A Brit who was once the world's fattest man is moving back to the UK from America so he can 'claim benefits' after doubling in size.
Paul Mason, a former postman from Ipswich, has confessed his weight has soared since he emigrated to the US five years ago.
The 59-year-old now tips the scales at 35 stone, despite having gastric band surgery in 2010 which saw him drop to 19.
Last night, Paul who weighed 70 stone at his heaviest and once had to be removed from his bungalow by a forklift truck, admitted he had made some "bad decisions" and needs "to get my life back on track".
He said: "I want to give you all an update on my situation. After nearly 5 years living in the US, the time has come for me to soon return to the UK.
World's fattest man Paul Mason is facing jail after 'shoplifting in his mobility scooter'
"I will go into more detail in the coming weeks and months, but what I can say now is that over the years living in the US I made some wrong decisions which has led to some bad consequences.
"Some of those being letting my visa expire, moving in with someone who was a bad influence and because of these and other choices I made, I’ve put on weight.
"I’m now around 500 pounds, up from my lowest weight of 275.
"Looking forward, I need to return to the UK where I will be eligible for the assistance I need to get my life back on track."
He added: "Thanks to all of you who have supported and encouraged me over the years. It’s clear that what I’m dealing with is something that needs to be solved through regular therapy."
Paul, who once scoffed up to 20,000 calories a day gorging on takeaways, has made no secret of his desire to return to Blighty so he can get help through the NHS.
He previously told of how he was desperate to get a double knee replacement and operation to fix his stomach staple, which in the US would set him back more than £100,000.
Over the past year he has also been in and out of hospital, including in January when he was suffering from cellulitis in both legs, an infection of the deeper layers of skin.
Last summer he also had a toe removed after contracting MRSA and was left in agony from a hernia.
He is said to have relapsed and become addicted to food again after splitting with fiancee, Rebecca Mountain.
He also said he was seeking help for depression and sought comfort by being in the company of animals, including chickens.
"I talk to them just like a human and I'm sure they understand," he said.
Meanwhile, last year he was accused of nicking £175 worth of aftershave, perfume, phone chargers and earphones and stashing them in his mobility scooter.
