Man who lost 19 stone releases video of his excess skin to send positive message about body image

A man who lost 19 stone in weight has bravely released a video showing his excess skin in an effort to promote a positive message about body image.

Matt Diaz, who says he has never shown anyone his excess skin before, dropped from about 35 stone at his heaviest to about 16 stone over the course of six years.

All of this is just excess skin from the weight loss, and I work out and I work really hard.. and there's just nothing I can do about it.

I'm scared to put this up because I'm scared people won't think I'm attractive any more, I'm scared all the nice messages will stop... but I think it's important I'm not ashamed of who I am.

• Matt Diaz

After releasing the video on his Tumblr and YouTube, Diaz quickly went viral attracting over 800,000 views and receiving almost overwhelmingly positive feedback over the course of two days.

Writing about why he chose to release the video, Diaz explained:

I'm a really big advocate for self-love and body positivity. I think it's important that we learn to love the bodies we're in.

I couldn't tell others that I wanted them to love themselves and keep myself hidden away and ashamed of my skin. I know what it feels like to hate your body, and to be depressed about it, and I never want anyone to feel that way again. So, if making myself vulnerable can help one person, why not?

• Matt Diaz

Watch the full video here:

In a bid to pay for skin removal surgery, Diaz set up a GoFundMe page where almost $50,000 (£33,000) has been donated.

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