A SUPER slimmer has been named Saltney Slimming World ‘Woman of the Year’ 2018 thanks to her life-changing 5st 9lb weight loss.

Debbie Catchlove, 51 from Saltney, has gone from 17st 2lb to 11st 7lb.

And now she’s been chosen to represent the Saltney Slimming World group in the nationwide Slimming World Woman of the Year 2018 competition, which aims to find the UK and Ireland’s most inspiring female slimmer.

Debbie, who has gone from a dress size 22 to a 10/12, said: “I never could have dreamt that I’d be in this position when I first began my weight loss journey. Losing weight has made such a big difference to me. My health is better, I have more energy, I’m happier and I feel more comfortable in my own skin.”

Debbie before she started on her weight loss journey

Debbie joined Slimming World after becoming increasingly unhappy with her size.

She added: “I started to put on weight after divorcing my ex-husband and stopped smoking. I tried lots of different ways to lose weight but they usually left me feeling hungry or miserable – or both, in fact. With Slimming World it’s completely different.

“My family and friends are all amazed by how much I can eat and still lose weight. I still eat many of the same meals that I did before I started losing weight, like spaghetti Bolognese/curries/roast dinners. Now I just prepare and cook them differently – and they taste so much better. I never have to miss out and I don’t have to get hung up on weighing and measuring everything I eat. I’ve picked up lots of new healthy recipes from the other members at my Slimming World group, too.

“I know a lot of people worry about joining a slimming club because they don’t know what to expect. Right from the first moment I walked into my Slimming World group I felt comfortable though, and the support I’ve received has been amazing. I look forward to going each week to catch up with all of my new friends and share tips, recipes and advice. I just love it!”

Debbie aims to maintain her current weight

Debbie lost 6lbs in her first week and was amazed that the changes she made had such a big impact so quickly. As the weight started to come off, her fitness improved Debbie now loves cycling.

She added: “I feel like a different woman to the one who walked into Slimming World on her first night and winning Woman of the Year is a real honour because there are so many amazing women in our group. I remember feeling like there was no hope when it came to my weight, but I’ve realised that when people believe in you – and you believe in yourself – you can do anything you set your mind to. I really hope my weight loss can inspire other people to get started on their own journey and know that there’s a whole group of people waiting to support them every step of the way – especially at the Saltney group.

"My goal now is to maintain my target and stay there for life, which I know I can do.”

Eleanor Brook, who runs the Saltney group, says: “I’m so proud of Debbie. She’s a fantastic ambassador for Slimming World and what she’s achieved is nothing short of incredible. She’s a huge inspiration to everyone in our group and I hope she inspires other women – and men – in Chester to change their lives in the same way.”

The Saltney Slimming World group is held every Monday at 5pm and 7pm at Saltney Tavern, High Street. To join or find out more call Eleanor on 07715 606082.