A NURSE from Hereford, who lost weight during the Covid-19 pandemic after splitting protective clothing provided to her by the NHS, has lost seven stone with Slimming World.

Sarah Wynter, 40, who has been named Slimming World's Miss Slinky 2023, had been overweight for much of her life and said her size was taking its toll on her body.

"Working as an NHS nurse is intense both mentally and physically," she said.

"I was wearing size two XL scrubs and would leave each shift on my knees – totally and utterly exhausted.

Sarah Wynter lost seven stone through Slimming World

Sarah Wynter lost seven stone through Slimming World

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"My body ached all over from being on my feet all day, I had severe joint pain and I'd be breathless from running around."

She would sweat profusely in personal protective equipment (PPE), which would lead her to change scrubs when she went for a break, she said.

Weighing more than 17 stone, Mrs Wynter had tried to lose weight alone many times.

Her turning point came when staff in the intensive care unit were given new hazmat suits.

Sarah Wynter, mum-of-two, was motivated to lose weight after splitting her PPE

Sarah Wynter, mum-of-two, was motivated to lose weight after splitting her PPE

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The first time she bent over it ripped from her neck down to her bottom, she said.

"I laughed it off with everyone else in the room but inside I was mortified."

Mrs Wynter had seen signs for a local Slimming World group on her way to work and decided to give it a try in January 2020.

"After a lifetime of restrictive diets, I couldn't believe that I'd be able to lose weight without going hungry," she said.

"I started to feel in control of my eating habits even during stressful shifts."

Mrs Wynter, who lives with her husband Jon, 48, and children Alfie, 19 and Maisey, 15, found the eating plan fit easily into family life.

After a few months, Sarah found that losing weight steadily and eating healthily caused her energy levels to soar.

"I'd be exhausted after a 12.5-hour shift, so walking the dog to the end of the road was about all I could manage," said Mrs Wynter.

"My NHS colleagues at Wye Valley Trust have all been so supportive of my journey.

"I'll admit that in the past, I've sometimes felt like a bit of a hypocrite when giving advice about healthy eating and exercise to my patients, these days I feel proud because I am living proof that it works."