SLIMMERS across Northwich and Knutsford are embracing the title of ‘biggest losers’ after shedding 60 stone between them.

The 12 members of the Slimming World groups have been awarded the Greatest Loser award, with an average weight loss of five stone each.

One member of the Hartford group, Joan Morley has lost 7st 9lbs, and says the change has transformed her life in everything from breathing to smiling.

Joan, 56, who attends the group run by Sarah Carter, said: “There’s absolutely nothing wrong with being a loser when it feels this good.

“I feel like a new woman since losing weight – in fact, I look so different that people who I haven’t seen for a while often can’t believe I’m the same person.

“For me though it’s the change on the inside that’s been the greatest – I’m happier, healthier and much more confident now.

“My weight impacted on so many aspects of my life, from struggling to find clothes that I like to fit to not being able to do simple everyday tasks without feeling tired and out of breath.

“Before I lost the weight I hated having my photo taken and whenever I saw pictures of myself I knew that my smile wasn’t real – yet now I’m beaming.”

People who are severely overweight, with a BMI above 30, are more likely to suffer from health problems like coronary heart disease, arthritis, diabetes and cancer.

Obesity is linked to a reduction in life expectancy of between seven and nine years.

Geraldine Dudley, 57, is a member of the Rudheath Social Club group run by Krissie Adams and has lost 6st after getting over the initial anxiety of joining up.

She said: “Walking through those doors was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, I was embarrassed about my size and scared that I might be the biggest person there.

“Since then I’ve made so many friends at the group and I honestly don’t think I could have done it without their support each week.

“I still enjoy all my favourite meals like burgers and chips and roast dinners but I’ve learned how to make small changes like using lean meat or cooking with low calorie spray instead of oil or butter.

“It fits in really well with the rest of my family and we can all eat the same meals. This is a change that I’ve made for life and have the tools I need to keep up forever.”

Krissie Adams, who runs the Rudheath Slimming World group, says: “The changes we’ve seen in Geraldine are incredible. I hope her success will inspire other people in Northwich who’d like to lose weight by forming new lifestyle habits and become happier and healthier to take action.”