A planned trip to the USA has helped one Penzance woman lose more than six-and-a-half stone in less than a year and a half.

Since she joined Helston's Weight Watchers in January last year, Trish Abbott has moved a lot closer to her goal of losing 100lbs before the visit to see family in the US this summer.

Trish was suffering a range of health problems including high blood pressure and osteoarthritis in her knees, and was faced with the drastic option of having a gastric band fitted, but was determined to lose weight the conventional way.

She said: “I can’t begin to tell you how much better I feel as a result of losing six and a half stone. From increased energy to loads more confidence; I’ve never felt better.

And it means so much to me that I can still enjoy chocolate and other treats, with the right advice and information. Knowing that I no longer require weight loss surgery is just fantastic.”

Trish has not only lost weight, she has also reduced her reliance on her asthma medication, her blood pressure is normal, she is able to walk without becoming out of breath, and she has shrunk from a clothes size 32 to size 16 or 18.

Jan Sumpter, the group’s leader, said: “I am so proud of Trish, she has been such a huge inspiration to myself and the other members of the Helston Weight Watchers meeting."

After

Falmouth Packet: