For food lover Louis Zito, American-sized portions proved too much of a temptation after he emigrated stateside.

But the former Meltham lad has turned the flab into muscle to become a bodybuilding champion.

Louis, 22, was already an over-eater when his family moved to Chicago, 13 years ago.

Louis Zito, formerly of Meltham, before the diet

The family, who now live in Rochester, Upstate New York, moved so Louis’ dad John, 58, could take a job in the land where everything is bigger, including the portions.

Louis, who had lived with his dad, mum Debra, and brothers Jacob and Sam, at Badger Brow, Meltham, ballooned to 18-and-a-half stone.

But following a warning from his doctor, Louis stopped stuffing himself and starting lifting weights to become Men’s Novice Light, Men’s Junior and Men’s Overall Champion at a World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF) contest in Rochester.

Louis Zito, formerly of Meltham, after the diet

Louis, now a personal trainer, said: “In 2008, when I graduated from high school I weighed 260lbs and was told by my doctor I had a high chance of type-II diabetes. I decided the summer before college would be a good time for a change.

“I began how everyone does, by copying workouts from magazines and spending hours on a treadmill. But over time I started to enjoy researching how I could change my body.

“I then went to the university at Buffalo to study exercise science and sports psychology. I learned how to loose fat and gain muscle the right way. At this point I had lost over 100lbs and it was time to put on some muscle.

The Zito family, originally from Meltham, at their home in Rochester, New York State. From left: Jacob (22), Louis (22), Sam (24) and seated Debra (55)

“When I graduated I was finally at a place were I felt I was ready to compete. After 20 weeks of prep I got on stage at 155lbs.

“I won men’s juniors, lightweight novice and novice overall. I am now planning on attending grad school to get my masters in exercise and nutrition science – and yes, I used to eat a calzone everyday after school.”Apart from resisting the obscene portions, the family love their life in the USA.

But they are still a proud Yorkshire family, according to Debra.

The Zito family, originally from Meltham: John and Debra

Debra, 55, said: “We really miss all our family and friends in England, especially at Christmas time but we have made some good friends here and enjoy celebrating the US holidays like Thanksgiving and July 4.

“We have a Union Jack flying outside our house and are still very proud to be English and from Yorkshire.”