A MUM has told how her life has changed for the better after losing more than nine stone.

Hayley Hardy feared her children would be left without parents when at her heaviest she weighed in at 19st 13.5lbs.

However now she has dropped seven dress sizes and weighs 10st 10lb for her 5ft 8in frame - and she said it was easy.

Hayley said: “It’s an amazing feeling having lost so much weight and turning my health and fitness around.

“Losing weight has given me so much confidence – it’s totally changed my life.”

Mum-of-two Hayley from Poole said she piled on the pounds when she was a student and by the time she was 17, she was a size 16.

At 18 she met her former husband James and by her late 20s after having two children, she was a size 24.

“I felt totally miserable and my social life became limited to family events, with me in the same old fleece and enormous trousers.

“The only exercise I had was walking my son to school, and I’d arrive sweaty and exhausted. Then I developed asthma, which my GP said was down to my weight.”

Hayley joined Weight Watchers and in her first week lost 6 ½lb. She also joined a gym and became addicted to exercise.

In 18 months, she lost more than seven stone.

The 37-year-old, who is now a size 10, is a Weight Watchers coach and helps others lead a healthier lifestyle and has recently starred in a photoshoot as inspiration that anything is possible.

“The plan gave me the tools, support and most importantly taught me what to eat, where hidden sugars and fats are and how differently you feel when you eat the right foods. I can still enjoy the things I like but in moderation.

"I found my weight held me back from living a full life. I didn't feel I had anything to offer so would shrink back in social situations. Shopping would be a traumatic experience and ultimately end up in black trousers and a baggy top.

"Now my wardrobe is a colour explosion with every style imaginable."

*Hayley hosts classes at Friends Meeting House, Boscombe, on Tuesday at 9.30am, at Carey Hall, Wareham from 9am on Wednesdays and St Georges Church Hall, Oakdale on Wednesdays at 6.45pm.