Sluggish, tired, depressed and unhealthy are just some of the words that describe how Karen felt weighing in at almost 16 stone. Karen tried to shield herself from the reality of her weight problem by denying how out of control it actually was.

"When I saw photos of myself, I couldn’t believe my size-I thought that the cameras were lying, I couldn’t be that fat could I?"

However with a BMI that was putting her dangerously close to a morbidly obese BMI of 40 Karen knew deep-down that she needed to change her lifestyle, lose weight and get her life back on track.

"I was so big and uncomfortable! Family and friends were starting to express concern over my weight and health. All my clothes were too tight. I was also getting very concerned about health issues."

After a few half hearted weight loss attempts Karen decided to join the Gi plan and just 10 months later Karen thanks the healthy eating plans for changing her life in every possible way.

"I have lost 4 stone and dropped 3 dress sizes. I am amazed and delighted with my weight loss. I never thought I would be able to do it, I can’t believe the difference it has made to my confidence. Now I’m taking much more interest in my appearance, losing weight has knocked years of my apparent age."

Not only has losing weight boosted Karen’s confidence, she also credits the meal plans with improving her health.

"The plans have really helped with my IBS. When I stick to the plan, I rarely have problems now, unlike before when I was uncomfortable most of the time."

Karen recognises that her diet was far from nutritious and balanced before joining This Morning Healthy Starts; she describes her before diet and tells us how it has changed.

"I was eating way too much and all of my meals were ready-made. I was buying either sandwiches or big rolls or baguettes. I would also buy crisps or a large flapjack and/or sweets."

"I am far more aware of what I eat now, and even on the days when I stray from the plan, I am more conscious of what I eat and whether it is particularly healthy or not."

Since starting to eat more healthily Karen's shopping bills are much cheaper, which is certainly an added bonus considering the current economic climate.

"I have noticed that my food shopping bills have reduced as I don't usually buy pre-prepared meals now, or sandwiches and I've found cooking from scratch and the meal plans/shopping list is less expensive as I am no longer buying items I don't require.

Sensibly Karen realised that exercise was fundamental to long lasting weight maintenance. In Karen’s own words- "the two must go hand in hand."

"I have been a member of a gym for years, last year I only made it there about 4 times. In the first couple of weeks of joining This Morning Healthy Starts, I had visited the gym more times than I had in the whole of 2007."

Now that Karen is leaner, fitter and more toned, she relishes shopping trips and trying on trendy, fitted clothes.

"I take an interest in clothing and I’m enjoying going out, and buying new clothes which are not made like tents."

Karen has advice for anyone that cringes at the idea of a group weigh-in. "It is a very discreet way to lose weight as there is no public weigh-in, I never went to a slimming club because I couldn’t bear the thought of anyone knowing how heavy I was-even my doctor!"

"I have been so pleased with the whole experience of being part of This Morning Healthy Starts; I would recommend anyone to join."

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