A slimming instructor who shed 14 stone through WeightWatchers agrees with NHS plans to send obese patients to slimming classes.

Romford Recorder: Weight Watchers instructor Lisa Copeland.Weight Watchers instructor Lisa Copeland. (Image: Archant)

Lisa Copeland, 47, who runs WeightWatchers classes in Elm Park and Romford, has helped NHS patients get into shape for two years, but last week’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) report aims to boost uptake of the programmes.

It is now recommending that doctors send obese patients to free slimming courses to save the NHS cash.

Lisa, of Coronation Drive, Elm Park, put on weight after she sunk into depression caused by her failed attempts to have more children.

“I didn’t leave the house for many years unless I absolutely had to as I was too afraid, I was just too big,” she said.

“Then I found out my oldest daughter was being bullied because she had a fat mum – that made me change.”

Lisa started going to classes but hit a major setback – breast cancer.

As soon as she recovered she resumed classes and was scouted by WeightWatchers and asked to lead her own.

She has completed more than a year as an instructor helping others on the same points-based dietary plans that saw her lose weight.

One of her success stories is Louise Daniel, 37, of Carnforth Garden, Elm Park.

After the birth of her third child, Louise peaked at 20st on the scales.

But a decision to start studying as a nurse persuaded Louise to visit classes run by Lisa.

Louise said: “I looked at myself and decided I wouldn’t be able to cope so I decided to do something about it.”

She has lost 7st and is nearing her ideal weight.

Bryan Hall, 34, of Hornchurch started visiting WeightWatchers two years ago when he weighed 24st and has since lost nearly 8st after he “got into the zone” at Lisa’s classes.

Lisa said: “Myself, Bryan and Louise have had our lives changed.”

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