A COLCHESTER woman who gorged on freezer food and put on two stone after her dad died has taken over a weight loss group.

Janda Sullivan, 51, started to put on weight after indulging in too many processed foods and regularly drinking alcohol following the death of her dad.

She also used to drive everywhere instead of walking, including trips to the nearby corner shop, as she found she got breathless and felt "sluggish".

In 2016, Janda, then at her heaviest, then found out she had viral meningitis for the second time.

Gazette: Before- Janda before her weight loss journeyBefore- Janda before her weight loss journey (Image: Slimming World)

The diagnosis made her realise just how precious life can be and spurred her on to start her weight loss journey with Slimming World.

Janda said: “I had heard about Slimming World through friends and family, but with the most recent diagnosis of meningitis I decided enough was enough. 

"I had to put my big girl pants on to walk through the doors of my local Slimming World group on my own, but I did it and haven’t looked back. 

“I loved the fact I was able to choose my own target weight and there was never any judgement or humiliation in the group. 

"I found out about all the food I could eat without going hungry and losing weight at the same time."

Before long, in November 2016, Janda had reached her target weight after losing just over two stone.​

Gazette: After - Janda featured on the front of Slimming World magazineAfter - Janda featured on the front of Slimming World magazine (Image: Slimming World)

She added: "It’s an amazing feeling when you reach your target weight and all your hard work has paid off, you feel that smile not only on your face but all the way through your body."

The following year Janda became a helper for the group and was tasked with speaking to members and sharing stories.

"It’s a proud feeling which I want everyone who is on their journey to be able to feel," she said,

"It’s all in how we feel, if we feel confident it shines right through us and gives off that little glow."

After Janda's own consultant told the group he was moving out of the area, Janda became the new Shrub End Slimming World consultant.

Janda relaunches the Saturday morning Shrub End group on December 30 at 7.30am.

For more information, or to join Janda at the group, call 07540 695272.