AFTER her mum’s death, Judith Sheppard’s weight got out of control, over the last year she’s been fighting back.

Judith, 40, from Haverfordwest, knew she needed to take action when she tipped the scales at nearly 20 stone.

Judith’s weight gain had got out of control following the death of her mum the previous year, due to complications from diabetes.

“I had seen what diabetes had done to my mum and I had a realisation that my long-term health was in jeopardy,” she said.

“I couldn’t stand the person looking back at me in the mirror, hated that I couldn’t choose clothes easily on the high street and knew that I needed to change.

“There is a family history of diabetes. I knew that losing weight would reduce my risks of becoming type 2 diabetic.

“I didn’t want what happened to my mum to be my future too plus I wanted to be a role model to my two children.”

In September 2017, Judith joined WW (previously Weight Watchers) in Haverfordwest. Since then she has lost over 80lbs and changed her lifestyle completely.

About six months after joining WW, Judith decided that she needed to introduce some exercise into the mix. She took the plunge joining a local Hoopacise class at the local leisure centre.

“I absolutely love it,” she said. “When I started I couldn’t hula-hoop at all and now I can! And the best bit is my tummy is whittled away!”

Judith currently weighs just over 14 stone and is confident that with the support she gets from her WW buddies she will carry on to reach her goal of 10 stone 7 in the next year.

“The best thing about my weight loss is that I have greatly reduced my risk of becoming Type 2 diabetic!"

Judith’s wellness Coach, Julie John meets at WW Studio at the Picton Centre, Freemans Way, Haverfordwest on Thursdays at 5.30pm. For more information visit weightwatchers.com/uk