Worlds fattest man in heart attack scare

By Laura Roberts Published: 9:55PM GMT 19 Feb 2010

Despite losing more than 20 stone to have the operation Paul Mason is still the world"s heaviest man Photo: ARCHANT

A reinforced ambulance was used to take Paul Mason, 48, from his home in Ipswich, Suffolk to hospital on Thursday.

Mr Mason used to weigh 70 stone at his heaviest but has now reduced his weight to 49 stone.

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The former postman had returned home from St Richard"s hospital in Chichester only last week following a life-saving gastric bypass operation.

Despite losing more than 20 stone to have the operation he is still the world"s heaviest man.

He had intended to publish an autobiography disclosing his weight loss secrets.

Before embarking on his diet regime Mr Mason is reported to have eaten 20,000 calories a day including three takeaway meals a night.

It costs the NHS £100,000 a year to care for him and he is thought to have cost the taxpayer more than £1 million over the last 15 years.

Mr Mason"s hospital stay in Chichester and his 143 mile journey by reinforced ambulance to and from the hospital cost the NHS £20,000.