Frankie and Dorothy’s weighty double act
The stones have fallen off after a family battle to lose weight.
Dorothy Bell has shed three stones and her daughter-in-law Frankie Bell has lot more than four and a half.
And practice nurse Dorothy’s daughter Stephanie - who now lives in Glasgow - has also managed to drop three stones.
Vet Frankie,29, from Maybole, revealed the astonishing trigger that has seen her drop from 14st 7lbs to a trim 9st 13lbs.
She said: “My doctor told me I would not qualify for fertility treatment until my BMI was under 30.
“I was so ashamed my weight was the only thing stopping me moving into the next chapter of my life.”
Like Dorothy, Frankie turned to WW (formerly Weight Watchers) to turn her life around.
Dorothy, 58, from Catrine, is now 10st 4lbs, having been 13st 2lbs - plunging from a dress size 20 to a 12.
She said: “I’ve tried to lose weight ever since I stopped smoking and had children.
“I’ve tried every diet and exercise trend going, including the cabbage soup diet.
“I got recipes from Frankie that she took from the WW app, and also her cookbooks. When I started cooking, I realised the food tasted great, and it was then I decided to join WW not only for myself but to help support her and Stephanie.
“WW encourages you to try healthy activities; it’s not just about the number on the scales.”
“My amazing coach Kellie Brown takes time to ask each member how they are coping and gives sensible and supporting advice.
“Even in lockdown I haven’t let this stop me, and now attend my weekly virtual workshop.
“I have now lost three stone and am even under my goal weight. It’s given me a new lease of life and confidence. And my husband Stephen has also lost 1 ½ stone.”
Frankie, who lives with her husband Jamie in Maybole, had been a size 18.
She now uses the WW barcode scanner in supermarkets which tells her how many points the products are worth.
She added: “My coach Christine Mitchell has been a massive factor in my success, as her inspiring and funny stories each week made me look forward to attending the workshops.
“Pizza, pot noodles, family bags of crisps, and chocolate have been replaced with home made fresh cooked food, and I always plan for my week. I eat lots of home-made soups and salads.
“Batch cooking is a godsend as I am a very busy vet and struggle for time to cook every day.
“After reaching my goal I decided to continue with WW as it was so manageable, and I felt so good for doing it.
“I had the support of my fantastic husband and family who all joined WW to make it easier for me.
“We’re all a happier healthier family. and looking forward to the future.”