IPSWICH: Furious readers are today lashing out against a 70 stone Ipswich man, who has received up to �1million of state-funded care.Paul Mason, believed to be the world's heaviest man, had a gastric bypass at a specialist unit in St Richard's Hospital, Sussex on Friday.

IPSWICH: Furious readers are today lashing out against a 70 stone Ipswich man, who has received up to �1million of state-funded care.

Paul Mason, believed to be the world's heaviest man, had a gastric bypass at a specialist unit in St Richard's Hospital, Sussex on Friday.

The story that his care has been burden on the public purse attracted a sea of strong opinions from members of the public on The Evening Star's website.

In our online poll, 77 per cent disagreed with the NHS giving Mr Mason help.

The 48-year-old was expected to be taken into intensive care following the operation, which is usually straight forward but would have caused a heavy strain on his heart. It has been reported he may be in hospital for a month.

This will surely add insult to injury to many people, who claim he has been a drain on resources.

Red Ms commented on the website: “He has been give help on several previous occasions, he has even managed to lose weight before but just ends up heavier through his own choice and with taxpayers' money! I'm not surprised we're funding his pointless treatment after all we've been funding his eating for years.”

Paul Assirati, Ipswich, said: “What an absolute waste of money that I and all other taxpayers have been funding. I see the horrific pictures of Haiti and wonder why we are wasting money on this man who has done nothing to help himself over the years. Sorry this is not an illness, it is a pure self inflicted addictionon.”

Keith Vickerstaff said: “I think the money it cost to take this man to get treatment should be better spent on the national health [service].”

However other people were more sympathetic about his plight, which is due to be televised in a Channel 4 documentary coming soon.

Graham Mark said: “Everybody should ensure that friends, family, work colleagues and neighbours never ever get into a similar situation. Leave the guy alone - unless you want to help him of course.”

Hayley and Lee said: “It's not an easy position for anyone to be in or for anyone to comment on unless being in that or a similar situation themselves.”

M E GO: “I wish people would stop judging others! This person has feeling too, and would you be complaining if it was your father or brother?”