A mum who felt "worthless" and lacked self-esteem found the confidence to propose to her partner following a weight loss journey which has left her feeling like a "new woman".
Anita Johnston, 49, from Low Fell, said she had been overweight her entire life. And although she appeared to be happy and outgoing to those around her, behind the smile and bubbly personality was a woman who was "at rock bottom".
"My weight was affecting my health and mental health. I felt isolated, sluggish, worthless, my self-esteem was at its lowest and I had very low confidence", said Anita, a supported employment officer for Newcastle City Council. She added: "I was putting on a front, pretending to have such a happy life but I was at rock bottom."
While a new relationship brought happiness to Anita's life, concerns about her weight continued to tarnish her self-esteem. "We fell in love, but I found this strange as I didn't love myself", said Anita, who also started to become worried about the health of herself and her new partner, Graham.
The mum-of-two added: "Me and Graham were living life to the full - weekends away, eating out, and takeaways. It was all great but deep down I was worried about my health and Graham's. We were getting bigger and bigger, and my weight, health was spiralling out of control."
So when she bumped into Slimming World consultant Katherine Mason, in a local charity shop, Anita plucked up the courage to enquire about becoming a member. And now she has lost a whopping 8st 1lb, slimming from a size 20 to a size 10-12.
Alongside her role with the council Anita also ran a café for people diagnosed with a learning disability, where tasty treats were always a temptation. Staff were allowed to take left over food home at the end of the day and Anita would eat it all before getting home, then she would eat dinner with her sons.
But now Anita has altered her eating habits and enjoys getting meal ideas from fellow members. Takeaways and eating out have been replaced with planned and prepared meals utilising high protein foods.
And if she does dine out, Anita says she will check out the menu before visiting and will often get in touch with restaurant to see if they can adapt the dish to her request.
Anita said: "I am a new woman. I can't remember ever feeling this good and confident. I proposed to Graham in leap year of 2020, and married 2021.
"I never thought that I would have the confidence of walking down the aisle in front of family and friends, being centre of attention but here I was. I feel as if I am getting younger, in looks and health wise. No longer wearing those horrible black comfortable clothes having confidence and belief that I can wear a dress and feel amazing."
She added: "Over time as my weight has significantly decreased, my fitness levels have improved remarkably and I'm now doing activities that I'd never ever imagined I'd be able to do.
"I've completed the race for life, entered the Great North Run half marathon, completed the C25K, I got myself a bike and often go cycling clocking up over 20 miles and will make a point of getting out in the fresh air for at least 30 mins walk each day in all weather.
"It's great for your mental wellbeing too. We often have holidays in the lake district and will walk for miles. I'm now pushing Graham up those mountains but before I lost weight I was always lagging, out of breath, face beetroot red. Now Graham is often telling me to slow down."