A BRACKNELL woman who lost five stone is set to help other borough residents lose weight after training to become a slimming consultant.

Cassie Percival, who dropped from more than 14 stone to just nine stone after joining Slimming World 16 months ago, is set to take on her own group in the coming weeks.

She said: “Obesity is becoming such a huge issue across the UK.

“When I first joined Slimming World as a member, I never dreamed that I would end up helping other people to lose weight but now I just can’t wait to get started.

“After losing five stone and completing my training, it’s a privilege for me to be able to pass on the experience, insight and understanding that helped me, so that I can give my members the support they need to get to their dream target.”

Cassie put on most of her weight while pregnant and also suffers from a condition called Fibromyalgia, which causes widespread pain across the body.

This meant the more weight she carried, the more pain she was suffering as a result of her condition.

Her pain made her realise she “needed to do something” about her weight “before it got out of control” as it made it difficult for her to spend time with her daughter.

She added: “I had created a very unhealthy relationship with food. I thought I was destined to be a yoyo dieter and struggle with my weight for the rest of my life, but when I came to Slimming World it was different.

“I never felt like I was on a diet. The eating plan encourages you to eat lots of tasty, filling foods like fresh fruit, vegetables, pasta, rice, potatoes, lean meat and fish, you are never hungry and no foods are banned so there’s no deprivation.

“I couldn’t believe I had found a way to lose weight without starving myself. I’d found a healthier lifestyle, not just for me but my family too. I wish I had walked through those doors years ago.”