TWO women from the same town have helped undergo a makeover after embarking on weight loss missions.

One success story is Moira Houston from Maybole, who has helped come off medication for arthritis.

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She said: “There were a couple of reasons why I decided enough was enough -my body shape and being overweight but the main reason was my health. 

“I have arthritis in both knees and was finding it a struggle to do every day chores without being in pain. 

“I was taking pain killers and inflammatory tablets every day to get through and I also have an under-active thyroid and used this as an excuse for being overweight. 

“I knew after being at my first Weightwatchers meeting I knew I could do this. 

“Everybody was there for their own personal reasons and nobody judged anyone.” 

She added: “Getting to my goal - 41 pounds lighter - was such a great feeling. 

“I am now pain free taking no medication and enjoy an active lifestyle. I also have more confidence in myself especially when clothes shopping. 

“I was a size 18/20 buying baggy clothes to hide but now I’m a size 12/14, buying fitted clothes.”

Pamela Torbett, also from Maybole, started her journey in March 2016 after she saw a picture of herself.

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She says: “ I kept looking at the picture thinking how have I got so heavy. 

“I felt disgusted and ashamed of myself. I felt like I had put on weight but never thought I was that heavy until I saw the picture. 

“I thought to myself, I’m 32 and single - I should be in my prime not feeling frumpy, down and have no confidence - enough is enough. 

“The hardest part was walking through the doors to join the meetings. Looking back now I don’t know why I found that hard as I was greeted by the coach Amanda who welcomed me with a smile. I could not live without it now.”

She added: “The meetings are great fun and Amanda is the best coach. She’s positive, upbeat and encouraging each week.

“The night I reached my goal was a week before Christmas and it was the best feeling. I was so happy to have got there.

“I never believed in myself to do it.  I now feel confident, healthier and happier. I’ve dropped two dress sizes, going from a size 16 to a size 12, I never thought in my life I would be a size 12.  

“The confidence the weightloss has given me is now is incredible and I never want to go back to feeling that way again. Thank you to Amanda and the other members.”

The Maybole women are success stories for Troon resident Amanda Bennet, who became a leader after losing more than three stone.