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.

Lorraine Stock's story

"Three years ago I decided to change my life.
"I've lost 6 stone since I started my weightloss journey. In the first year I started eating healthier, I was a real "carbdashian" and loved eating bread potatoes and anything naughty really! 

"I started on a paleo diet and was very strict with what I ate, I cut out carbs. 

"It all started when I went on a night out with my girlfriends and saw myself in a picture that was posted on Facebook.  

"I was horrified how I looked! 

"So I researched foods and nutrition and started experimenting cooking and loved it. 

"I soon started seeing the weight drop off. A year and a half later I made a New Year's resolution to get fit and lose more weight so I joined DW gym in Winsford. 

"I was so self conscious and I was terrified to go to a gym by myself but I went and I felt great after a good workout.

"I took pictures of my progress and posted them on my social media, my friends and family have been really supportive and it feels so nice to make people proud especially my parents.

"I have had loads of positive comments and messages asking how I've done this and what I can do to help them. This makes me happy!

"My boyfriend competes for UKBFF and he inspired me to work myself even harder for what I want, we train together whenever we can and eventually I want to be on that stage with him to show people that no matter how overweight you are....anything is possible.

"Set goals and smash them."

Samantha Gillett's story

"I lost 10 stone over 2 years through healthy eating and staying active! I started by walking more, then joined the Brio gym in Northwich with a friend and started enjoying loads of different workouts and classes."

Emma Jones' story

"I am 2lbs off losing 3 stone by doing Slimming World in Winsford.

I started my Slimming World journey in May 2016 and can honestly say this is the best thing I have ever done."

Sarah Traynor-Barry's story

"This is me 2 years ago and today. I have lost 6 stone in that time, starting off by myself, then signing up for The Biggest Loser challenge for St Lukes Cheshire Hospice last year.  

"The training we had at BTB Fitness Academy in Winsford has helped me to become fitter and stronger than I have ever been in my life.  

"I have so much more confidence now and have gone on to a new career.

"Before the challenge, I had never set foot in a proper gym before or even done any exercise but the support and help I have received have brought me to enjoy training.

"I guess the message is, if I can do it, anyone can!"

Annmarie Sweeney's story

"I have lost 10 stone in 12 months with the help of personal trainer Anthony Foy, owner of Teamfoy in Winnington.

"Together we have worked hard to achieve the weight loss and in September we end our journey with Tough Mudder.

"My weight loss has helped to control my diabeties to diet control only.

"Anthony Foy has been my life saver."

Adam Harries' story

"I lost just under 6 stone by doing lots of cardio and cutting down on my eating and drinking.

"I monitored everything daily and made adjustments based on the data on a monthly basis."

Martine Cooksley's story

"I lost just over 4 stone in a year on Slimming World.

"I was keen to get healthier for my little boy (now 2) and for my wedding later this year.

"I have gone from a size 20 to a size 10."