Kirsty: I lost over 8st and found my happy

It’s seven years since the start of Kirsty's epic journey, and the road’s been paved with poor health and heartbreak. But now she’s healthier, happier – and more than 8st lighter!

Tiredness takes its toll on your body

I was a slim, active teen, but at 18 I started work and quit smoking, and food became my focus. After a day working as a sales assistant, I could never be bothered to cook. But soon, I was so big I couldn't run for the bus. When I had my son, Larrel, in September 2006, being lazy started to feel less of an option; what kind of example would that set? 

Sometimes a big event can be an eye opener

Shopping for Larrel's christening when he was six months old opened my eyes to my size. It was a big church celebration and I was forced to buy a pair of size 20 black trousers and shirt when I wanted to wear a show-stopping dress. A few months later, I joined WW.

You can't predict the curveballs

I had endometriosis after giving birth – a condition where tissues gather outside the womb and cause pelvic pain – and it took two years to diagnose. All they were concerned about, naturally, was my weight. Then Larrel's dad left me for another woman – someone much slimmer. Boy, that hurt. It was a tough time and I struggled to motivate myself. So I quit WW after a year. 

Patience is definitely a virtue

After an operation to remove the endometriosis in June 2009, I went back to WW. Starting as a size 16, I steadily lost 1-2lb a week. However, a new job checking water filters meant I did hours of walking, and it felt good. I shifted 2st in two years – slow for some, but every single pound lost was hard won and permanent. 

It's no good getting complacent

After a couple of years of meetings, I thought I could do it myself at home. But when nobody's got your back, it's so much easier to fail. Eating takeaways without tracking can be deadly, so back to the meetings I went. 

It's important to take responsibility

I want both Larrel and me to be healthy, so I cook virtually everything from scratch – spaghetti Bolognese, pasta bakes, chicken and rice – and will always pile our plates high with vegetables. Larrel is nine now and he's my biggest motivator – we rollerskate, cycle and swim together. 

Everyone has to find what motivates them

I'm just under my goal weight now and I'm a helper at my meetings. I love talking to new WW Members and showing them my old pictures. Life may be a series of ups and downs but if you push forward, you will get there eventually, just like I did.