Success Story: Ann

Ann, Age 35

Start Weight	14st 9lbs
Current Weight	11st 6lbs
Goal Weight	11st
Weight Lost	3st 3lbs
Working to Rate of Loss	2lbs per week

Slimming History

I've previously tried Weight Watchers, Slimming Club, Atkins, Slimming World Diet, Slimmer UK. I lost weight on Slimmer UK, went on holiday and came back pregnant with my second son (!) and regained all the weight.

On Being Overweight…

I stopped going out and always used my children as an excuse. I felt old and unattractive. I always thought people did not like me because I was fat (and because I didn't like myself).

Motivation for Slimming

I went shopping with my 2 sons on Christmas Eve. A young lad hit my car at the car park, when he got out I asked did he not see me... He replied, "Shut up you fat cow!" I was devastated.

I could not believe what he had called me. I didn't even go shopping - I was too upset. I hated myself.

That was the turning point.

"I didn't want people to see me like that anymore and vowed to do something about it."

I didn't want my boys to be embarrassed about that man calling their mum names.

Discovering Weight Loss Resources

I discovered WLR in Slimming Magazine.

How Weight Loss Resources Helps

It lets me know how much I have eaten each day; how many calories I have left; and whether I am eating enough fruit and veg.

Knowing I have to input my weight each week helps me not to cheat!

The positive feedback and advice from other members also encourages me!

I put a star on the fridge every time I lose a pound - it encourages me to keep going...

Tips on The Best of Weight Loss Resources

Food Diary and Database - I always fill in my food diary, and look at the calories and fat in foods on the database before I eat them.

Goals and Results weight pages - I like to look at the chart and see my weight and fat results going down.

Members Forum - I like to read the messages on the boards.

Ann's Tips for Slimming

• Measure yourself and fill in your results regularly.
• Read the message boards and members success stories to keep you motivated.
• Take up an exercise - I started yoga and belly dancing classes because I find the gym boring. These are more fun to me.
• Use the food diary - it has helped me control what I eat so I don't forget and go over my calorie allowance.

Finally...

I have tried lots of other diets (Weight Watchers, Slimming World, Slimming UK Clubs).

Calorie counting works for me.

"I am a different person now. I can shop in normal clothes shops, pick something off the shelf and know it will fit."

I am wearing more fashionable clothing, and bought a pair of hipster jeans! I have not worn jeans since before I had my sons (aged 8 and 4 years). I feel younger and have started going out.

My sister-in-law was getting married and I was invited on the hen weekend - if I had not lost the weight I would never have had the courage to go.

I went and had a wonderful time - I missed my husband and children, but I was Ann again for 24 hours, not mum nor wife.

I have not yet lost all my weight, but I am at a healthier size and weight. I am determined to lose the last 2 stone. I have come this far - there is no going back!

"I cannot explain how good I felt when people started to notice the weight loss. I am still getting compliments - this is what keeps me going."

That man who insulted me at Tesco on Christmas Eve doesn't know what a big favour he has done me. That day was the turning point to a new, slimmer, healthier and happier me!