A DALRY slimmer who lost over four stone has been named ‘Woman of the Year’ in her Slimming World group because of her inspiring weight loss.

Andrea Bell dropped from over 17 stone to 13 stone and now she’s been chosen by her fellow members to represent the Dalry Slimming World group as their Woman of the Year 2016.

Around one in four women in the UK and Ireland are severely overweight and at risk of suffering a range of health problems including diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Slimming World’s Woman of the Year competition recognises the achievements of women in making long-term healthy lifestyle changes.

Andrea joined Slimming World in January after becoming increasingly unhappy with her size. She said: “I started to put on weight after losing my Dad in 2010 to cancer and I started to comfort eat. 

“I tried lots of different diets but they usually left me feeling hungry or miserable – or both, in fact. With Slimming World it’s completely different, I never have to miss out and I don’t have to get hung up on weighing and measuring everything I eat. 

“I don’t feel deprived and after losing over 4st I’m the slimmest – and the happiest – I’ve been in such a long time!”

The 45-year-old follows the Slimming World’s Food Optimising eating plan, which encourages slimmers to fill up on satisfying yet healthy everyday foods like fruit and veg, lean meat and fish, pasta, potatoes, rice, pulses and more without having to weigh or measure. 

She said: “My family and friends are all amazed by how much I can eat and lose weight. I still eat many of the same meals that I did before I started losing weight, like curries and homemade burgers. Now I just prepare and cook them differently – and they taste so much better. I’ve picked up lots of new healthy recipes from the other members at my Slimming World group, too.

“I know a lot of people worry about joining a slimming club because they don’t know what to expect. They needn’t be afraid though. Right from the first moment I walked into my Slimming World group I felt at home, and the support and motivation I’ve received from my Consultant Michelle and the rest of the group has been brilliant,” adds Andrea.”

 “They made me feel so welcome and now I don’t know what I was so nervous about – it’s just like a night out with friends and I look forward to going to Slimming World every Thursday. I definitely don’t believe I could have lost all this weight without them.

Andrea continued: “When I started out I never dreamt I’d be able to achieve all that I have. I lost 4lbs in my first week and was blown away that the changes I’d made had such a big impact so quickly. 

“As the weight started to come off and I began moving down dress sizes – I’ve gone from a size 20 to a 14 – I started to believe I could actually lose the weight and keep it off. Losing the weight has made such a huge difference – it’s changed my life. 

“I’ve got so much more energy and I can do things now that I couldn’t before. My fitness has improved and I enjoy being active now rather than thinking of it as a chore – I love Zumba. 

“I’m more confident and I like the slim, happy, positive person I see in the mirror. I feel like a winner already, so being voted the Dalry group’s Woman of the Year 2016 is just the icing on the cake.”

Michelle Syme, who runs the Dalry group, says: “I’m so proud of Andrea. Not only does she look fabulous, she’s improved her health and is bursting with energy. She’s a huge inspiration to everyone in our group and I hope she inspires other women – and men – in Dalry to change their lives in the same way.”

Michelle went on: “It can be hard to admit that you need to do something about your weight and to ask for help; Andrea shows just what’s possible when you do though. 

“She always tells other members that if she can do it, anyone can and that’s certainly true!”

The Dalry Slimming World group is held every Thursday at 5:30pm & 7:30pm at St Palladius Church Hall, Aitken Street. To join or find out more call Michelle on 07763 667436.