‘I Was Spending £3K A Year On Chocolate'

I pulled a huge box of chocolates from under my armchair while grinning at my husband, Rob, then 54. It was December 2018 and I’d already finished off a packet of chocolate digestive biscuits, a cream cake and three packets of salt and vinegar crisps. But that wouldn’t stop me from devouring the whole box in one sitting.

- Frances Leate And Katie Pearson

After all, when it came to eating, I was a pro, and this had been our little routine since our kids, Christopher, 30, Jessica,27, Helena, 26 and Louis, 24, had been little. As soon as I’d tucked them into bed, I'd settle down on the sofa, switch the TV on and treat myself. Chocolate was my favorite, and I’d sometimes spend up to £40 a week on bars and biscuits as well as fresh cream cakes from the local bakery.

Food frenzy

But evenings weren’t the only time I’d give in to temptation. I’d usually start the day in the local café tucking into a cooked breakfast, then I’d have tea cakes or slices of buttery toast at home. Lunch would be a sandwich with chips and gravy and loved making a big roast dinner for the family.

My obsession with food had started when I turned 18. I developed terrible pain in my joints and muscles, and doctors diagnosed me with arthritis. My mobility was limited, and I could only manage short walks to the shop and back. I couldn't go out to nightclubs or see friends.

I felt isolated, depressed, and the only thing that seemed to make me feel better was food, especially chocolate. The warm creamy taste made me feel comforted and reassured. When I met Rob and had the kids, I still couldn’t resist food.

My weight piled on and on, and now, at age 49, I was tipping the scales at 24st and a dress size 26-28. My doctor had been telling me for years I needed to lose weight, as I was only 5ft 3in so my BMI was off the scale. But I always ignored her, shrugged, and told her I wasn’t going to give up my chocolate.