A TAUNTON mum-of-four has become a part of her children's life rather than a mere spectator after shedding an incredible five stones.

Sophie Pugh has spent most of her adult life overweight, but she's so chuffed with her new trimmer look figure that she reckons she could lose a bit more weight.

Sophie, who has fibromyalgia, has managed to slim down on a number of occasions, but she soon put the weight back on each time.

She decided something had to change as she was unable to keep up with her active children and was watching them having fun rather than playing with them.

She first lost weight for her wedding day by going on a diet, but she's now tackled her weight issue with Slimming World.

Sophie said: "What I found out is Slimming World isn't just about eating healthily, it’s about the way I think I feel when I’m around food.

"I’m learning lifestyle habits that are sustainable. I just know that this time I’m going to keep the weight off because I’m not dieting I’m living life to the full.”

Sophie has a dairy allergy, but that wasn't a problem as Slimming World accommodates for allergies and intolerances. It also encourages everyday produce that can be bought at most supermarkets, making its plan accessible and affordable, particularly in the current cost of living crisis.

Sophie loves the support and friendships from the group and her consultant Anya.

Each week she goes home with more ideas and recipes that everyone shares to cheer each other on.

Sophie said: “A favourite meal of the family is spaghetti bolognaise, it’s quick and easy and the plates are all left clean.”

She treats weight loss as a marathon, not a sprint, having learnt it's not just about what you eat, but about habits you’ve formed, they way you think about food and much more.

Anya said: "It’s more about changing those things so you can make the better and healthier choices that lead to the weight loss."

Sophie's Slimming World group voted her their woman of the year recently.

Her philosophy is, 'We might not get there today, but one day we will. We just have to start somewhere.'

For more information on Slimming World contact Dawn on 07779 404038.