HUSBAND DOES NOT WANT SEX NOW I’M SIZE 22

Dear Coleen

I’M 46 and I was a size 12 when I met my husband when we were both in our 20s. But after my second child I started gaining weight and I haven’t been able to lose it. I’m always so busy I often skip meals and eat junk, and I drink too much coffee and wine.

I’m now a size 22 and none of my clothes fit, and I feel very selfconscious. My husband has always told me he loves me just as I am.

However, recently he’s gone off sex and when I asked him why he said it’s because I’ve gained so much weight and he wishes I’d try and lose a bit.

I was so hurt, but ironically it’s also made me eat even more.

What can I do?

Coleen says

HE WAS just being honest with you but it’s still hard to hear. I feel your pain because I’ve been there myself. I’ve done every diet under the sun and they all work when you’re doing them.

But once I reached my goal weight I stopped again, which is when the weight piles back on. In lockdown, I just decided to stop weighing myself and to focus on my health instead.

I’m not dieting because that makes you feel deprived but I’ve been choosing foods that make me feel good and energised, and I haven’t eaten one Easter egg.

I’m no longer eating for comfort and I walk every day. This isn’t about you losing weight, this is about you taking care of yourself and not doing something drastic, like skipping meals.

You deserve to eat good, nourishing food and take time to exercise for yourself – and nobody else.