Twenty-eight stone Chris Leppard took his case to the House of Commons in an effort to understand why he was controversially sectioned.

Chris, 23, was joined yesterday by his mother, Anne, as they met psychiatrists, human rights lawyers and Wealden Tory MP Charles Hendry.

He revealed details about his rare condition, Prader-Willi syndrome, which leaves him craving food most of the time because he never feels full.

At the height of his troubles, Chris, who lives at home in Chiltern Drive, Hastings, weighed more than 33 stone.

His alarming weight gain led to him being sectioned under the Mental Health Act in February at the Eastbourne Clinic in Grange Road, Eastbourne.

Chris was discharged seven days later after doctors concluded he was free of any mental condition.

However, Chris is taking legal action against East Sussex County Council, claiming he was detained against his will - which the authority denies.

In the meantime, he is on a strict diet and exercise regime that has led to him losing five stone in 11 weeks.

He has cut down on foods containing saturated sugar and fat, visits a gym for gentle daily exercise, goes for regular walks and keeps track of everything he eats.

Yesterday, Chris's mother outlined his battle to control his condition at the Commons.

Afterwards, Chris told The Argus: "It was worthwhile coming up here. We managed to get things across to the people and explain my condition.

"Whether anything will come out of it I don't know but it was a chance to highlight my case to people at a high level."

Mrs Leppard, 49, added: "We were told we had to shout more to make our voices heard but I told them that I don't think I can shout any louder.

"We wanted explanations as to why Chris could be sectioned. It wasn't right, it simply shouldn't have happened."

Chris aims to get his weight down to 18 stone and, when he is fit enough, run the Hastings Half Marathon and the London Marathon.

He said: "It's all down to doing the right things by eating properly and getting more exercise. I am changing and I'm happy with myself now."