Big interview: The alternative fat camp - Paul Gately, founder, Carnegie International Weight Loss Camp

The man behind the only weight-loss camp dedicated to young people in Europe is probably the trendiest and youngest professor you're ever likely to encounter. But what he lacks in a beard and tweed suit, he more than makes up for in passion, drive and knowledge.

Gately came up with his weight-loss programme at Leeds Metropolitan University after visiting the boot-camp style operations in the US. "That taught me how not to do it. They were starving kids and exercising them intensively, but once that stimulus was removed they reverted back to their old habits," he says.

His six-week residential course for about 120 young people has reached its fifth year without a shred of cash from the Government, although some attendees get a grant from their council or NHS trust towards the 2,200 fee.