"I didn't want to die", said a 54-year-old mum-of-one who decided to change her life and lose weight after suffering a heart attack at a young age.
Shelley Ripper, from Ipswich, said that she feels like “a new woman” after losing 4 stone 2 lbs in just one year.
The woman survived a heart attack in 2020 and then joined a local Slimming World group.
Miss Ripper, who slimmed down from 15 stone 9 lbs to 11 stone 7 lbs, said: “I was at my lowest point. Having a heart attack so young really scared me.
“I didn't want to die, so I knew I needed to do something about it.
“Being overweight impacted so many aspects of my life, I wasn't able to do simple everyday tasks without feeling out of breath.”
Miss Ripper said that losing her mum at the beginning of last year “spurred” her to keep going with her metamorphosis.
She added: “My mum used to ring me every Wednesday, when I weigh myself, to see how I got on.”
After Miss Ripper joined the support group, she swapped her favourite pastries and chocolate for fresh fruit and yoghurt.
She said: “People think slimming means going hungry, yet it’s not like that at all with this healthy eating plan.
“I love food, and it’s never once felt like I was on a diet. I can still eat my favourite meal of hunter’s chicken and chips.
“I’ve just learned how to make small changes, like using lean meat or cooking with a low-calorie spray instead of oil or butter – and they taste so much better.
“Thanks to the changes I’ve made, my health has improved dramatically.”
Miss Ripper said that the Slimming World group helped her a lot in the journey to a healthier life.
She said: “Liz Rogers who leads our group is very supportive. Everyone feels very welcomed there.”
Miss Ripper added that losing weight was “life-changing” for her.
“Even though I lost over four stone, I still have my up and down days, like everybody else.
“I just get through them because there is no going back to the weight I had before.
“I’m happier, healthier and much more confident now.”
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