An Almondsbury woman has said her life is now 'so much easier' after losing more than a third of her body weight in the space of a year.

Louise Roberts was referred to WW (formerly known as Weight Watchers) by her GP last year and reluctantly agreed to give it a go.

The results have been remarkable and Louise has now hit her target weight.

“I am only 5’3” tall so weighing nearly 14 and a half stone, I wasn’t surprised when my GP referred me," said Louise.

"I went along and despite my misgivings, I quite enjoyed it and found that it grew on me.

“The changes I made were not huge but together they added up! I still had things like chilli con carne but made it with 5 per cent fat mince rather than 20 per cent fat mince.

"It was only when I couldn’t get hold of the healthier low fat stuff during lockdown that I noticed how my taste buds have changed. I hate the fat mince now and I don’t like really sweet stuff anymore either.

"I started exercising in the morning using a treadmill even though I hated exercise. I made myself get up early just to do half an hour and that was fine.

"During lockdown I realised that not going out, I was less active than normal so have upped my exercise to an hour in the morning watching a box set at the same time.

"Now I feel weird if I don’t do it and have even increased to a higher intensity to try and get my pulse going a little bit!”

"The other day I was having a sort out and put on my old size 16 trousers. As a size 8 I could nearly get both legs in one side of the trousers at a squeeze and I couldn’t believe it.

"It made me wonder how I’d got so big in the first place but it sneaks up on you as a gradual thing so you don’t notice. I’ve kept going because I never want to be like that again.

"I’m not puffed out anymore and life is so much easier. I set the pace when I’m out walking with my husband whereas I used to really struggle to keep up with him.”

"I had to pinch myself when I stepped on the scales and saw that I had done it – it was such a great feeling. I never thought I’d make it but now I have a new-found belief in myself.

" Normally you beat yourself up about silly stuff, but I’ve realised I can do anything I set my mind to across all areas of life, not just weight loss. Negativity does you no good so stay positive and inspire others.

“Friends and family are really pleased for me and people who haven’t seen me for a while do a double take. I love my virtual workshops but I can’t wait to get back to the face to face ones and see everyone again. It’s safe to say that GP referral has completely changed my life for the better!"