A MUM-OF-THREE who piled on the pounds has transformed her life by turning her bulk to brawn – and she now aims to be a body-building champ.

Just two years ago Rachel Turner, 40, had been diagnosed with an underactive thyroid gland after feeling lethargic and suffering from mood swings.

Now she is preparing to compete for a body-building British title after six months of intense training with Tim Sharp, who helped transform ex-glamour model Jodie Marsh.

Rachel, of Tyrone Road, Thorpe Bay, used to munch on comfort bars of chocolate before she was diagnosed, and lacked energy to exercise.

After taking medication for the condition, Rachel, who weighed 12 stone decided it was time for a change. She slimmed down, joined a weekly exercise class and hit the gym.

She recalled: “I felt low and moody and my eating was out of control.

“After I was diagnosed, I decided to do something about my weight and started exercising and I soon felt great. It took me eight weeks to get down to eight stone.”

After seeing Jodie Marsh’s transformation to a bodybuilder on This Morning, Rachel was determined to pursue her dream and started training with Tim Sharp.

As well as training six days a week Rachel sticks to a diet of protein and carbohydrates, eating six portions of turkey and sweet potato each day.

After coming second place in the National Amateurs Body-Builders’ Association South East qualifier Rachel is now preparing to compete for the association’s British title.

She added: “It has been a really dramatic change, but I love bodybuilding and it has really transformed my life.

For more information, e-mail rtfigure@gmail.com