Battle of the bulge: UK's fattest pets go head to head in slimming contest

Among the participants are a cat who once stole and ate an entire cheesecake, and a dog who gobbled up a set of false teeth.

Sky News reports that thirteen fat pets that combined weigh more than the gargantuan actor behind the Mountain in Game of Thrones are going head to head in a nationwide slimming contest. Leading veterinary charity PDSA has been hosting its Pet Fit Club since 2005, and this year the participants weigh in at a whopping 201kg. That is a shade over the weight of Hafthor Julius Bjornsson - the Icelandic strongman who has appeared in the hit HBO and Sky Atlantic fantasy drama since 2013. Making up the roster for the 2018 PDSA Pet Fit Club are seven portly pooches, five flabby felines and one rotund rat, who need to lose a combined 75kg to reach their ideal weights. Among them are a heavy hound who once stole an entire Sunday roast for itself and a massive moggy who grew too big for its cat flap. The Pet Fit Club will see them all embark on a strict, six-month diet and exercise programme, with each placed on an individually tailored regime designed for their specific needs. Since launching in 2005, more than 120 overweight and obese pets (79 dogs, 37 cats and eight rabbits) have lost a combined 450kg thanks to the scheme. PDSA vet Olivia Anderson-Nathan said: "Pet obesity is an epidemic that is seriously impacting the lives of millions of pets across the country. "As with humans, carrying excess weight has serious health implications for our four-legged friends. It increases the chances of life-limiting and life-threatening conditions such as arthritis, diabetes and heart diseases." Across the UK, up to 50% of dogs and cats are now thought to be overweight, with many vets in agreement that pet obesity has increased over the last two years. (Story source: Sky News)