Our #WWMilestoneMoments: After losing almost 6st between us, we're ready to start IVF!

When Maria was told she couldn’t have a child naturally without losing weight, she and husband Ben turned to WW for help.
Published 6 September, 2023

Maria has lost 2st 9lb, Ben has lost 3st 2lb

This summer, we’re celebrating your #WWMilestoneMoments on your weight loss journey. A milestone is a significant moment in your life - something important, memorable and positive. Whether you lost weight for your wedding or felt body confident in a bikini for the first time, we love hearing about how WW has transformed your life. If it’s important to you, it’s important to us!

Maria says:

Age: 27
Height: 5ft 5in 
Start weight 15st 7lbs  
Current weight 12st 12lbs  
Weight lost: 2st 9lb
Goal weight: 11st 7lbs  
Plan: Workshop + Digital 
WW Coach: Claire Anderson 

Thank you WW for changing my life. Without you, I wouldn’t be where I am
now.

My husband and I were told we couldn't have children naturally and would need to start IVF. This was a devastating blow to us, as we are desperate to start a family.

I was told that in order to be able to start IVF, I would need to lose approximately 2.5st and have a BMI of 30 or under, which would mean getting to 12st 12lbs.

Ben wasn't told he needed to lose weight, but joined WW with me to support me, saying we were in this together. He set himself a target to lose 3st and smashed it! He is now a gold member and I am extremely proud of him.

At a later check-up, I was told I had to lose another 3.5lbs in order to have a healthy BMI. With the next appointment just 5 weeks away, I was unsure whether I could do it, especially as I'd been plateauing for months. I went back to basics and tracked everything that passed my lips. Ben was very supportive also, taking me on long walks. I lost 1.5lbs in the first week which I was very happy about, and I continued to lose weight after that. 

I'm still on my journey

I still have a way to go to get to my goal weight and feel confident about starting IVF, but I'm so happy to have reached this mini goal. 

The health benefits I've experienced so far are amazing. I don't get out of breath going up the stairs anymore, my hips don't hurt and my menstrual cycle has normalised for the first time in four years (I have PCOS). 

Why I love WW:

  • I can eat whatever I want! We often go out for meals with our friends, and we are able to do that without worrying. We are firm fans of Nando’s - it’s easy to track on the app and super tasty. See the WW Points®-friendly Nando's menu.
  • I am so much happier. I didn’t realise I was sad before I started WW. My confidence has grown, and I can buy clothes from normal shops on the high street. I’ve gone down from a size 18/20 to a size 14 - it’s incredible!
  • My WW Coach has been so supportive and encouraging, and I couldn't have done it without her. I feel like I’ve been given a new lease of life. I feel confident when I go to work or just generally go out anywhere. I never realised I needed this.

Follow Maria on Instagram @maria.ww.ivf.journey.

Ben says:

Age: 27
Height: 5ft 10in   
Start weight: 15st 10lb   
Current weight: 12st 8lb
Weight lost: 3st 2lb
Goal weight: 12st 9lb   
Plan: Workshop + Digital 
WW Coach: Claire Anderson

The WW programme just made it so easy with all the ZeroPoint™ foods. I feel fitter and more confident.

Maria and I joined WW together after being told we would have to go through IVF to have children. Maria needed to reach a BMI of 30, so supporting each other we lost a combined 79lbs.

In addition to being overweight, I was also suffering with my mental health. Losing this weight has helped with this and enabled me to be more active. I've completed 10k runs for the first time in my life!

At first we kept tight-lipped about our reasons for joining, but over time we've found our friends and family to be incredibly supportive. 

We are now hopefully about to start the IVF process next month!

Not only are we getting ready to start a family, but I also feel fitter and more confident than before.

Ben's top tips:

  • Remember why you joined and keep that goal in the front of your mind. It’s only you that can make it happen.
  • Always track no matter the item.
  • Get active! I could never run more than 2 miles without dying, however activity has gone hand in hand with my weight loss.

Follow Ben on Instagram @dawsonb90.

Share your own #WWMilestoneMoments across social!