THOUSANDS of people in Gwent are seeking help to lose weight, according to a slimming organiser.

The Argus revealed yesterday how more than 110,000 people in Gwent are now estimated to be obese, according to figures used by the NHS.

That is 55,000 more than 10 years ago, and equates to one in five of the population.

Tina Marriott joined a slimming group after 13 years of dieting.

The single mother-of-one peaked at 17 stone following her divorce eight years ago.

She said: "It was quite stressful. I used to comfort eat and had too many takeaways."

Ms Marriott, who weighed 15 stone when she joined Slimming World last March, has since lost another stone and a half and is determined to shed even more.

"I learnt to address what was causing me to eat," she said. "It was a long, hard lesson to learn."

Ms Marriott, of Usk Street, Newport, found her hectic lifestyle as a nurse contributed to her weight gain.

As a single parent trying to save money, she said she also tended to buy cheap food.

"It's so easy to buy things on special offer which are full of fat," she said.

"Joining the group meant she took a different approach.

"I have learnt to be honest with myself," she said.

Slimming World UK, of Church Road, Newport, has seen its membership increase.

Consultant Beryl McDougall, 49, said: "We started back last week and we were very busy. Everyone joins in January after eating so much at Christmas."

Joyce McCarthy, area manager of Weight Watchers, said there was a year-on-year increase in those joining the slimming club.

In Gwent there are around 4,000 WeightWatchers members, with about 700 of those from Newport.

Mrs McCarthy, who has worked for WeightWatchers for 22 years, said: "People are getting heavier. It's a lifestyle thing. They are working longer hours and have less time to look after themselves."

Contact Slimming World UK on 01633 279336. For WeightWatchers call 0845 7123000.