Obese man banned from favourite takeaways after personal trainer puts up 'do not serve' posters

Takeaways are definitively off the menu for Darren McClintock – after his personal trainer had him banned from all his favourite fast food stops.

The obese 27-year-old has been told he won’t be served in eateries across Middlesbrough, with flyers and posters being handed to staff showing his picture.

“Save Dibsy,” they say, referencing Mr McClintock’s nickname.

“Obesity is killing him. Do not serve this man.”

Trainer Mike Hind said he came up with the drastic plan after doctors warned his client that he was “eating himself to death”.

The pair went around their hometown handing out posters to dozens of restaurants.

Mr McClintock – who declined to reveal his exact weight – has now vowed to cut down on the pasties and pies, burgers and kebabs, following a heart scare which saw him undergo hospital treatment.

"I've struggled with my weight since I was a teenager but this year it's declined massively,” said Mr McClintock, who has to have clothes specially made.

“Instead of picking the healthy option I would always go for what I liked, stuff like pies, pasties, crisps and chips.

"It got to the point where my legs and back were aching all the time and I ended up in hospital. The doctor asked me if I want to live a long life and said I can't go on the way I am or I'd be dead before too long.

"Seeing my mum's reaction to it all was heart-breaking. If it wasn't for that I might never have changed.

"Now I need to face up to my problem and tackle it head on, it's now or never."

Mr Hind said it would take about a year to get his client to an optimum weight.

“Dibsy is a great guy but unfortunately he hasn't taken care of himself properly,” he said. “He's made a great start, he's trying hard and most importantly smiling."