A BARRHEAD super slimmer has told how she has used the challenges posed by lockdown as motivation to shed the pounds.

Dorothy Murphy, 52, spoke out to offer encouragement to other people who are struggling to lose weight at a time when East Renfrewshire has been placed back into the toughest coronavirus restrictions.

She believes her own slimming journey is proof that being in lockdown doesn’t have to mean your weight goes up.

Since the pandemic first began having an impact on her life, Dorothy has shed more than three stones and is determined to be happy and healthy in 2021.

Dorothy admits it was a number of weeks after lockdown was first imposed before she realised she needed to focus properly on losing weight.

She told the Barrhead News: “On May 16, I decided enough was enough. I texted the local consultant at Slimming World and I weighed in virtually on May 18. This gave me the feeling of control back in my life. Thank goodness groups were still running.

“I had never been that heavy before, so I made the decision I was going to follow this correctly. I have stuck to the plan and cooked lots of recipes from the app.

“Having the knowledge and support of my local group really helped me through this challenging time – I felt as if I had the tools to cope.”

Dorothy is keen to let other people know that, even though face-to-face gatherings can’t currently take place, there is plenty of support on offer to those who want to embrace a healthier lifestyle.

She said: “Back at the start of lockdown, when my local consultant started our virtual group, it was so good to keep in touch with everyone.

“I’ve not felt on my own with my weight loss for one moment. I’ve been cooking loads of amazing meals from scratch and even been doing more activity.

“I can’t tell you how happy I am and can’t believe it’s me when I look in the mirror. The more weight I lost, the more I wanted to keep going.”

Slimming World’s local weight loss expert Jennifer McDade is full of praise for Dorothy’s attitude.

She said: “I have been blown away by Dorothy’s commitment during the time she has been a member.”