My new year's resolution? NO MORE HIDING

After a Christmas wake-up call, Gillian McCallum, 44, decided to take her life back

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There was a time when I dreaded looking in the mirror. I’d pull on the same black clothes every morning, hoping to blend into the background. I told myself black was practical, but deep down, I just didn’t want to be seen. I’d turn down social invites, avoid photos, and make excuses to skip swimming with my children. I’d built a life around hiding - not just my body, but myself - and it’s only now looking back that I realise how much life I was missing.

Growing up as the youngest of three girls, I always felt like the odd one out. While my sisters were both naturally slim, I was the shy, quiet, chubby one, who preferred staying home with a book rather than going out.

When I turned 18, my mum suggested we join weight-loss classes together. The thought of talking to a room full of strangers about my weight terrified me, but she said it would help build my self-esteem and promised to buy me a new wardrobe of clothes if I stuck to it. That was all the motivation I needed.

A year later, I'd lost 3st 7lb, going down to a size 10-12, and for the first time in my life, I felt confident. I started going out with friends, dressing up, and actually enjoying life.

At 20, I met my husband Scott, then 21, at my sister’s wedding. We hit it off straightaway and married two years later. For a while, I kept the weight off, going to the gym and eating sensibly.

After having our first child, Alyssa, in May 2006, I got back to my pre-pregnancy weight fairly quickly, but when I fell pregnant again with Noah just four months later, things began to slip. With two babies under two, I barely had time to shower, let alone cook healthy meals. My days were fuelled by biscuits, crisps, and chocolate. I'd snack all day and eat a huge meal late at night when the children were finally asleep. The weight crept back on.