, cooking healthier foods like chicken, tuna salads, beef and lots of eggs. I stopped drinking beer. I just started going the gym about six times a week for two hours at a time, just doing cardio and slowly the weight came off."
Modelling career and motivation
Around a year ago, Alex gained the confidence to step in front of the camera. He began landing opportunities overseas, including a week-long photoshoot in Portugal after a photographer spotted his potential.
Alex said: "He gave me some incredible advice, particularly about letting myself relax, stop overthinking and simply be myself in front of the camera. I could see a dramatic improvement in my photographs."
He now combines modelling with his job at Age UK Bolton, helping elderly people. He said: "What I enjoy most is the people themselves. Every person I meet has their own incredible life story, experiences and lessons to share."
Organisers are still searching for more contestants to enter Mr England, which takes place in Melton Mowbray, Leics., on October 11.
