Stowmarket woman delights in being crowned the ‘Greatest Loser’ after shedding a third of her body weight

Celebrations are in store for a Stowmarket woman who has made the “long haul” into losing over a third of her body weight.

Rhianne Gibson has been crowned the Greatest Loser at her Slimming World group in Stowmarket after deciding to shed the pounds over three-and-a-half years ago when she weighed in at 18 stone.

Rhianne Gibson before her weight loss (above) and after (below).

Since that time back in 2017 she has lost a total of 6 stone 12 lbs and said: “I never intended it to be a fast fix and it’s proved to me I can do it for the long haul.”

She said she was inspired to join the slimming group by a friend she used to work with.

Rhianne said: “She lost over four stone, her confidence had dramatically increased and she looked incredible but during her weight loss she’d been out to lunch with us regularly and never seemed restricted and I wanted a piece of that.

“Slimming World has given me so much; friends and support who back you through the low points but celebrate all your successes and understand how it feels to be on the journey. It’s given confidence in myself, the way I look and feel about my body and I now treat myself kinder and with more respect.

“It’s pushed me to challenge myself and take part in fitness evens like the Thames Path Challenge.”

The 27-year-old, who lives in Stowmarket, said: “I never had a time-frame for my weight loss but I’m so glad I started when I did because I know I’m going to feel a million dollars on the day I marry the love of my life and I’m so grateful to Slimming World for that.”

Her wedding date is in August this year which she is looking forward to and added that if anyone is considering joining the group “just go for it.”

She said: “It will be the best decision you make for you, there’s absolutely no judgement and most importantly every single one of the members has been in our position before and will do their utmost to help, support and encourage you on your journey.

“Whatever you do, be kind to yourself the whole way through your journey.”

Her consultant Kelly Cooper praised Rhianne for her weight loss saying it was “life changing”.