A Bradford slimmer says thyroid disorders need not lead to people becoming fat after she lost four stones despite suffering from the disease.

Adele Chapman, 31, was diagnosed with Graves Disease in September 2008. It is a form of over activity of the thyroid gland and is one of the most common problems of the thyroid gland.

The gland in the neck is a vital link in the endocrine system and acts as the body’s thermostat and controls the metabolic rate. She had to have surgery to remove the gland, leading to fears she was destined to gain weight.

The mum-of-two, of Idle, Bradford, said: “The surgery was a relief in a lot of ways. Although it meant I would need to take tablets for the rest of my life, at least I could start to plan for the future and begin to feel healthy again. While I was being treated for the overactive thyroid I would get ill a lot and was often drained of energy.

“My weight had yo-yo’d throughout the treatment and following my surgery I was a stone and a half over weight. Initially I wasn’t worried, I’d lost weight before I’d do it again. Then I was chatting with a colleague and explaining that following the operation I was classed as having an under active thyroid and needed thyroxine daily. My heart sank when she told me I should get used to being fat as it would mean I’d never be able to lose weight again.”

However, Adele started attending a slimming group. She was so successful losing weight, despite also going through two pregnancies, that she has now become a slimming consultant.

Adele added: “My mum had been attending a group and had been really successful and loved it. I remember thinking it sounded like a complicated way to lose weight but her achievements made me think it must be worth it.”

She also boosted her physical activity by walking everywhere and even though she gave birth in January she is already back to her healthy weight. With her thyroxine levels under control and her midwife’s consent she was able to continue a slimming programme thought her second pregnancy.

“Becoming a consultant seemed like a brilliant opportunity to help people understand that an underactive thyroid (or any health issue) does not mean a lifetime of being overweight.”

Dianne Wright, specialist nurse in endocrinology at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Many people with an underactive thyroid may initially struggle to lose weight. However, when on the correct dose of levothyroxine there is no reason why they cannot lose weight through healthy eating and taking more exercise. Adele has persevered and shows it can be done.”

Anyone who wants more information about Adele’s slimming methods can call her on 07881 383974.