A YOUNG Saltney woman's confidence has skyrocketed after shedding the pounds.

Hannah Rowlands, 24, was bullied at school and had started college in October 2011 with little self-confidence. When she began her weight loss journey with Weight Watchers (now WW) at the age of 17, she cried when the scales said she weighed 13 stone 4lbs.

Hannah began attending the classes to support her mum but was motivated to start losing weight after seeing bridesmaid pictures of her in a size 16 dress.

After reaching her goal range weight 18 months later, Hannah has continued to keep the pounds off and now is at her lightest adult weight of 9 stone 10lbs.

She explained her weight loss journey and how it had changed her life and inspired her confidence.

She said: "I spoke to the (WW) wellness coach Sandra Lewis and said I didn't think I could do it as I do not eat 'healthy' foods. I did not eat fruit, veg, soups or salad.

"Sandra explained the plan and said that all foods had a points value which meant I could still eat the foods I like as long as I stuck to the points. This made me realise what I was eating and I needed to make my portion sizes smaller. I have started making healthier choices including eating fruit and vegetables.

"My start weight was 13 stone 4lbs. The following week I had lost 4.5lbs. I couldn't believe it and thought maybe I could do it. By the time I celebrated my 18th birthday in July 2012 I had already lost 29lbs and felt better in myself.

"I kept going on this journey until I reached goal on February 6, 2013. In 16 months, I had lost 42.5lbs and weighed 10 stone 3.5lbs.

"I continued to go to weekly workshops, not always maintaining but staying in my goal range. My confidence is improving and I feel so much more adventurous.

"In July 2014 I booked my first girly holiday to Portugal. I was so scared but finally I put on a bikini and I have not looked back since.

"I felt confident and comfortable to wear it and not wear the costume I had taken once. My taste in clothes has definitely changed for the better and I love picking new outfits to wear.

"The next big event was my 21st birthday and we were having a party. I picked a short sparkly dress and felt amazing. My confidence was continuing to rise and family that I haven’t seen had commented on how much weight I had lost.

"In February 2016, after being at goal for three years, I was asked to be a bridesmaid again. This time I could not wait to order a dress in a size 12.

"We found the dress and It still had to be taken in. I couldn't believe the difference between the bridesmaid dress in 2011 and now the one I just ordered in 2016.

I have now reached my 50lb target and the lowest weight I have been. This was at 9stone 10lbs and to celebrate I booked another holiday.

"My holiday wardrobe was definitely more fashionable than previous years. It’s made me realise that it’s not the size on the label that counts its how you feel.

"I could not have done this without the support of my coach and my mum."

Hannah added: "My advice to anyone thinking about joining WW is to do it. With the new freestyle plan it is better than ever. You can eat so much more with over 200 zero point foods. I can lose weight, anybody can!

"The workshops are great; they’re really supportive with lots of tips and encouragement. We also have a Facebook group that is fabulous. This is where we post recipes, our individual journeys that include pictures and we also are there to support each other when we are struggling. The members also congratulate others when they have achieved something!

"I have been doing WW for 7 years and I am finally happy in my own skin and my confidence has gone through the roof. I cannot wait to continue on this journey with my next milestone is six years at goal in February.

"WW has changed my life and it can change yours too!"