I WAS 31 STONE BUT LOOK AT ME NOW!

Healthier and happier, Sarah Clarke, 35, is revelling in her new-found confidence

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Rolling myself out of bed, my feet hit the floor. 'Ouch,' I gasped, pain shooting through my legs. Grabbing my walking stick, I shuffled to my wardrobe and pulled out a baggy shirt and stretchy leggings. In the mirror, my tired, bloated face looked back and I knew I was in for another day of pain.

It was January 2022 and, at 33, I was living in the body of an elderly person. I had sleep apnoea, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and shooting pain in my feet.

Plus, my doctor warned I was at risk of diabetes and it was all because I was hugely overweight.

Ever since I could remember, I'd been bigger than my friends. My appetite was insatiable. As a child I'd finish my tea, then my sister's, and I'd snack on crisps, chocolates, anything I could get hold of.

By the time I left primary school, aged 11, I was a size 16, and when I left secondary school, I was a size 24.

I made up for it with my big personality, I had lots of friends and loved a night out. Not letting my weight hold me back, I'd be the first one on the dance floor, downing pints of beer and shots of vodka. I just shrugged off comments from drunk men.

I'd finish the night with a takeaway, the carton piled high with a greasy kebab and chips. But, as the weight piled on, my health problems stacked up.

By the age of 32, I'd stopped going out with friends - in fact, for the most part, I stopped going out at all.

It was agony to just walk across the lounge and even to get out of bed.

And now, as I glared at my reflection in the mirror, I felt so angry with myself for letting this happen.