From improving mental health to having more energy, here are some amazing weight loss stories. 

1. From 20 stone to 10, Sarah Bird halved her weight

Eastern Daily Press: From 20 stone to 10, Sarah Bird halved her weightFrom 20 stone to 10, Sarah Bird halved her weight (Image: Sarah Bird)

Eastern Daily Press: From 20 stone to 10, Sarah Bird halved her weightFrom 20 stone to 10, Sarah Bird halved her weight (Image: Sarah Bird)

Sarah Bird, 46, an employment job coach from Sprowston, has reduced her weight from 20.10 stone to 10.

Following a free NHS health check which discovered she was pre-diabetic, Sarah decided to make a big change to her body and focus on trying to lose a large amount of weight.

Sarah regularly runs up to 10km a week and her relationship with food has improved, enjoying cooking and eating a healthy diet.

2. Chris Goodrum lost nearly six stone in a year

Eastern Daily Press: Chris Goodrum lost nearly six stone in a yearChris Goodrum lost nearly six stone in a year (Image: Chris Goodrum)

Eastern Daily Press:

Chris Goodrum, 59, from Dereham, has dropped three dress sizes and changed his life after feeling at his mentally lowest this time last year following being in a Thai hospital after an accident.

One year on, Chris has gone from 21st 13lbs, to 14st 13lbs and aims to have lost 6st by New Year's Eve.

Prior to losing weight, Chris was diagnosed pre-diabetic with type two diabetes for the second time. But he says "it is not coming back this time", now that he is no longer diabetic.

3. Josie Lawson transformed the lives of herself and her baby

Eastern Daily Press: Josie Lawson transformed the lives of herself and her babyJosie Lawson transformed the lives of herself and her baby (Image: Josie Lawson)

When Josie Lawson, 31, from Norwich, 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. 

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.

4. Rachael Winters grew her confidence from her weight loss

Eastern Daily Press: Rachael Winters grew her confidence from her weight lossRachael Winters grew her confidence from her weight loss (Image: Rachael Winters)

Rachael Winters, from Briston, dropped two dress sizes in a year. Last January she was suffering from migraines and lacking energy after being diagnosed with ME.

The 38-year-old, who has a qualification in sports, fitness and coaching, is now training to be a Slimming World consultant herself.

Rachael said she now has more energy and confidence and fewer migraines.

5. Josh Beal became 'unrecognisable' after losing 8 stone in just 40 weeks

Eastern Daily Press: Josh Beal became 'unrecognisable' after losing 8 stone in just 40 weeksJosh Beal became 'unrecognisable' after losing 8 stone in just 40 weeks (Image: Josh Beal)Eastern Daily Press: Josh Beal became 'unrecognisable' after losing 8 stone in just 40 weeksJosh Beal became 'unrecognisable' after losing 8 stone in just 40 weeks (Image: Josh Beal)

Josh Beal, 25, from Norwich, started his weight-loss journey at 20st 7lbs and he now currently weighs 12st 7lbs - claiming the hardest challenge was giving up beer. 

"I was so anxious when leaving the house, constantly worrying how I looked," he said. 

"Then a friend sent me a photo from their wedding and it was a real eye-opener.

"I did not recognise myself and hated the way I looked."

Josh was constantly tired and getting worn out by simple tasks, as well as his mental health being in "tatters".

He started his weight-loss journey at 20st 7lbs and currently weighs 12st 7lbs. He dropped four shirt sizes and has gone from a 40-inch waist to a 32-inch waist.