A DROITWICH mum-of-two who shed an incredible five stone in six months with Slimming World is launching her own group in the town to inspire others to do the same.
Jen Fontanari was classed as obese and spent years battling with her weight until she finally reached for help.
The 54-year old was told she was on the verge of developing an underactive thyroid and could soon develop type 2 diabetes if her weight continued to increase.
She said: “I was devastated when they said I was clinically obese. I think this was the turning point.”
In September 2015, she took heed of her sister Sue’s advice and joined a local Slimming World club. Sue had lost five stone with the same plan.
Jen’s motivation was to lose a stone before going to Switzerland with her husband and she ended up losing two.
She said: “I was thrilled, I began feeling so much better.
“We did a lot more walking and sightseeing than when I was heavier.”
She said when she first went to the slimming club she was really nervous and almost went home before she even entered the building.
“I’m so glad now I didn’t.
“I was welcomed by Peggy who explained the ‘extra easy’ plan and it was.”
The plan meant Jen could continue eating her favourite family meals like steak and chips or chilli with rice.
Jen said her husband, Karl, who is a type 2 diabetic, also followed the healthy eating plan and noticed an improvement in his blood pressure and weight.
He said: “I’m so proud of her – she’s like a different woman.
“It’s not just her size, but her self confidence and vitality too.”
Jen added: “I feel great and it’s wonderful being told by friends I haven’t seen for a while how amazing I look.”
Jen’s new group will take place at St Joseph’s Primary School in Droitwich at 7pm every Thursday from March 31.
She said: “I just want to help as many people as I can to have the opportunity to feel as self confident and empowered as I do now.”
To learn more or to join Jen’s club, call her on 07555 104100.
