Lynne Howe, 39, from Great Barr, is celebrating losing almost four stones and being able to walk with just one stick instead of two, after just six months with an NHS Slimwell group, which began in March this year.

Slimwell is part of Eatwell in Sandwell, the local award-winning healthy eating campaign, which makes it easier for local people to improve their diet and enjoy the benefits of a healthier way of life.  It takes place every Monday at the YMCA in Carters Green between 1.30 and 2.30 and costs just 50p a week.

Lynne has a degenerative problem with her lower spine, which meant walking with two sticks.  Now she is down to one, and with the help of acupuncture too, some days can do without her stick altogether.

A size 8 in her twenties, Lynne gained a little weight after she had her two children but over the last six years expanded to a size 24.  To her delight, since joining the Slimwell group, she is now sporting size 10 t-shirts.

Lynne said: “I have cut out all the biscuits, crisps and chocolates and I am concentrating on fresh fish and tonnes of fruit. A sensible diet, just cutting out all the rubbish.  It’s so nice to be able to go into a shop and pick something off the peg that fits.  I’ve spent £50 on underwear over the last couple of months as the weight has dropped off, but as my neighbour said, I can always use the old ones as dusters!”

Helen Waters, from the Sandwell Primary Care Trust (PCT) Food Team, runs the Slimwell course.  She said: “we know run several sessions around the area based on diet, exercise and discussion for people who are really serious about changing their eating habits.  Between 30 and 40 people come along to our West Bromwich group each week, some for the whole session, others just for the weigh-in.  We’re really proud of what everyone has achieved but especially Lynne and the core group of a dozen who have been here from the start.”