As a report reveals rising obesity in England, and government advises on healthier lifestyles, those who have shed weight tell how they did it, and how it has changed them.
Tim Woolley, from Hemel Hempstead, is 17. Over 18 months he went from 16.5 to 11.5 stone by attending a slimming club and eating healthily - cutting out fast food and sweets.
Jo Hudson lost seven stone in 18 months with the help of an organised diet plan: "It taught me that there are alternatives to calorie-laden foods, and they can taste just as good."
Zahid Ul-Hassan, 25, of Glasgow, weighed more than 19 stone. "I lost six stone by following a controlled diet and going to the gym six times a week."
Sandra Dibble has lost nearly four stone over two years through running and a weight-loss group. "With that elusive stone to lose, I do the Great South Run next month."
Neill Christie-Hewitt says: "I was nearly 14 stone so I decided to take action. I cut out all the rubbish I was eating, cut out alcohol and started going to the gym. I lost three stone."
Ailsa Jeffries has lost 11.5 stones since last September with a diet plan: "I was seriously considering stomach surgery but was frightened by the risks."
Andrew Norris's work-pass photos: "I lost 25kg (about four stone) over four months by calorie counting and more regular exercise (daily 30-minute fast walking)."
Lisa Veal, 23, of Oxford, lost six-and-a-half stone in six months: "The first photo was taken on Christmas Day 2005 and the second photo was taken two weeks ago."
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