Calgary

The Fat Project follows Calgary food addict's quest to become a triathlete

The Fat Project follows the president of the Calgary Public Library Foundation's weight loss journey for the next three years.

Paul McIntyre Royston documenting weight-loss journey through videos, Instagram and blog

Paul McIntyre Royston is the president and CEO of the Calgary Public Library Foundation. (Christine McIntyre Royston)

A 417-pound Calgary man has decided to lose weight in a very public way.

Paul McIntyre Royston, who calls himself a food addict, is documenting his quest to become a triathlete.

"I have three kids and I've been struggling since I was eight-years-old," said the president and CEO of the Calgary Public Library Foundation.

Paul McIntyre Royston did compete in one triathalon in 2008 but said it was just a 'baby one.' (Rob McMorris)

"I'm finally finding it's really catching up to me."

McIntyre Royston is already blogging about his cravings, meal plans and how he kicked his excessive McDonald's breakfast habit.

"My mom was sick my whole life, so maybe food was a coping mechanism for me."

He's given himself three years to reach his athletic goal. During that time, he'll have a local video crew following him around and will upload photos of all of his meals on Instagram.

"I want to set it up so I don't fail," he said. "The public accountability, frankly, is the number one for me and I think that will be the way to lead to success."

Since launching the project three weeks ago, McIntyre Royston has lost 15 pounds.

He says he has a long way to go, but doesn't have a weight-loss goal. He just wants to lose it in a healthy way — and keep it off.

"I've lost over 50 pounds three times."

McIntyre Royston says he did do one triathalon in 2008 but said it was a "baby one."

"I finished second last, beating a pregnant woman."