A Harrow woman has inspired others with her remarkable weight transofrmation.

Rika Pegasiou dropped four dress sizes in just 18 months thanks to her fitness regime at Harrow Leisure Centre.

She was not solely aiming to lose weight and started her fitness journey wanting to increase her mobility.

With a desk job for the past 20 years and a chef as a husband, she became less and less active as the years went on.

She signed up to a personalised exercise regime and began sessions with Daniel Harrod, a personal trainer.

“Daniel always highlighted that weight loss came from a combination of things” said Rika.

“He is amazing! His personality suited me perfectly. I was so afraid of the gym so the support I received from Daniel is exactly what I needed.

“By shifting the focus from losing weight and instead working towards feeling and moving better, it took the pressure off.

"When I realised I had dropped four stone I was thrilled!”

Rika went from a size 18 to a size 10 in 18 months. As well as losing four stone, Rika lost 11ins from her waist and 9ins off her hips and bust.

“I never thought I would enjoy going to the gym but now I actually love lifting weights and feeling strong" she said. "Apart from the weight loss I love the feeling I get from going to the gym. It’s a great stress release and I sleep much better.”

Rika was recently crowned regional member of the month at the leisure centre, operated by Everyone Active.

Matt Hague, Everyone Active area fitness manager for the South East, said: “Rika was an easy choice for regional member of the month.

“We have been thrilled to watch her progress. Her lifestyle change has been extremely impressive, going from no exercise at all to training three or four times per week.”