MUM of three, Cassie Radford who has shed 50lbs since joining Weightwatchers, now runs a weekly weight loss group in Dartington to help encourage others who want to fight the flab too.

Since joining the slimming group, Cassie, 39, and her mum, Lyn Woolston, 77, have lost an impressive seven-stone between them. The pair even managed to keep the weight off during the Covid pandemic.

Following her weight loss success, Cassie was inspired to become a Weightwatchers coach in a bid to help motivate others change their lives for the better.

Both Lyn and Cassie wanted to loose weight for health reasons. Cassie also wanted to shed her baby weight so she could enjoy physical activities with her children. The pair joined Weightwatchers five years ago.

Cassie explained: “I originally joined so I could fit within the weight restrictions of theme park rides and take my children on them. 

“Now I feel happier, healthier and more confident.  I’m not scared to try new challenges and no longer worry what I look like in terms of activities - whether that’s running around a muddy assault course, going on rides, or just being a fool for my children.”

Cassie continued “After a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia it would have been really easy to just accept things and maybe give up, but I decided to fight.  I’ve concentrated on getting my body fit and strong in order to reduce my pain. 

“I’ve also found a passion for the gym and attend a local gym with a personal trainer four to five times a week. 

“Plus, I’m now loving cooking again and experimenting in the kitchen.  The knock-on effect of this is that the whole family eats better now.”

Lyn started Weightwatchers at 13 stone 10lbs and now weighs 10stone 8lbs. She signed up to help improve the pain in her legs caused by a disability.

As well as drawing support from fellow Weightwatchers, Lyn and Cassie say they also drew strength from each other during the Covid lockdowns.

“Being told to isolate due to my disabilities meant that I was away from the family, and particularly my grandchildren,” said Lyn.

“Feeling scared to go outside but also craving the company of others, my mental health suffered and I made wrong choices food-wise. Also, not being able to go out to exercise was not helpful.” 

She added: “Luckily having a daughter as a coach, I was able to check-in with her and use the weekly check-in on the app to support me. 

“Cassie and I would also check in with each other, chat about our day and put the world to rights, which put me in a better head space which made it easier to make better choices at times.”

The lockdowns also took their toll on teacher Cassie who was unable to go to work or meet up with her wider family. Like many parents she home-schooled her children.

She said: “There is a big difference between being a mum and a teacher. I found it a real challenge at times, which did affect my food choices sometimes. 

“On my dog walks I rang mum and chatted, which made the walking less lonely. 

“We would have a good moan to each other which was a big de-stresser and made me feel better to go back home with a clear head.  She has always been my biggest cheerleader.”

Weightwatchers takes a holistic approach to weight loss, explained Cassie, and is based on the four main pillars of nutrition and food, sleep, mindset and activity.

Cassie’s weekly Weighwatchers workshops are held at Dartington Village Hall every Monday from 10am.