Shirley's story
Name: Shirley
Weight loss: 3st 9lb
Was: 16st 9lb
Now: 13st
Age: 53
Height: 5'4"
"The best moment of my journey so far has been fitting in a size 16 dress. I haven't been this size in a very long time."
Low body confidence I've never liked having my photo taken so my before photo of myself and my husband James is one of very few taken when I was at my biggest size. I wasn't comfortable in my body, and it had a knock on effect to how I presented myself - I didn't bother with make-up as I saw it as pointless. My body image at this time was definitely the lowest it's ever been.
The catalyst for my weight gain was a change in jobs. Five years ago, I started to work from home and my usual routine of not walking to the station meant I became more sedentary.
James and I joined a WW Workshop after being asked to take part in a weight loss feature on ITV's This Morning programme. Our WW Coach, Denise has been brilliant from the start - encouraging us, and giving us support. My mum who is 84, also came along to our Workshop and she's lost about a stone, and feels so much better in herself.
Getting active James and I both have Fitbits and these have been a great tool for monitoring our daily activity. Some days we've managed to achieve 20K steps! We recently joined a gym, which is something I never thought I'd say! I generally use the treadmill and have already started increasing the incline and speed.
I used to feel ashamed of my body, but I don't anymore. The best moment of my journey so far has been fitting in a size 16 dress. I haven't been this size in a very long time.
I'm looking forward to lots of good times ahead with James and our family, with lots of photos to prove it.
Shirley's top 5 tips:
- Go to a WW Workshop - it's not just about going to get weighed; it's a social event, where we've met some great people who have been a huge inspiration
- Stock up your cupboards with the right food
- Increase your activity - it doesn't have to cost anything, going for a walk is a good way to start off
- Keep your portions in check - it really does make a difference if you don't know how much you're eating
- Make sure you have a strong support network - either family or friends