A COLCHESTER woman who often felt “short of breath” or “exhausted” now feels fitter and healthier than ever after losing nearly half her weight in about a year.

Charlene Hogger lost an incredible 8 stone 2 lbs in just 56 weeks and has now reached her “dream weight” before she turns 40.

At a dress size 22 and 18 stone 8.5 lbs, Charlene often felt short of breath and was permanently feeling exhausted as even her childcare job was a struggle.

The 39-year-old said: “I always struggled to keep up with the pace and getting up and down on the floor was really hard, my ankles were often swollen really badly after being on my feet all day.

Gazette: Before - Charlene Hogger used to be a dress size 22 and 18 stone 8.5 lbs Before - Charlene Hogger used to be a dress size 22 and 18 stone 8.5 lbs (Image: Public)

“It also affected my family life as I avoided doing certain things with my children like going swimming, to the beach on or any of the rides.”

She added how she was consuming “large quantities of high-fat foods”.

“Knowing how much weight I wanted to lose I had serious doubts I’d be able to stick with it as I thought I would have to maintain a monotonous and restrictive diet,” said Charlene.

“But I knew I had to do something.”

In February last year, Charlene and a friend joined the Stanway Slimming World group.

Gazette: Happy - Charlene Hogger now feels confident and healthy before turning 40Happy - Charlene Hogger now feels confident and healthy before turning 40 (Image: Public)

Although feeling nervous on arrival being the heaviest she had ever been, Charlene said the feelings of embarrassment and shame disappeared “instantly”, quickly feeling “thoroughly welcomed”.

She added: “I was truly surprised with the varied and delicious meal selection Slimming World had to offer.

“I found out I could still enjoy my favourites including curry.

“By making a few changes and substitutions I could continue to enjoy a homemade curry on a Friday night and a fry-up for breakfast.”

Gazette: Weightloss - Charlene Hogger with an old pair of trousersWeightloss - Charlene Hogger with an old pair of trousers (Image: Public)

Charlene said she has found a passion for preparing and cooking healthier meals throughout her time at Slimming World.

She continued: “With my significant weight loss over the past year, I feel physically fitter, no longer feel short of breath upon exertion and no longer get swollen ankles from being on my feet all day in a physically demanding job.

“This journey has not only encouraged me to take on a healthier change to my diet but has encouraged me to make significant lifestyle changes.”