We asked readers to send in their before and after weight loss success pictures to encourage others they can do it too. 

And the result is an incredibly inspirational gallery.

Click the gallery above to see our super slimmers' pictures and then read below some of the stories behind how they did it in their own words.

Stephanie Hall's story

My name is Stephanie Hall and I have lost 5 stone.

I was in a bad relationship gained this weight and lost all my confidence.

I went to the doctors and started the Reach for Health programme, which included classes at the Warrington Wolves stadium and also a discounted gym membership at the Livewire Warrington gyms.

I started to do aqua fit as I found that easiest and built myself up to going to the gym. I began eating healthy with the tips and advice from the Reach for Health programme. When I had lost around 3 stone the weight loss slowed slightly so I joined Slimming World Great Sankey and have now lost another 2 stone! 5 stone in total.

I now go to the Village gym 3 mornings a week.

I've changed my life and I'm super proud of myself as I have come a long way.

Sometimes I forget how far I have actually come but the before and after pic reminds me.

Simon Davenport's story

In 2013, after years of fighting to get funding, I had gastric sleeve surgery. I've now lost 14 stone and no longer suffering from illnesses related to being overweight.

I have returned to work full time in a physically demanding job that I know that before the operation I wouldn't have ever been able to do.

The surgery has saved my life and made it a 100% better as I was given 5 to 10 years after three heart attacks in 2008.

I want others to know how good it is to have my life back and a new lease on life.

The only thing that is a downside is that I can't get help to have the ecxess skin I know have removed.

If that was still part of the funding then it would finish off all the hard work that has gone into the weight loss.

Rachel Finch's story

I've lost 91.5lb (6stone 7.5lb) since January 2016 and lost 6 dress sizes.

I joined Slimming World and set myself the challenge of getting fit.

I now attend the gym 3 times weekly and run 3/4 times a week including attending the weekly park run at Victoria Park.

I've also signed up to the Warrington half marathon in September.

Something 12 months ago I'd have never dreamed of - I couldn't run to the end of my drive!

If I can do it, then seriously... anyone can!

Wendy Pitts' story

2 stone 8.5 lbs gone so far! Aiming high for another 5 stone by Christmas. Found the most amazing Slimming World group (Pyramid Friday am) It's made all the difference. 

Lesley Jane Stockton's story

I lost 5st 6.5lb in 14 months. I kept it off for 3 yrs and it's still off.

I joined Slimming World as I changed my job as a community carer and was horrified to see illnesses that could arise from obesity.

This was my wake up call as I didn't want to be in that position myself later in life.

I changed my life completely and learned to run, became a run leader for others and ran the EHM 10k race for the first time.

I was thrilled and over the moon at such an achievement and so proud of myself.

I have inspired many people to lose weight and love it when people don't recognise me.

Healthy eating all the way from now on.

Chris Martin's story

I started my journey last January  as I was boozing most nights and just eating junk.

Just pure laziness.

One night when I was carrying my daughter up to bed I found it very difficult to breath, had a wheezy chest and thought this isn't me anymore.... I always made excuses not to take the kids swimming or any activities that included running.

So the next day it was a new me.

I stopped boozing, started eating clean, drinking 2 to 3ltrs of water a day.

Once I mastered that I started Pure Gym and after 3 weeks of getting my head round healthy food the weight dropped off.

I've lost 2lb off 5 stone gone from xxxl to xl and 42 waist to 34/36!!

Never felt more proud for me and my family.

Wendi Moody's story

This was from 31/12/15 to 2/12/16 I was 4lb away from losing 2 stone.

I achieved the by taking up boxing and circuit training at Marsh House Gym where I was motivated by all the gym members that attend.

The biggest credit goes to my trainer John.

He pushed me and kept me motivated when I felt like giving up.

I've had a slight set back due to a major operation in September of last year but I'm determined not to go back to how I was.

Pictures don't lie.

Adam Birchall's story

I've lost to date 4 stone.

It all started when I took a picture of myself and my son at a Warrington Wolves game (picture on the left) 2 years ago.

I saw this picture and it made me realise how much weight I had put on over the years.

When I got onto the scales I was at the heaviest weight I had ever been and it was at this point I decided to make a change.

I joined Slimming World with my wife and the help and support I got from others being in the same situation as myself was amazing.

I still go to Slimming World but to a group that my wife now runs.

She herself lost a lot of weight and following her journey she was inspired to help others and became a Slimming World consultant.

I am now 9lb off my target weight and I have dropped 3 pant sizes. 

Kate Scarisbrick's story

It all started when I went to Turkey in 2015 (my before picture).

I couldn't fit into any of my clothes and felt really uncomfortable so as soon as I got back I started Slimming World.

In just over 12 months I lost 4 stone. The other photo was in August last year feeling great after my weight loss.

I had so much confidence walking round in my bikini.

I'm not going to Slimming World anymore but I'm still sticking to the plan myself.

I got many awards from Slimming World, was a Miss Slinky runner-up and also got a certificate for greatest weight loss.

Send in your pictures along with your name, how much weight you lost and details about how you did it to hannah.bargery@nqnw.co.uk. 

Or click below to submit your pictures.