When web developer Paul Hulatt was weighing up the options for beating the bulge he decided to make himself app-y.

The answer was to expand his IT skills and create a smartphone and tablet app which allows dieters to photograph their body and track their changing body shape.

And it has certainly measured up to the task. Since the development of SnapTrack, the 39-year-old has shed an amazing 65lb from his starting weight of 19st 6lb.

The father-of-three now hopes the app will enable others to taste similar success.

“In the past I’d tried numerous diet plans but nothing seemed to work for me,” he said.

“Then I had a light bulb moment when I sat back and thought about what it was that I really wanted – to look thinner.

“I used this inspiration to create SnapTrack, which was my own private way of holding a mirror up to myself and pushing myself to lose weight.

“Seeing the pictures of how I looked really motivated me to stick to a healthy eating regime and exercise programme and I got a real buzz seeing pictures of my shrinking body every week.

“Of course it still took time and hard work, but I lost 60lb over two years and I honestly feel like a different man.

“I’ve still got a way to go, but I turn to the app every time I want to remind myself how far I’ve come, which motivates me to never go back to my old ways.”

SnapTrack motivates users to lose weight and tone up without having to constantly jump on the scales. Photographs can be taken and stored in reverse chronological order alongside their key body measurements.

Each SnapTrack account is also password protected so that users’ images remain secure and private, although there are options to share progress on Twitter and Facebook for added motivation.

Paul, who lives with wife Mandy, 43, and their children Jack, 12, and nine-year-old twins Victoria and Louisa in Struttons Avenue, Northfleet, now hopes to lose a further 34lb to reach his goal of 12st 5lb.

Mandy, an accounts assistant, said: “We are really proud of Paul and, as well as raising awareness of SnapTrack, we want to share his story.”

Other apps they have developed include takeaway guide NoshOut, shopping app MallGuide and GuessTune, a multi-device music quiz.

The couple also have a chance of winning £10,000 after entering SnapTrack in a small business competition.

To vote for SnapTrack click here.

Three versions of SnapTrack are available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

For more information, click here.