Q: What made you decide to lose weight?
A: I started my weight loss journey in (Jan 2017) weighing in at 18stone (114kg) clothes size 20/22. My current weight to date is 11stone (69kg) clothes size 12/14. I got sick & tired of being referred to as "the fluffy chick" or going on a night out and being known as the FAT friend. Food was my comfort, a way of making me feel better, once pigging out & eating the "Devil's Cravings" which our bodies don't actually need nor require. I was fed up of feeling miserable, unhappy & uncomfortable, so I decided to do something about it. Not just for my confidence, but for a healthier & happier lifestyle. I've been battling with my weight for many years, & became severely depressed. I was de-motivated, withdrawn, angry, with a very low self-esteem etc. I knew for sure I was in denial, but couldn't quite come to terms or accept the fact that I was losing myself. The bubbly, loud, outspoken, funny, crazy Kim, really behind close doors was a broken, anxious, insecure, lonely, sad individual. I suffered with swollen feet and ankles, always out of breath, sleep apnea, constantly hot/sweaty and excruciating back pain. My GP informed me that I was at risk of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and other health complications. I would hate people taking photos of me, & shy away from any given opportunity not to be in one. I would isolate myself from friends and family, and make it my duty to put myself on the work rota over the Christmas holidays, in order not to be seen by relatives. From hiding food in the strangest and peculiar places, such as the bathroom laundry basket where I would snack on a packet of Maryland cookies & mini cheddars whilst taking showers, I knew my weight was spiralling out of control and something had to be done. What made me want to lose weight? This all stemmed from one particular individual. Being a full time nurse and working long hours, on this particular occasion, I was on a night shift and yawned out of tiredness.