Caroline after she lost weight with WeightWatchers

Name: Caroline
Age: 43
Height: 5'8"
Was: 12 st 9 lb
Lost: 2 st 0 lb
Weight: 10 st 9 lb

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Realising that losing weight might make her feel less matronly, Caroline decided to take action. Accidentally being called ‘cuddly' was enough to spur Caroline to lose weight and rediscover her younger, fitter, more agile self...

Comfortably Ageing?
I didn't really notice the weight going on. Whenever I saw my reflection or photograph I always blamed my outfit or I thought I hadn't yet mentally adjusted to the older me. I didn't like the way I felt so matronly, though.

Dawning Awareness
When I started to weigh more than my husband I realised losing weight might help. I really wanted to go to Weight Watchers as I'd always heard about it and I knew I'd need the support. But it took a while for me to pluck up the courage to go.

Caroline after she lost weight with WeightWatchers

A Chance Comment
Suddenly, I knew I must act... A friend I hadn't seen for a while gave me a hug saying, "Oh, you're so cuddly!" Looking horrified, she then tried to back-pedal like mad, but that made me realise it really was true. I'd got quite large.

First Meeting
The atmosphere was great. I must admit I was startled when Helen, my leader, said, "We'll start with a stone weight loss and then see where we go from there." But it was lovely to be able to admit to myself that the time really had come to lose weight.

Why the POINTS® Plan?
I'm a real stickler for filling out forms and ticking boxes, so it really appealed to me working out POINTS values and eating to a daily allowance. I bought a Journal, which I found brilliant for ongoing tracking.

Family-friendly
I have three children so it was great that I could give them what I was eating. It really is a sensible eating plan - it's nothing weird and wonderful. The only difference would be they'd finish off with apple crumble and custard, whereas I'd have a yogurt. I did discover some brilliant puddings too... one crumpet with a little syrup, for example, is only 1½ POINTS values. I always have plenty of fresh fruit in the house for the children to snack on, including bananas, plus fruit cake - which I avoid!

A New, Younger Me!
I reached goal in less than five months. I now feel fitter, more agile and younger, which gives me confidence. My eldest daughter, who's now 14, is really proud of me. Apparently, her friends say, "Your mum, she's amazing!" We walk everywhere now, or cycle together - which my youngest particularly likes. Mind you, that's not because I lost weight but how I lost weight.

Caroline's Top Tips
- Start the day with porridge. I make it with skimmed milk and add a little syrup for sweetness.
- Buy the tastiest food available - Tesco's Finest, Asda's Extra Special, anything from M&S, etc. That way you'll really be able to enjoy whatever you eat and you'll feel more satisfied.
- If ever you have the munchies, have a drink first. A cup of tea or coffee is often all you'll need.
- Keep busy at difficult times. (5pm was always difficult for me). Take the dog for a walk or do a bit of ironing... If the worst comes to the worst and you feel you really have to eat, stick to cherry tomatoes or an apple, or go for something like sorbet, which will satisfy a craving without piling on the pounds.

- Sign up to WeightWatchers and save £20 with AOL