Name : Andri / Before Weight : 15 Stone 6 / After Weight : 10 Stone 10 / Pounds Lost : 65

I gradually gained weight through my teenage years and throughout my time at college and university. It wasn’t until a health check at the age of 30 where I realised it was affecting my health. My BMI was high and my risk of developing type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol were alarmingly high. I decided it was time to take action.

HOW DID YOUR WEIGHT AFFECT ANY ASPECT(S) OF YOUR LIFE? I was not confident in social situations and always use to hide at the back of photos so that my body was hidden. I was aware that I looked and overweight and on holiday tried to cover up.

WHAT WAS THE “TURNING POINT” THAT GOT YOU STARTED ON YOUR WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY? As mentioned previously the health check I had showed alarming results which led to me making a change.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED? I joined WW (formerly known as Weight Watchers) and I followed the plan incorporating it into my daily life. I also decided to start exercising but only doing activities I liked such as walking and hula hooping.

HOW LONG AFTER YOU STARTED DID YOU BEGIN TO SEE RESULTS OF YOUR WEIGHT LOSS EFFORTS? Immediately begun seeing results. I was losing on average 2-3 pounds a week to start with and this motivated me to continue on my journey.

WHAT WAS THE HARDEST PART? I have PCOS but did not let this stop me from achieving my goals. I also disliked exercise at first but now love it.

DID YOU EVER WANT TO GIVE UP? WHAT KEPT YOU GOING? I have wanted to give up loads of times. My fiancé who completed the journey with me has been my biggest support and encouraged me every step of the way. I also practiced what I preached and never stopped believing it was possible. I remained positive throughout.

DID YOU HIT ANY WEIGHT LOSS PLATEAUS? HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THEM? There were many ups and downs on my journey. I hit plateaus a few times. I accepted this was part of my journey. I kept believing in myself and made sure that I continued doing exactly what worked for me before.

HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU TO LOSE MOST OF THE WEIGHT? I lost the majority of my weight in the first 8 months.

DID YOU HAVE ANY NON-SCALE VICTORIES? So many. I have gained confidence, a boost in my self esteem, very good health check results, improved mental health, lost inches across my body in measurements and also I am happier.

WHAT DOES YOUR DAILY DIET LOOK LIKE COMPARED TO WHEN YOU WERE HEAVIER? I would eat a healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner but my portion control was terrible. I would eat as much as pasta as I wanted with no consideration for portion size. I also ate biscuits with my tea throughout the day and also had dessert every evening.

HOW DOES YOUR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY COMPARE TO WHEN YOU WERE HEAVIER? When I was heavier I did not exercise. However once I joined weight watchers I begun enjoying exercise and once I saw the benefits to my weight, mental health and the feeling afterwards it encouraged me to continue exercising.

HOW DID YOUR EATING HABITS CHANGE? Weight Watchers taught me about portion control and how to incorporate all food groups into my diet. I never restrict foods. I always meal prep, try out new recipes and eat all my favourite foods.

ARE THERE ANY PEOPLE, SERVICES, BOOKS – EVEN QUOTES, THAT UNKNOWINGLY HELPED YOU ON YOUR JOURNEY?

Weight loss is not a race, it’s a marathon.

Never compare your own journey to someone else’s.

Believe, Believe, Believe!

WHAT DID THIS JOURNEY TEACH YOU ABOUT YOURSELF?

I am stronger than I ever knew was possible. I am capable of achieving whatever I set my mind to. I don’t care what others think anymore.

MY WEIGHT LOSS TIPS & TRICKS

1. Drink lots of water throughout the day and remain hydrated.

2. Take pictures throughout your journey. Sometimes the scales don’t reflect all the changes to your body but photos will highlight this.

3. Find exercise that you enjoy and stick to it. You don’t have to be a runner like everyone else. Do what works for you!

4. Meal prep helps with shopping and also gives you some structure to your food.

5. Never restrict food groups. Eat everything you want in moderation.