18 OCTOBER 2011

Local Resident Loses 73 Kilos To Vie For Slimmer Of The Year Title

Amanda Blennerhassett named New Zealand North Island finalist
in Weight Watchers Healthy Life Awards

Taking blood pressure medication for over 25 years meant that Amanda was constantly reminded of the impact her weight had on her health. But today, after shedding half of her overall body weight, the 50 year old has earned the title of New Zealand North Island finalist in the 2011 Healthy Life Awards.

From a young age, Amanda developed bad eating habits and suffered a variety of health conditions including asthma, diabetes and high blood pressure. Amanda knew it was time to address her poor health so joined Weight Watchers and lost 73.6 kilos – a weight equal to 295 packs of butter!

Amanda’s inspirational story stood out amongst hundreds of entries from across New Zealand. More than 10 thousand kilos were lost by over 400 entrants across Australia and New Zealand in this year’s Healthy Life Awards. Amanda is now competing against one other New Zealand finalist for the prestigious national title, and a fabulous holiday for two to Rarotonga's leading luxury resort in the Cook Islands flying Air New Zealand.

Since her weight lost, Amanda’s health significantly improved and she was able to stop taking blood pressure medication for the first time in 25 years. Amanda now walks 12 kilometres each day and has learnt to prioritise all areas of her life.

“For the first time in many years I regularly make time for my health. I recently gave myself a fright when I discovered an unexpected lump, only to find that it was a rib that I hadn't seen in years! I couldn’t stop laughing at just how much I had changed.

“I am thrilled to be named the Healthy Life Awards finalist for the North Island of New Zealand. I entered the competition to share my story with others, and hope that I can inspire them to improve their own nutrition and exercise choices,” said Amanda.

Weight Watchers spokeswoman, Bronwyn Stubbs, said the Weight Watchers Healthy Life Awards are not just a celebration of weight loss but also the significant changes people have made to help them live a bigger life, not just a smaller size.

“Amanda is an inspiration to anyone who is looking to make a positive and healthy lifestyle change. By demonstrating incredible dedication, Amanda has not only impacted her life, but those around her too,” Ms Stubbs said.

Amanda recently joined the other Australian and New Zealand state finalists for National Judging Week, and was treated to a week full of exciting activities, including a fitness session with special guests Melinda Gainsford-Taylor and Martha Lourey-Bird, and a makeover from Napoleon Perdis and Joh Bailey.

The finalists also took part in photo shoots for Woman’s Day and Weight Watchers magazine. The prize also includes flights and tickets to the gala event in Sydney on 24 November where Amanda will compete for the New Zealand title.

Weight Watchers is grateful to the following sponsors for their generous support of this year’s Healthy Life Awards: Cook Islands Tourism, Air New Zealand, BRITA, Saxbys Soft Drinks, Events Clothing, Napoleon Perdis, Joh Bailey, McWilliam’s Wines Group and Female for Life. Weight Watchers will also donate one dollar for every kilo lost in this year’s competition to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

For more weight loss stories, visit www.healthylifeawards.co.nz;

ENDS

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