A FAT fighter from Maldon has lost more than five stone in less than a year.

Wendy Mitchell, 53, weighed 17 stone and half a pound in January this year, before she joined Weight Watchers on January 23.

Since joining the fat fighting group, as of September she has lost a grand total of five stone and half a pound, weighing in at 12 stone.

Miss Mitchell, who works as an office manager, was inspired to get healthier after doing some damage to her back on Boxing Day last year, and there was a high chance of her ending up in a wheelchair if she didn’t lose some weight.

She said: “My trigger to join Weight Watchers was in December 1 2017; a friend of mine does Herbalife and I decided to try it as I liked the idea of milkshakes but unfortunately, they didn't agree with me.

“I decided though to carry on because of health reasons and try and lose some weight before I joined WW - I probably lost around 21lbs before I joined.

“I went back to them because I have done it before and it always works for me.

Miss Mitchell said she is now much more aware of what she eats and how to balance the intake with exercise, and has a much healthier relationship with food, enjoying what she eats more.

She added: “Weight Watchers has given me my confidence; I went to a wedding a few weeks ago and a friends husband walked passed me he didn’t even recognize me until I spoke, I felt amazing and even managed to enjoy the healthy parts of the buffet.

“You also have to find what works for you, everyone's body is different and reacts differently as well.

“Always do it for yourself, no-one else, this is the first time I have done this for me... and it is the best feeling ever.

“Going into a shop and trying on clothes that actually fit is another "feel good" moment. I can't explain it, only another person who has lost lots of weight will understand that.

“I am here because I want to be here.”

To find out more about Weight Watchers, visit www.weightwatchers.co.uk.