From flab to Mr Fab

Massive, toned, buff and ripped. All words that aptly describe Wanganui's newest national champion, bodybuilder Paulo Vatuvei.
The 27-year-old took out the title in the novice over 90kg class at the New Zealand Federation of Body Builders National Championships in Auckland last weekend.
The win is a step in the right direction for Vatuvei to achieve his major goal, competing at an international level. Vatuvei has been competing at this professional level in New Zealand for nine months, although he started the sport in 2003 as a method for losing weight.
"I was so overweight," said the softly spoken Tongan giant. "In 2003 I was 145kg, which meant I was tired all the time, unhealthy and generally uncomfortable.
"I went to the gym to try and lose weight." The situation was becoming 'desperate'.
"You know that you are overweight when you go to the Chinese takeaway buffet and they won't let you in because you will eat too much."
The desperate measure paid off for Vatuvei and within three months he was down to 100kg, the same weight he is today. He owes this weight loss to an extremely dedicated and determined exercise programme.
"I train hard and sometimes people think that I am crazy but that's how desperate I am to be the best." Vatuvei trains twice daily, with each session usually lasting two hours.
He also offers his services as a personal trainer as a means of gaining income, though said he would prefer to be able to spend more time concentrating on his own body.
To be able to do this he is hoping to pick up some sponsorship.
"Anything would be good, from just a little bit to a full sponsorship deal."
Vatuvei has been in Wanganui just over three months and in New Zealand on and off for the past four years.
He originally moved from Tonga to play rugby, but after suffering numerous injuries he was told by doctors he should give the sport up.
"That's when I found myself in front of the TV putting on heaps of weight."
Whanganui Ucol, where Vatuvei is completing a certificate in English, has been good to him with the Student Association sponsoring him to get to last week's event in Auckland.
He also trains at the UCOL gym.
Also in action at last weeks national champ's was Wanganui body-builder Greta Millan who was runner-up in the masters division.
Vatuvei will be doing a demonstration at this Saturday's Sky Show at Cooks Gardens.