DIVORCE and devastating family loss caused Sue Seymour's weight to soar.
But now she is not the woman she used to be – and she's delighted. She has dropped five dress sizes in just four months, and enjoyed a whole lifestyle change.
It's a far cry from recent years. In the space of just a decade she got divorced from her husband after 20 years together, and her mother, father and two sisters all died. Ms Seymour, 62, a grandmother -of -two who lives in Addison Road, Caterham, recalled: "There were a number of triggers that contributed to my weight gain. Having three children didn't help.
"My whole life changed within the space of ten years, and my only comfort was food."
Her weight went up to almost 13 stone and she admitted she used to struggle walking upstairs, and got out of breath even bending over.
Ms Seymour told of how she had a big chocolate obsession, and would also consume plentiful supplies of crisps as well as fish and chips.
She said: "I tried several diets but nothing worked. I was becoming really unhappy about my situation."
She then came across the Lighter Life diet plan last year and is now down to nine stone.It involves low-calorie, small portion meals, weekly weigh-ins and counselling.
Ms Seymour, an administrator for a Coulsdon-based building control firm, said: "I have so much more energy now. I can now walk and talk and jog upstairs and feel great."
For some years she has been attending weekly belly dancing classes at Bromley. She added: "I've still got a few curves but the dancing helps keep my waist is toned and supple."
One spin-off, she said, is her self-confidence has grown, and she has also received several complimentary remarks from men.
She said: "Being a healthy weight gives the feeling that you are in control.
" I suppose I take care of my appearance more too and make an effort with my make-up and hair because I feel better in myself.
"I feel I have taken a few years off me."
