When identical twins Rachel and Aneka Campbell decided to lose weight, they knew they could count on each other for support.

The siblings, who live together in Bradford, have always been close. They were dressed alike as little girls and often start the same sentences.

“We are both really similar in our interests and everything,” says Rachel.

“Sometimes we end up putting on the same top and things like that and if we are both out with friends we both start telling the same story, it just happens all the time.”

So when it came to losing weight, the sisters decided to take the plunge and shed the pounds together.

The 32-year-olds – Rachel is the tallest and Aneka the oldest by nine minutes – had never struggled with their weight before until they embarked on a student nursing course together two years ago at Bradford University.

Rachel says the stresses of studying coupled with working shifts contributed to them snacking more on convenience foods with a particular penchant for takeaways and chocolate.

They were also lacking regular exercise – something they had previously been used to while dancing at holiday parks throughout the UK and overseas.

“In the past we were dancers and we got quite fit,” says Rachel.

Both share similar interests, so when Aneka decided to join her local WeightWatchers session at Highfield Hotel in Idle, Rachel decided she would enroll too.

The sisters had tried several diets in the past but found them too restrictive. This time they knew it wouldn’t be a quick fix so they made a determined effort last year that their New Year’s resolution would be to lose weight.

A year later and they have both achieved success – losing around 51lbs each and dropping four dress sizes. Rachel has slimmed down from a size 16/18 to a size 10 and Aneka has dropped from a size 16 to a size 8.

“We both found you have to be patient with it because it is not a quick fix, it is more of a lifestyle change and it focuses on long-term results. Some weeks you only lose a few pounds, but it builds up so we persevered with it and were really determined,” says Rachel.

Although Aneka has achieved her target weight, she is continuing with the plan until Rachel achieves hers. The student nurses intend to continue attending the weekly meetings even when they have hit the goal, so they continue to be motivated and supported to maintain their weight loss. But success isn’t solely measured on healthier eating. The siblings have also increased their exercise too, regularly going to the gym.

And there wasn’t any sibling rivalry when it came to reaching their weightloss target according to Aneka. “We’re not competitive, so we do motivate each other.

“I think because we live together as well we cook together and it has made it much easier.”

Rachel says at times when one of them has lost weight and the other hasn’t they have congratulated the one who has and supported the other in their progress.

They also praise the support they receive through their regular Weightwatchers’ meetings where members often have to do a double-take!

Rachel explains that when people get to know them they can tell them apart, but initially they get them mixed up.

The siblings say the support they receive from their meetings helped them to stay focused and they would recommend the slimming plan to others who may be looking to make 2014 the year to overhaul their lifestyle.

Rachel says they still eat out and have their treats so they don’t feel as though they are denying themselves: “I would recommend anybody who is struggling with their weight to give it a go because it does work. Persevere and you will see the results – it is a really liveable and practical plan,” she says.

Adele Wilkin, the twins’ WeightWatchers consultant, says: “Their joint determination seemed to push each other along. If one had a great week they would celebrate each others’ success, but if the scales were not kind that week they really supported one another.

“Lifestyle changes included learning to cook healthy food from scratch and being a lot more active. Although they are both nurses and are on their feet all day, they made a commitment to walk to work, getting up at the crack of dawn to ensure they got the result at the scales.

“The WeightWatchers Pro Points Plan really suited their lifestyles – whether they were cooking up a meal at home or eating out they could still enjoy a normal life while losing weight.

“There has been a weekly dose of double the inspiration since Rachel and Aneka walked through my door. I’m so proud of what they have both achieved.”

For more about local WeightWatchers meetings call 0845 67 777 88 or visit www.weightwatcherslocal.co.uk.