The World's fattest man, Paul Mason of Ipswich, England has been rushed to hosiptal for emergency surgey under the NHS - which could cost British tax payers thousands of pounds in health care.

Paul Mason, 48, who weighs 70 stone (980 pounds) was moved from his Ipswich home to a specialist unit in Suffolk, in order to undergo life-saving surgery, due to take place on Friday 15th January 2010.

This journey from his home was carried out using a reinforce ambulance because Mr Mason is so obese.

Mr Mason, who has been diagnosed with having a compulsive eating disorder, is said to consume 20,000 calories a day. This diet mainly consists of junk food and high fat foods.

Mr Mason, a former Royal Mail postman, has been estimated to cost British tax payers approximately £100,000 a year in health care and NHS fees. It has been suggested that his 15 year obesity has cost tax payers over £1 million in total.

Mr Mason, once reduced his weight to 45 stone before dropping his diet and starting to eat his way through junk food once again.