Maddy Parram

At my heaviest I was 25 stone 7lb – I am currently 12 stone 11 lbs thanks to The Slimming Clinic.*

I’ve always suffered with weight issues – as a child I gained a stone a year and when I went to Senior School my weight gain was dramatic. My parents didn’t know what to do as I really didn’t over eat massively; they even took me to a specialist in Harley Street when I was 12. He disregarded my problem as puppy fat. I have been dieting my whole life. I’d lose a couple of stone easily, then my weight loss would plateau, I’d get bored and start cheat-eating… I’d order something for lunch at work, order extra secretly and pick on it from my drawer. Food in general was a downfall so the weight would go back on with a bit extra each time. By the time I started a slimming support group for the first time, I was 16 and 21 stone 7lbs. I struggled to find anything to fit me – size 32 was snug. I was borderline diabetic and got very out of breath. My weight has caused me to suffer from high blood pressure, high cholesterol and gestational diabetes during pregnancy, but the horrifying moment came when I was taken to hospital to have my first child. I was so big (around 25 stone) that the maternity unit didn’t have a bed that could take me. I had to go to the General Hospital. Don’t get me wrong I was well looked after but it was so embarrassing!

At this point I felt as though I had tried everything so when a friend of mine who had lost weight with The Slimming Clinic referred me, I was delighted to try something new. I have found it relatively easy and I don’t feel as hungry so don’t eat the quantities I used to. I have changed my mindset too and I do moderate my intake of certain foods but it is all part of the journey. I had a lot of weight to lose and so my entire thought processes needed to change. I still have a little more to lose, but on the whole maintenance is easy. I do find that if I have some time “off” when I go back I am more disciplined in my mind as well as having The Slimming Clinic’s help as I enjoy being slimmer! Now I can be way more active with my children which is great. I have lots more energy and feel more alert. Of course it’s amazing being able to go into any shop and find clothes that fit well – and the compliments I receive from friends is a great confidence boost. I’m no longer the “fat friend” and I feel younger, happier and healthier!