THE five leaders of S4C health series FFIT Cymru have made significant improvements to their health and have collectively lost almost 10 stone in just seven weeks despite living under lockdown

After signing up for the popular show to try and transform their health and wellbeing, the five leaders have all been filming themselves at home while following specialised food and exercise plans over the duration of the series.

With FFIT Cymru having reached its series finale on Tuesday, the final weigh-in revealed that the five leaders lost a combined total of nine stone and 11 pounds. Medical tests taken at the start and end of the series have also shown a number of positive changes in their health.

Single mother-of-three Ruth Evans, 45, from Llanllwni, Pencader, and who works for Ceredigion Association of Voluntary Organisations (CAVO), has dropped to 13 stone and two pounds after shedding one stone.

Her lung age has also dropped to that of a 42 year-old – three years younger than her actual age.

Previously, Ruth did not have a photo of her and her three daughters, Carys, Nia and Megan, on the wall at home, as she was unhappy with appearance, and she did not have the confidence to go out on a date. Now, Ruth has proudly hung up a photo of herself with her family in her home.

She said: "I like what I see in the mirror now. I think I’ve regained my self-confidence and I feel far happier in myself. It’s not just about weight, it’s about changing everything in your life. I’m ready to enjoy life and after lockdown, I will be ready to go out on a date."

The three FFIT Cymru experts who guided the five are delighted with their progress.

Personal trainer Rae Carpenter said: "Despite lockdown restrictions, we all had faith in the five leaders and we had faith in the food and fitness plans. It shows that by eating healthily, keeping fit and making small changes, you can transform your life."

Psychologist Dr Ioan Rees said: "Even during these restrictions, they have proven to us every week that they could do it. They have blossomed with their mental strength, confidence and self-respect."

To follow the food and fitness plans, to download either one of two Couch to 5K podcast voiced by Rae Carpenter, one for fluent Welsh speakers and one for Welsh learners, or to watch Dr Ioan Rees’ video sessions on mental health, visit the FFIT Cymru website s4c.cymru/ffitcymru, or follow @ffitcymru on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube.