Allison Connelly

46, Kelty, nurse

DIET PLAN: Atkins Diet (limits carbohydrates so the body burns fat for fuel) START WEIGHT: 16 stone 6lb WEIGHT NOW: 15 stone 2lb LOST: 1 stone 4lb “I found this diet went pretty well. It has been very restrictive but it’s manageable.

“I really missed my cereal, fruits and flavoured yogurts, but didn’t really miss the carbs in foods like bread, pasta and rice which weren’t allowed.

“Steering clear of chocolate, cakes, crisps and especially wine and cocktails was difficult, but after a few weeks you get used to not having treats.

“I did allow myself to have a takeaway on Saturday, but I was back on my diet by the Sunday.

“There was no point in doing so much hard work and letting it all go…but six weeks is a long time so falling off the wagon once is OK.

“I’m so impressed with the weight loss. I’m not far off what I set out to lose at all. But now it’s the hard bit…keeping the weight off.”