WOMAN from Sam's Slimming World group in Tiverton have been named 'Woman of the Year' after losing 31 stone between them.

Groups Winners, Jade Meffe, Yvonne Baker, Gillian Billbourgh, Christyna Tinham, Bronwyn MIlton and Caroline Trew were voted for by their fellow members for their weight losses this year.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, more than two in three adults are considered to be overweight or obese.

Slimming World's Woman of the Year competition aims to recognise the achievements of women in the making long-term healthy lifestyle changes.

One of the women, Miss Trew, says that being overweight isn't just something that can impact on your physical health, as it can cause mental health problems, too. Luckily, Slimming World was there to change her life around.

She said: "Being over weight can cause so many problems not just with your physical health but also your mental health.

"The depression caused by the constant battle and consistent failure of various diets or exercise regimes that people recommend and you try only to fail over and over again wondering how on earth can I be getting bigger rather than losing the weight.

"At a size 22/24, the peak of my weight gain, I had sunk into a spiral of ill health and depression. I hated the way I looked and the way I felt. The embarrassment of not being able to walk up a few stairs without sweating profusely, huffing loudly and feeling like I might pass out.

"I went to the doctor again in tears and desperate.

"I was then referred to Slimming world and to say that my life has changed is an understatement.

"I went to my first group in Tiverton on October 22, 2015, thinking 'this will never work' but I was wrong.

"Ten months later I am now five stone nine pounds lighter and not only can I walk up several flights of stairs but I can run with my children without collapsing because I am struggling to breathe.

"I still have a few stone to lose but I am loving my journey and the friends I have made along the way. Such amazing, inspiring and supportive men and women, I feel so blessed.

"I confess it can be hard at times as anyone will tell you but if you stick to it and keep pushing through the maintains and the gains you will totally revolutionise your life.

"Slimming world isn't a diet it is a way of life."

To find your nearest Slimming World group visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk for more details.