A MOTHER-of-two from Wroughton who dropped five dress sizes in 10 months is supporting others on their weight loss journey after setting up her own Slimming World group.

Rachel Wilson, 31, joined Slimming World in Liden while feeling at an all-time low but, with guidance and emotional help, from the group shed the pounds and has so far lost 4st, going from a size 22 to a 10.

She launched her own group in Wroughton on Thursday last week.

A hysterectomy in 2012 was the wake-up call she needed to improve her health. She was told her obesity and high BMI placed her at increased risk for the operation. As well as weight problems, Rachel suffers from Lupus anticoagulant disorder, which means her blood clots too fast. She has been on anti-coagulant warfarin ever since suffering a stroke at the age of 17.

“It was a potential recipe for disaster,” Rachel said. “I promised myself, husband and children that as soon as I was fully recovered, that I was going to sort my weight and health issues out.”

She joined her local Slimming World group at the start of 2013.

“My diet consisted of junk food like crisps, chocolate and microwavable burgers, and if these were not available I would often go without and just have one meal a day,” she said.

“I would like to share my weight loss success and newfound love of both food and myself, to others who are in the same or similar situations.”

Rachel’s Slimming World group meets at Wroughton Methodist Church every Thursday between 7.30pm and 9pm.

To join call 07824 885182.