Tasmanian paramedic Bron Robertson has overcome all odds to be crowned the 2009 Weight Watchers Healthy Life Awards Slimmer of the Year, after a frightening experience left her questioning her health and her capacity to perform her life-saving job.

At her heaviest, Bron weighed 90 kilograms, suffering low-self esteem and in a vicious cycle of self-medicating through food. However it was during a routine bush rescue, Bron realised her own life was at risk when she was struggling to perform her duties as a paramedic.

With a 32 kilogram weight loss and total life transformation, the 29-year-old Launceston resident beat hundreds of Australians across the country to receive the prestigious title.

Bron was presented the national award at a gala event on November 18, by Healthy Life Awards Ambassadors Channel Seven’s Tom Williams, and former Olympian and Weight Watchers member Melinda Gainsford-Taylor.

“I used to think it would be impossible to feel good about myself again, looking back at what I went through to be here, I feel tremendously proud of my achievements.  Each of the Healthy Life Awards finalists has an amazing story to tell, so to be singled out among such an inspiring group of people is incredible,” Bron said.   

The 2009 Healthy Life Awards saw Australian entrants lose a remarkable combined total of over 10 tonnes.