‘I finally love myself – flaws and all’
Sarah-Jane Clark, 49, lives in Swindon with her children, Chloe, 23, and Jack, 22. She says, “At 49, after losing 11st, I feel fabulous. I love my body now, but it hasn’t always been that way.
“As a teenager, I was overweight. After I left school, I worked as a hairdresser, and spent nine hours a day on my feet. Being busy meant I’d always opt for convenience food and snack on chocolate or crisps.
“After meeting my husband, we wanted to start a family, but after a year of trying, my periods stopped. I made an appointment with the GP, who asked me to stand on the scales. I weighed 21st, and was mortified. I was wearing a size 28 and was far too heavy for my 5ft 6 frame. “Realising my weight might be stopping me from becoming a mother changed my mindset in an instant. I cut out processed food and started cooking from scratch. I bought my first pair of trainers and started walking a few miles a day. After a year, I fell pregnant.
“Following doctors’ advice, I stuck to my healthy-eating plan during pregnancy, so when my daughter Chloe was born in December 1997, I weighed 18st. My son, Jack, was born in April 1999, and after he was born, I weighed 15st.
“Sadly, my husband and I split six months later, but I didn’t turn to food for comfort. I kept going to the gym and took up running. At first, I could only run one kilometre, but over the years, I built up my stamina. Now, I love pounding the pavements. I’ve run 30 half marathons and three full marathons.
“My body now feels stronger and fitter than ever. I weigh 9st 8lbs and wear a size 10. I’m not perfect – I have stretch marks and excess skin, but I’m turning 50 in a few weeks and I’ve never felt more beautiful. I haven’t had any menopausal symptoms yet, but my body’s the healthiest it’s ever been and I’m ready for anything. I used to feel lethargic, lazy, and invisible. Now I feel strong and capable.”