A mum-of-two from Dunmow who lost more than three stone in eight months said she has "grown in confidence".
Chantell Mapp-Pope joined the Dunmow Slimming World group on April 29 last year.
She said: "My self-esteem was at its lowest point.
"I was desperately unhappy with my weight and after a holiday abroad in April 2023, covering up, feeling ashamed and conscious of my body.
"I have suffered with severe anxiety for over 20 years, I disliked the way I felt and the way it was affecting my family, I knew something had to change!"
Having lost over three stone, Chantell was recently nominated for the group's Miss Slinky award, which she won jointly alongside a fellow member.
She said: "I have grown in confidence, feel accepted for who I am and love that there is no judgement or humiliation in group.
"Previously I would never have got up and spoke in front of a group and would have avoided situations like this."
Slimming World aims to help people make healthy changes to the way they and their family cook, shop and eat.
Chantell said: "Like most people, I’d tried to lose weight countless times before, yet nothing ever really seemed to last as I viewed it as a restrictive diet.
"I can still enjoy hearty, home-cooked meals with my family while losing weight, which seems like a miracle!
"My favourites include butternut squash macaroni cheese, chilli con carne, cottage pie and bacon, butternut squash and chilli pasta.
"Previous weight-loss attempts left me feeling hungry – nowadays I eat more than ever!"
Chantell, along with her husband and daughter, attend the Dunmow group run by consultant Kylie Da Silva.
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Kylie said: "I’m so proud of Chantell and her approach to mindset change and adapting to a healthier lifestyle.
"It’s so wonderful to see her courage grow each week in group and achieve dreams that she never thought could come true – it really is a life-changing moment that I have the privilege to be a part of."
For more information about joining Slimming World in Dunmow call Kylie on 07738 549835.
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