A WOMAN is celebrating losing more than eight stone in two years – simply by changing her diet.

Ffion Roberts, aged 43, who has lived in Ruthin and surrounding areas all her life, has lost eight stone five-and-a-half pounds – moving from a size 24 to a size 14 – after enlisting the support of Slimming World Ruthin (SWR) in 2016 following severe knee pain.

Ms Roberts had attended SMR several times in the past but had never stuck to it, but after suffering from serious knee pain that led to an operation, she committed to the arduous journey of weight loss and came out victorious.

Ms Roberts said that having made "friends and family” – and thanks to the positive affects of social media – she was able to persevere.

“I had been before but couldn’t stick at it, but this time I did. You make friends and family and want to do well for them. There’s no chance I could have done it without the Slimming World group’s support," Ms Roberts said.

“You have good weeks and bad weeks and they help you through,” she added.

Ms Roberts, who did not exercise at all because "it's not for me", said she did not make extreme diet changes but “cooked food from scratch rather than any packaged meals” and cut down on snacks such as crisps. “I still have treats, they’re just the right kind."

Ms Roberts said social media has been of significant help and could have been a major reason as to why she was successful this time around.

“Social media has been really helpful. You can keep in contact with the group and they post recipes and different kinds of food.

“There was nothing like a Facebook group last time I joined. It has helped a lot.”

Ffion Roberts has been awarded Slimming World Ruthin's 'Woman of the Year' for her effort.

Tracy Cawthray, Slimming World consultant and area manger for Denbighshire and Flintshire who has helped Ffion on her journey, said: “Ffion is a real inspiration to everybody at Slimming World.

“She has taken weight loss in her stride and we are all motivated by her success.

“This is what Slimming World is all about. There is no greater feeling than helping to change someone’s life.”