A slimmer who transformed her life by losing two stone is using her success to shape a whole new career helping other people change their lives and achieve their weight loss dreams too.

Sharon Pipe from Elworth joined a local slimming group when living in Woore, Shropshire 11 years ago and dropped from 12st 5lbs to 10st 5lbs.

And now Sharon (55), who originally trained as a lawyer, and has kept her weight off following the same eating plan, has become a consultant for the same weight loss organisation.

The turning point for Sharon was many years ago when she went to try on a pair of jeans she liked and couldn't get the zip done up.

Sharon before she lost all her weight

At the weekend, Sharon held her first class at a Sandbach town centre location, the Scout Hall in Chapel Street. Sharon says she tried other diet plans but found Slimming World suited her.

Having moved back to her Sandbach, her hometown in 2015, Sharon is delighted to be sharing her weight loss skills and tips with others at her weekly class, featured in our What's On section  https://sandbach.nub.news/whats-on

Latest government figures reveal that around one in four adults are obese and it is estimated that, by 2034, this will increase to one in three.

Sixty-eight per cent of Cheshire East's population is now overweight or obese, and Sharon says her new role has never been more important.

"Obesity is becoming such a huge issue across the UK. When I first joined Slimming World as a member, I never dreamed that I would end up helping other people to lose weight but now I just can't wait to get started," she said.

"After completing my training, it's a privilege for me to be able to pass on the experience, insight and understanding that helped me, so that I can give my members the support they need to get to target.

"Support is really the most important thing. It all starts with feeling that you're not alone. I couldn't have lost two stone without the weekly help, encouragement and understanding of my own consultant and group.

"As someone who has lost weight myself I know the challenges people can face, which is why, along with the group, I will be there to support every one of my members all the way to their chosen target weight.

Sharon outside the Saturday venue for her new class

"Setting targets, sharing recipes and other ideas, and working together as a group to overcome challenges and celebrate success is so important to a successful journey.

"That's why, at my Slimming World group, there'll be tons of support, encouragement and fun.

"Like a lot of slimmers, I had tried to lose weight so many times before by following numerous diets but they were never sustainable because I'd always get tired of restricting what I ate.

"I thought I was destined to struggle with my weight for the rest of my life, but when I came to Slimming World, it was different.

"I never felt like I was on a diet. The eating plan encourages you to eat lots of tasty, filling foods like pasta, rice, potatoes and lean meat and fish.

"You are never hungry and no foods are banned, so there's no deprivation. I couldn't believe I'd found a way to lose weight without starving myself.

"It isn't just about changing what you eat. Becoming more active is important too.

"Our Body Magic programme takes the threat out of activity by showing people, many of whom, like me, have unpleasant memories of being forced to take part in activity at school, how they can build activity into their daily routine without having to take up traditional forms of exercise like going to the gym or running.

"Everything counts from walking to gardening to washing the car. I love walking and yoga. As a consultant it's my role to create that warm, supportive atmosphere to get people sharing their ideas and experiences to help others."

Julie Pugh, who runs Slimming World's Rode Heath group and manages Sharon as a team developer, says: "Slimming World Consultants are chosen for their positive outlook and because they genuinely care about the health and happiness of others.

"With Sharon's experience of being a successful Slimming World member and her kind and warm personality and great sense of humour I just know that she'll be an amazing support to members, cheering them all the way to their target weight."

Sharon's Slimming World group takes place at the Scout Hall, Chapel Street, Sandbach every Saturday at 9.00am.