A DOCTOR from Dinas Powys who slimmed down from a size 16 to a size 8, losing 4st 5lb in the process, has received a national award after maintaining her weight loss for 16 years.

GP Sian Ellis, 58, has been named Slimming World’s Diamond Member of the Year 2017, nearly two decades after she decided to lose some weight to set a healthier example to her patients.

At her heaviest, Ms Ellis would get breathless when doing home visits and was even asked by one patient when her baby was due, despite not being pregnant at the time.

Deciding that was the final straw, Ms Ellis embarked on her new regime with weight loss firm Slimming World in February 2001 weighing in at 12st, 13lbs. By December, she weighed 8st, 8lb and has maintained that weight ever since.

"When I reached my target, I knew that didn’t mean I’d stop attending Slimming World," she said.

"I knew I needed the support of my group to help maintain it. And even though I’ve been at target for almost 16 years, I still learn something new each week and going to group really helps to keep me on track.

"It was hard to believe that you could eat to satisfy your appetite and have your treats and still lose weight!

"My children have grown up around me cooking hearty meals from scratch and have seen their mum being healthy and active from a young age, so I think it’s set them up for happy and healthy lives themselves.

"Since I’ve lost weight I’ve started swimming and going to the gym, and I never feel breathless anymore."

After being voted as her group’s 'Diamond Member', Ms Ellis has now gone on to win the overall national competition, with her consultant Linda Bowen saying she couldn't feel prouder.

"Sian is a wonderful member of the group and continually inspires other members with her remarkable success," said Ms Bowen.

"She’s really committed herself to a healthy way of life forever. We’re all immensely proud of her achievements – so to have this recognised by winning a national award is just fantastic for all of us."

The Dinas Powys Slimming World group meet every Thursday at 5.30pm and 7.30pm and Fridays at 9.30am and 11.30am at The Cabin at Hebron Hall.