'Netball Helped Me Shift 6st!'

Charlotte Harneiss, 33, was caught in a vicious cycle of overeating and dieting, until she discovered her competitive streak...

- Frances Leate

 

Before

Ever since I was a teenager, I’ve used food as way to comfort myself when In was feeling stressed or upset. It was always a short-term fix, though, as when I realised how much weight I’d gained, I’d feel depressed.

I was always gaining weight and then losing it on some fad diet. I was stuck in a vicious cycle – and I rarely exercised.

By the time I was 30, I weighed 19st 3lb and was a dress size 24.

In January 2015, I was sat at my desk at work when photos from our Christmas do were emailed round the company. I’ll never forget the feeling of horror when I clicked on the link and saw myself. It must have been the most unflattering photo I’d ever seen. I was mortified.