Guys could take inspiration from story and get in shape

However, getting to such a stage usually involves a certain amount of hard graft for all but the most fortunate of males. One man that could provide inspiration to those who feel they are not blessed with a naturally trim physique is Kyle Olson, who told Men's Fitness about his transition from flab to fab.

Unlike some, his motivation for change came not from a health scare but after realising that there was little point in toning up muscles only for them to be stuck under fat.

Mr Olson admitted that prior to making an effort to get in shape he had eaten what he wanted in quantities as large as he wanted. Initially he decided to introduce small changes such as cutting out fried foods and sweets from his diet.

"As time went on and I really started wanting to look better, that's when it really started to change. I ate a lot more complex carbs, a lot more protein and a lot more vegetables," he said.

The 20-year-old stated that his weight loss and work in the gym did not go unnoticed with his family, which he suggested had to contend with "fat genetics". Both his parents decided to lose weight, with his dad dropping to 164 pounds from his previous level of over 300 pounds.

Commenting on how the change has also benefited his efforts, he stated: "My mom cooks healthy meals and buys healthy foods, so it makes my life a lot easier."

Working out could offer a number of benefits as author of Transforming Stress to Success and a mindfulness-based master practitioner of Neuro Linguistic Programming, Michelle Clemons, recently suggested it can play a part in lowering the risk of depression.

The last thing a man takes off – AsdruMark