A WELLINGTON woman has retaken her wedding photos after losing 12 stone.

Mel Hitchcock, 53, says she struggled with her weight for most of her life, but was motivated to lose weight to avoid health problems after spotting an advert for Cambridge Weight Plan.

After her success, she has decided to become a consultant in order to help others of their weight-loss journeys.

Mrs Hitchcock, who went from 22 stone to 10 stone, said: “I had tried every diet out there, but none of them really addressed the psychological reasons why I was eating.

“I was self-soothing with food, I used it as a mechanism to cope with the emotional ups and downs of life. Some people use drugs and alcohol, but I was using food.

“Now I’ve found other ways to treat myself that are better than food, like getting my nails done or seeing friends.

“Putting size ten trousers on every morning is now the only motivation I need.”

Somerset County Gazette:

Mrs Hitchcock got married five years ago when she weighed 22 stone, but to celebrate her weight-loss, she had new photographs taken in a size ten wedding dress.

“We had a lovely, happy day, and I wouldn’t change it for the world. But, I would have been happier smaller and healthier,” she added.

“Having the photos taken was very emotional, it pictures spoke volumes.”


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Mrs Hitchcock, who works as a cardiac nurse, will use her spare time to help other people lose weight through the Cambridge plan. She will be based out of Expressions salon on Beech Hill in Wellington.

She said: “I can’t believe that I managed to do it. If I can do it, anyone can.

“I am 54 this year, and I can’t believe I wasn’t motivated before.

“After a few weeks, the effects were obvious. I spent my life making excuses, but now I can look after myself.”

To get in touch with Mrs Hitchcock visit her Facebook page Slim and Succeed in the South West.