Patricia lost almost 16 lbs - 'I did it for myself'

Name: Patricia

Age: 24

Weight lost: 15 ½ lbs

Patricia is 24 and from Luton. She has recently lost 15 ½ lbs and says her epiphany moment came when she learned that 1 in 4 people are seriously overweight. No longer wanting to be part of the figures, she made basic but effective lifestyle changes and she looks great. She says she has been on a journey with her weight loss over the years but has finally been able to control it.

So Patricia, 15 and 1/2 pounds is impressive, what was your motivation?

I did it for me. I wasn’t influenced by anything other than my drive to feel happier in myself.

I can’t say that I have really experienced any pressure from those around me but my doctor advised me that losing weight would help me improve my overall health. I wanted to feel comfortable in myself.

I read somewhere that 1 in 4 of us is now obese. I decided that I didn’t want to be a statistic and knew that I had to do something about it.

So how did you do it?

Exercise was key. Nothing out of the ordinary, I just walked everywhere. I cut out white carbs and was more stringent with portions. I read the interview with Jessica who said she walked everywhere as opposed to getting the bus or driving and I couldn’t agree more. I make sure I get regular exercise every day.

Did you have good support around you?

Yes, definitely, my family were a great help. They were so supportive and gave me that much needed lift, as and when I needed it.

So who do you think is to blame for the current obesity crisis?

I don’t think it’s about blame. It’s about getting the right balance between government intervention and us taking responsibility for our own lifestyles. I know firsthand because I made my own weight success with lifestyle changes although I could argue that if there had been a greater number of awareness schemes, I would have perhaps taken action much earlier.

What advice do you have for our customers that want to lose weight?

Eat well and exercise, I cannot stress that enough! It is more what you eat rather than how much you eat. Sometimes I find I eat more on some days than others.

Patricia says that since she adopted her new diet, her energy levels have rocketed and she feels healthier all round.

Interview conducted by Nicole Rankin