An overweight Romford woman who shed more than six stone after piling on the pounds following a difficult pregnancy has won a weight-loss award.

Sarah Pegnall, 30, used to tip the scales at more than 16st but is now a lightweight 10st and a dress size 8/10.

The mum-of-one began to comfort eat after giving birth to her daughter three years ago.

She said: “It was a difficult birth and then I was eating because I was bored, lonely and tired! I’d eat a whole family-sized chocolate bar and a pint of cola or Dr Pepper, just to get me through the 4am feed.”

Things reached a head when Sarah, who was by then a size 24, found she couldn’t fit into any of her clothes anymore.

“I was going to make myself a dress but the pattern only went up to a size 22,” she said. “It kick-started me into doing something about the weight that had crept - I didn’t want to be the fat one in the family.”

Sarah joined Rosemary Conley’s online club for help and started using the dietician’s DVDs and magazines.

“It was the best decision I’ve made as I really needed that extra support,” added Sarah, who reached her goal weight in June 2012.

Exercise is also key for Sarah and as well as walking to work three times a week, she also works out at home, as well as taking part in Zumba classes.

Sarah has now scooped a Rosemary Conley Diet & Fitness Magazine Semi Finalist Slimmer of the Year 2013 Award.

Rosemary said: “Sarah has achieved a superb weight loss and, as well as gaining a fantastic new figure, she has improved her health and fitness levels too. Well done Sarah!”

Log on to www.rosemaryconleyonline.com for more information.