A SLIMMER who turned her life around after being told she was at risk of dying from a heart attack has started a new job helping others lose weight.

Carrieanne Neale from West Swindon weighed 16st when she was told by her doctor her life was at risk.

It prompted her to join a slimming group and resulted in her losing nearly 6st. She is now starting a new career as a consultant for the organisation, helping others lose weight.

Getting the news from her doctor was terrifying, she said. “It all started when I went to the doctors for a check-up. They told me they were worried about my weight, saying that if I didn’t act soon, I was at risk of having a heart attack and dying.

“I was so upset, I didn’t know what to do. I went home and chatted to my family and that’s when my aunt suggested joining Slimming World.

“I decided to give it a go because I had to do something. I didn’t want to die. The doctor also told me I’d be at risk of diabetes as well, which has run in my family, so it was quite the health scare.”

Before she lost the weight she struggled with ordinary life. “I used to find day-to-day tasks hard. I used to to get aches and pains due to my weight. When I went for walks, I’d get out of breath just walking up a hill.

“But now that I’ve lost the weight I’m a lot more confident, more out-going. I’m definitely happier now. I actually like to do things like going for walks now.”

Carrieanne said she now feels like a different person: “I’ve become more confident at work and now I’ve got this new job, which I love because it is great to help people who are going through the same problems I faced.

“It’s transformed my life. For example when you’ve been a large size you are ashamed it’s a great feeling to finally go into a shop and pick up a top or a dress and not feel like you have to hide.

“I used to eat a lot of high-calorie food like pizza, cake and fizzy drinks. I got into a bad habit of eating a lot of takeaways or eating out.

“Now I still eat out and enjoy things like chocolate or crisps. But I’ve learned how to tame my habits and cook healthier meals.”

But Carrieanne, who went from a size 20 to size 14, admits losing weight is not an easy process: “It can be tough, there’s some weeks where you think you’ve had a good week, but you stand on the scales and you’ve put on weight.

"It’s especially tough at the start but by going to these classes I found I had so much support. They are a great way to learn from other people, things like dietary tips or new recipes. It’s also great to have them for comfort if you’re having a bad week. I don’t think I could have done it on my own."

The latest government figures reveal that around one in four adults are obese and it is estimated that, by 2034, this will increase to one in three. Carrieanne said her new role has never been more important.

“Obesity is becoming such a huge issue across the UK. When I first joined Slimming World as a member, I never dreamed that I would end up helping other people to lose weight but now I just can’t wait to get started," said Carrieanne.

“After achieving my target weight and completing my training, it’s a privilege for me to be able to pass on the experience, insight and understanding that helped me, so that I can give my members the support they need to get to target.”

Lou Robins who runs the Freshbrook group said consultants were chosen for their positive outlook and because they genuinely care about the health and happiness of others. She said: "With Carrieanne’s experience and her kind and warm personality and great sense of humour I just know that she’ll be amazing.”