When Tanya Skelton looks back, it is hard for her to recognise the women she once was.
Today, ten stone lighter and with better mental health than before, the Antrim woman is now hoping to inspire others after winning a body building competition.
The 42-year-old, got involved with a gym in the area, and says what once was a coach and client bond, has turned into a friendship for life.
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"I was 21 stone and 9 pounds at my heaviest," Tanya told Belfast Live.
"Throughout all my life, I have always been big, and hated exercise. All I really did was walk because I was too heavy to do any other physical activity. When I finally started to do classes, and begin to lose weight, I really started to enjoy it.
"Then in the last two years, I started with my personal trainer. Vinny McCormick, and he completely changed my mindset. He showed me how to lift weights and the importance of protein. He has been the person who has changed my life for the better.
"I would never, ever have dreamed of being in a bikini. Vinny had said to me that there was a competition in January, and I said 'no, no way am I getting ona a stage'. But through his encouragement, I went for it. I thought 'why not?'.
"Today, I am feeling the best I have ever felt. I am so happy with my body and my confidence is through the roof. Before, I would have hid in baggy clothes and would have been very low. When I went on holidays I wore baggy shorts and tops, never would I have a bikini. Until now."
Never in a million years did Tanya think she would one day be flaunting her abs on stage in front of crowds of people - in a bikini.
But after encouragement from coach Vinny, she took a jab at the NIFMA Ireland Fitness Model Championships. She stood hand-in-hand with the founder Martin Spence, as she was crowned winner of 'Body Transformations and Biggest Weight Loss'.
"There were points [throughout my weight journey] where I'd be struggling, and Vinny was always there," she added.
"He started as my coach, and now he is my friend. When I done NIFMA Ireland Fitness Model Championships, I thought I would be nervous, but it was the opposite actually.
"I really enjoyed it, and once I stepped on that stage, everyone was incredible. The girls back stage too, they were fantastic. I am even going to do another one in November, that is how much my life has changed. I think I have the bug now."
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