PURBECK mum Natalie Rose is confident in her ability to help slimmers, after shedding a massive 7.5 stone and managing to keep it off for three years.

The 31-year-old, from Wool, who runs the Swanage and Wareham branch of Slimming World, has released before and after pictures in a bid to inspire others to strive for a healthier lifestyle.

Natalie, a mum-of-five from Dorchester Road, told the Daily Echo: “I was a person who was too frightened to go to group. It took every ounce of courage I had to go through those doors on that first day, but by that point I knew I had to be healthier.”

She tipped the scales at a hefty 18stone 8lb and was pregnant with her fourth child when she decided to join Slimming World.

“I had a pregnancy induced liver condition, but I think it was made worse by my weight,” said Natalie.

“Also, my ex-husband told me I was too fat to fancy. That was probably the straw that broke the camel’s back.”

Natalie is now in a happy relationship with her current partner, and on good terms with her ex-husband, she insists. She said: “I’ve always struggled with my weight. I’m an emotional eater and if things are going good I’m okay, if things are going bad I eat.

“The way we do things at Slimming World is far removed from just a diet.

“It’s more about watching the foods that can make us lose control and eating more of what we can enjoy freely.

“We work to change lifestyle, that’s how I’ve managed to keep the weight off.

“There might be a member who comes to me who wants to lose 10lb, there might be a member who wants to lose 10 stone. It doesn’t matter, they will get the same level of support.”

The Wareham branch of Slimming World meets every Monday in the town’s Masonic Hall, with sessions at 5.30pm and 7.30pm. The Swanage group meets every Thursday, at 7.30pm, at the United Reformed Church.

Contact Natalie for information on 01929 460111 and/or 07500 962667.