Catherine's story

I had always had an issue with my weight since my early teens I guess, described as sturdy, stocky etc. I had my first son at only 15 years old and when I was 17 I lived on my own with him, I guess this is where my comfort eating habits started. I met my now ex husband when I was 18 and had 4 children by the time I was 27, I got bigger with each baby and had terrible eating habits, comfort eating and binging being main issues. 

By the time I was 33 I was nearly 20 stone and a UK size 28, my health was suffering and I needed a knee replacement and a hysterectomy. I suffered from panic attacks had no confidence and felt dreadful most of the time but put on a brave face, but one night I had a bad panic attack and was genuinely scared I was having a heart attack. I think for a lot of people they need something to kick them up the backside and for me that was what it took and I'm actually thankful for it. 

Within a week I joined slimming world which is all about healthy eating and promotes an active lifestyle, no magic pills or potions just a good diet and even though it took a lot of changes for me and willpower, I loved it and threw myself into it. I was determined to get healthy for my family, I started exercising at home and built it up from walking, wii board fitness games to a bike, Zumba classes and exercise DVDs, I didn't join a gym at all. The exercise helped hugely with inch loss and fat reduction. The weight came off steadily at an average of a few pounds a week but that resulted in 8 stone coming off in a year and I lost 9 stone 12 in all dropping to a size 8/10.

I can't even tell people what a difference it has made to my life, I don't need a new knee or a hysterectomy now and am very healthy, but I feel I released the real me.

I became a slimming world consultant which I love as I can help others to get healthy and change their lives and I feel amazing knowing I am healthy and did it the right way and can show others it is possible. I have had challenges along the way which could of thrown me off course but I always had to just remind myself why I started and how far I'd come. I have had bad days, bad weeks, weight gains, I still have issues with emotional eating and binging which just shows you're never really cured. I think if you have had an issue with your weight you will always have to try really hard. Some people assume it's easy once the weights gone but it's not, I work hard every day to keep in shape but I love my healthy lifestyle and setting my children a good example.

I only joined a gym in February this year and since then have seen my body shape really change and I'm loving challenging myself and getting strong. I was running every day before and was a lot leaner but now I'm training in the gym I much prefer my toned shape, I'm proud of my muscles, I've worked hard for them. I'm probably about 10/12 lb heavier but I'm the same dress size but look a lot better. 

I am excited about the future and where both my career, family and lifestyle will take me now. I always tell people you shouldn't let your past dictate your future because you don't know what you can achieve if you just believe in yourself, if I can do it anyone can do it!

- Catherine

Twitter: @Fit_Me4life