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A proud grandmother from Plymouth has celebrated losing, and maintaining, an incredible four stone weight loss, supported through her Slimming World group.

Debbie Firman, aged 60, joined the weight loss group after undergoing surgery and facing a long recovery. She knew something had to change.

She said: "I decided it was time to put myself first," she said. "I wanted to look after myself properly. Becoming a grandmother was a big turning point, I wanted to be able to get down on the floor, run around, and just be on the planet longer. My joints were hurting, and I'd always been so fit and active. I wanted to get back to being my old self.

I had constant lower back pain and aching joints," she explained. "I wish my GP had been honest and told me my weight was contributing to the problem, it would've saved time, money, and helped me take action sooner."

Since joining Slimming World, Debbie has gone from struggling with pain and low energy to living life to the full. "I can walk without pain, run around with my granddaughter, and wear clothes I love," she said. "I feel like myself again, and that's priceless."

One of the biggest surprises for Debbie was discovering she didn't have to give up her love of food. "We've always eaten a Mediterranean-style diet, so I loved how many vegetables and fruits were already part of the plan," she said. "But I realised I wasn't eating enough protein to keep me full, that was a big learning curve."

She's embraced Slimming World's Food Optimising plan wholeheartedly, discovering new favourites along the way. "I love all food, so it's hard to pick just one, but in winter I really enjoy the Slimming World recipe for chorizo mac 'n' cheese. The family love whatever I cook, and anything on the BBQ is always high on the menu in our house!"

Debbie's journey hasn't been without challenges. "Red wine was hard to give up," she admitted. "I've swapped it for vodka or gin with soda water so I can still enjoy going to the pub and socialising. Pork scratchings were another one, but I'm very good at saying no now. Most things you can swap or just syn, but pork scratchings for me are a big no!"

Now at target, and maintaining it for nearly three years, Debbie says Slimming World has become second nature. "This isn't a diet," she said. "It's a lifestyle change. I've learned how to enjoy food, make smart choices, and still live life to the full. I can have chips or chocolate, enjoy a day out, and just adapt the next day. That flexibility is what makes it sustainable."

Debbie's Slimming World Consultant, Bex, who runs the Compton and Ford groups, said: "I'm incredibly proud of Debbie. She's shown that long-term weight loss is possible when you build habits around real food and activity. Debbie is such an inspiration in our sessions, she's rediscovered her confidence, she's more active than ever, and she's living life with joy."

Debbie added: "Joining Slimming World was the best decision I ever made. It gave me my health back, and the support I needed to keep going. I'll always follow the Slimming World plan, it's changed my life."

When asked what advice she'd give to others thinking about joining, Debbie said: "It's never too late to start. Just walk through those doors and get the support you need to change your habits. You won't regret it!"

Bex's Slimming World groups are held at Compton Methodist Church every Tuesday at 5:30pm and 7pm, and Wednesday at 8am, 9:30am and 11am. To find out more or to join, call Bex on 07926 839706 or visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk to find details of your nearest group. If you'd like to find out about a career with Slimming World, contact Lauren on 07494 754493 or visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk/careers