Hello Vicki,

Congratulations on your web site. I sincerely hope it gives over-weight people inspiration and confidence, especially when they feel shunned by society in general. I disagree with discrimination against the larger people among us (I say "us" because we are all still people, regardless of size), and cringe when I hear stories of verbal and physical abuse against fat people.

I was overweight, but not quite obese. I felt uncomfortable with myself, not because of what others thought or said, but because I was once thin and then put on weight. The health implications worried me, particularly as my weight was climbing steadily.

I decided to do something about it and started a weight loss programme. This was eight weeks ago and I have had tremendous results. I have lost a stone and my waist has reduced appreciably - I am now able to fit into clothes I thought I would have to throw away. I'm still losing the pounds and inches and am much happier with myself and my appearance. Again, this is personal and not what I think others see in me. My energy levels have increased dramatically and I am confident again.

What I like best about the programme is that it is a long term effort and is based on good nutrition (not starvation or food group deprivation like some diets). This means my overall health is improving also, and the design of the programme means I will not put on weight again after reaching my target.

I appreciate that some people have learned to accept their excess weight and appearance, even be proud of it, but I would like to say that it is NOT healthy and this is not an opinion but a fact. At present 70% of all diseases can be attributed to poor nutrition and 1 in 11 deaths can be linked to obesity. This is something all over-weight people should consider before resigning themselves to being fat for the rest of their lives.

Thank you for reading what I have to say.

Yours sincerely,

Well done for your success. Please be aware that some people (like myself) cannot lose weight no matter how hard we try, due to a medical condition where obesity is a symptom, not a cause.

I try to eat well and exercise as much as I can, however, I will not obsess about it any more as there is no point.

well done on your increased well being via weight loss, i trust that the programe your following is made up of every day foods that mean that once you go to maintainance mode, you wont end up increasing your weight as you start to eat normal every day foods.

I believe this site is all about mental well being leading to healty life style that will in turn take the focus off food, thus breaking the vicious circle so many of find our selves in.