A SLIMMER is celebrating her success after losing three stone helped her recover quicker after a lifesaving heart operation.

Ruth Everett, from Kelvedon, lost the weight after taking up more exercise and joining Slimming World in 2019. 

But Ruth became unwell in November 2021 and was told she needed a pacemaker. 

She said: “Being overweight had impacted on so many aspects of my life from worrying about health to struggling to find an outfit for my son’s wedding.

“Every day tasks left me out of breath, I was lacking energy and felt on a slippery slope to gaining more weight - I didn’t see a way out.

“My surgeon said I woud, without a doubt, recover quicker from my heart operation because of my weight loss.”

Ruth followed Slimming Worlds Food Optimising Plan and swapped meals cooked with cream and oil for healthy versions of favourites like chicken curry with rice and tuna pasta bake.

Ruth went on to lose three stone and has become more active including regularly walking and recently trekked 26 miles on Dartmoor raising money for Alzheimers charities.

Jo Spencer, who runs the Kelvedon group, said: “As we move further away from lockdown, we know more people than ever will be looking for support to embrace the coming months feeling happier and healthier.

“Given that being overweight also brings a higher risk of severe illness from Covid-19 I’m determined to ensure my members don’t put their weight losses on hold.

“Looking after our health is more important than ever right now and the changes Ruth has told us about are incredible.

“I hope her success will inspire other people in Kelvedon who’d like to lose weight.

“Improve their health and form new lifestyle habits to take action.”