DID you start 2023 with new year’s resolutions?

Are you working hard to achieve your ‘new year, new you’ goals?

With many people starting diets and making changes to their lifestyles, how hard is it to stay motivated and inspired to reach your targets?

Two readers, who together have lost more than 13 stone, have shared their weight loss journeys in the hope it may inspire others to achieve their own goals.

Mum-of-two Yvonne Williams decided to try and lose weight in March last year.

Having just turned 40, she was a size 22 and around 21 stone.

So far, she’s lost 6 stone 2.5lb and hopes to lose another two to four stone.

Yvonne was a size 22 at her heaviest

Yvonne, who lives in Bewsey, said: “Slimming World worked for me and I was able to stick to the weight loss plan.

“I joined a very motivational group in Widnes and it doesn’t really feel like I’m on a diet.

“It’s about making better lifestyle choices and not depriving yourself of everything all at once.

“The group provides accountability and there is always someone there to offer support or advice.

“You are allowed treats one day as long as you alter your food intake the following day.

“I joined a gym in December as I now have more energy and I’ve started doing Zumba classes.

“Instead of eating scampi and chips for tea, I’ll have a tasty chicken salad.

“It’s all about the small changes that eventually lead to the bigger ones.”

Yvonne has lost more than six stone

Shane Walker’s experiences are a bit different.

Having been on strong medication for Tourette’s since he was a teenager, he tipped the scales at more than 20 stone at the age of 24.

With a 44-inch waist, extremely low energy levels and no motivation, Shane, who lives in Birchwood, decided to do something about it.

He slowly came off the medication, during which time he experienced severe withdrawal symptoms for six weeks, and the weight started to fall off.

Shane tipped the scales at more than 20 stone and lost more than seven stone

Shane said: “I lost four stone in about four months and that enabled me to become more active.

“I started walking and hiking and joined a gym and managed to lose another three stone.

“Over the course of 12 months, I lost seven stone and I’m now feeling happy and healthy.

“Having been on the medication for so long, it was no longer working for me.

“Losing the weight, changed my whole outlook on life and I now feel so much better in my mind as well as my body.”

Shane Walker feels healthier physically and mentally since losing weight