A Norwich woman has transformed the lives of herself and her baby by losing 7 stone and 2.5 pounds in the first year of her daughter's life.

When Josie Lawson, 31, went to a health check eight weeks after having her daughter Ava, she weighed more than when she was six months pregnant. 

She said: "I felt mortified and knew something had to change.

"I couldn't take Ava to soft play and get involved."

Since the weight loss, the mum has had more energy. 

"I am no longer exhausted walking into the city with a painful back and legs," she added. 

"I have so much more energy and feel less tired, both physically and mentally.

"I don't dread clothes shopping. I'm going to London to buy a new wardrobe which I'm so excited about!"

As a busy mum, Josie joined the Norwich Slimming World group on Magdalen Road so she could learn how to lose the weight she wanted without having to weigh and count everything.

In the first week, the retail manager from Norwich lost 6.5 pounds.

Eastern Daily Press: Josie Lawson and her baby Ava. Pictured after losing weightJosie Lawson and her baby Ava. Pictured after losing weight (Image: Josie Lawson)

Josie made lots of healthy swaps, including cooking more from scratch, eating less processed food, and trying new recipes including fakeaway Nandos and katsu curries.

This also includes setting healthy routines for her baby, including dance parties in the kitchen.