A SUPER slimmer who lost six stone is hoping to inspire others to shed the pounds after setting up her own weight loss groups around York.

Mother-of-two Julie Wilcox, from Heworth, said her weight spiralled out of control after the birth of her son 15 years ago. She tipped the scales at more than 16 stone.

It was a family wedding in 2011 which proved the motivation to shift the pounds – a battle which has changed her life for the better.

Julie, 36, said: “I was always very slim and healthy, I was a dancer. Then I had my son at the age of 20 and that’s when my problems started.

“I was just eating all the wrong foods. I weighed 16-and-a-half stone, which is disgusting.” She said: “I tried all the fad diets but my weight was really yo-yoing.

“It was my mum getting married in May 2011 that motivated me as she asked me to be her bridesmaid. I wanted the old, confident me back and to be able to enjoy time with my family.”

Julie joined her local Weight Watchers group in late 2010 and said that between September of that year and April 2011 she lost four stone -just in time for the wedding, and eventually going on to reach her target weight loss of six stone in February last year.

“I feel absolutely amazing,” she said. “It’s totally changed my life. I have even signed up to climb Ben Nevis. I’m pushing myself to do things I haven’t done before.

“My husband Jason thinks it’s brilliant. He’s on a diet too.”

Julie now runs three Weight Watchers groups in York, including her most recent, which held its first night on Wednesday at the Monks Cross branch of Asda. “Honestly, if I can do it, anyone can,” she said.

To find out more about the meetings call Julie on 07880 554 501, or phone 08457 123 000.

 

BEFORE:
Weight: 16.5 stone
Dress size: 18-20
Ate/drank: Pizzas, curries and processed food.


AFTER:
Weight: 10.5 stone
Dress size: 10
Eats/drinks: Fresh produce and lean meats.