A NI woman has opened up on transforming her body after being 'fed-up of feeling uncomfortable'.
44-year-old Andrea Campbell from Dunmurry felt completely unhappy with her body and nine years ago, the mum-of-two decided it was time to make a change.
She has now lost around 4 and a half stone and has recently placed in the Northern Ireland Fitness Model Association's (NIFMA) Championships 2022.
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She was named runner up in the ' Body Transformation ' category along with third place in the 'Yummy Mummy', 'Bikini' and 'First Timers' categories.
Andrea told Be : "I was never into fitness. I was overweight in my 20s, with a poor diet and a party lifestyle at the weekend.
"About nine years ago I had got to my heaviest and felt so uncomfortable and really wanted to take action. I was fed up of feeling like that.
"I joined the local Weight Watchers and I lost my first 50 pounds then. That first 50 pounds took probably a year and a half [to lose]."
She added: "I initially seen a poster for the competition four or five years ago in a gym I was going to in Finaghy...
"I then entered it about six weeks ago."
Andrea said placing felt "amazing".
She continued: "The fact I was even standing on stage in a bikini was a big thing for me as I was always so body conscious and have problem areas that I am working on, but it has become such a way of life for me.
"It was lovely to be able to celebrate it and also the other girls who have transformed their lives through health and fitness."
The Dunmurry woman said "never in a million years" would she have thought that she would have transformed her body or entered fitness competitions.
"I hated my body and I hated exercise. [Now] I love exercise and being able to move my body and lift weights - just being able to bend down and go on long walks is brilliant and having clothes fit me more comfortable.
"Just feeling good and mentally stronger as well because of it."
For others who are wanting to begin their fitness journey, Andrea has some words of wisdom.
"I would say if I can do it, anybody can. It is hard, but it's worth it. It is harder to be overweight and tired all of the time.
"I've got more energy and a bit more discipline in my life and control.
"I've educated myself over the years about food and what's good and not so good. I still enjoy treats.
"I still have slip-ups but I get back on track.
"I would also advise investing in a coach if you can, it's good to have somebody to be accountable to every week," Andrea added.
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