A WOMAN who used to eat 24 packets of crisps a day has lost 144lbs.

Lizzy Ward, who weighed 29st 6lbs, was inspired to lose weight after she was forced to stop to catch her breath during a five-minute walk.

Ms Ward, from Warndon said: "Life has changed so much for me. I suddenly realised that I had to change my own life – no one could do it for me.

“I had got into a rut of never eating breakfast or lunch but then go home and be ravenous and devour a multi-pack of 24 packets of crisps. I had to re-educate myself on how to eat properly.”

Ms Ward, aged 41, added: “The health benefits I have now achieved is fantastic. I can literally walk for hours now. I have an exercise bike in front of the TV and I have bought a proper bike as well. I even rode into town the other day and I go Line Dancing every week.

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“I even join in with the PE lessons at work with the children which is fantastic. And my work colleagues are so supportive when people have the obligatory birthday cakes which are in the staff room, they are considerate and bring me in loads of fruit to assist me in keeping on track.”

Ms Ward says her next goal is to go clothes shopping in Worcester.

She said: “Previously I used to be a size 34. This weekend I got into a size 18 jeans. I am now looking forward to fitting into a little black dress in time for this season's Christmas parties.

“I'm actually really proud of myself and hope I can inspire others to help themselves gain a healthier lifestyle.”

Ms Ward has been going to Dawn Cooper's WW workshops at the Masonic Hall in Rainbow Hill for the past 18 months.

She said: “I stayed for Dawn's WW workshop every week and was given so much encouragement and help and loads of helpful tips from everyone.

"Every week I decided to set myself small achievable goals instead of looking at the bigger picture. I now eat breakfast on a regular basis whether its fruit and yogurt or Weetabix with skimmed milk and a banana instead of sugar.”