A WOMAN from Bournemouth who has lost 13 stone is inspiring hundreds of others to lose weight.

Beckie Roberjot said she had been big all her life and never went on holiday or to the cinema because her weight was holding her back.

The former NHS worker is now a Slimming World consultant for Queen's Park and Parkstone, inspiring around 250 members across the area by "paying it forward". 

She first joined Slimming World 15 years ago when she shed eight stone before going solo and embarking on numerous diets including the cabbage soup diet.

Beckie then returned to Slimming World around seven years ago as she wanted to lose weight for her sister’s wedding.

“It took me three attempts to get through the door before I went in”, she said.

The 49-year-old went on to lose 13 stone after setting herself an initial target of 100lbs and has managed to keep the weight off for the past four-and-a-half years.

Beckie said: “I never used to eat breakfast because I slept in too late because I didn’t sleep properly. I’d have coffee and cake with the girls then in the evening I’d have a meal deal.

"I remember one night I ordered two pizzas and I was living along at the time and I shouted ‘I’ll get it’ so the person didn’t think they were just for me."

She said she couldn't eat in front of other people as she was "too embarrassed".

Since losing the weight, Beckie has gone on to enjoy several holidays abroad including Cape Verde and Turkey and said not having to wear a seatbelt extension on the plane is one of her proudest personal victories.

She said: "I got excited because I could fit in the toilet on the plane, I kept getting up to use it. It's the small things you don't think of."

Beckie previously wore elasticated size 36 clothing but now wears a size 14 to 16 and is no stranger to sharing her weight loss success story on social media in a bid to inspire others.

She added: “Even if it helps one person, that will make a difference.”

Beckie holds Slimming World meetings at Queens Park Golf Club on Mondays at 5.30pm and 7.30pm and on Tuesdays at 8am and 9.30am with meetings also at St John’s Church in Ashley Road, Parkstone, every Wednesday at 5.30pm and 7.30pm.