Finally I'm a size 10 JUST LIKE MY TWIN!

Eve Little and her twin sister Hayley supported each other through a life-changing journey

- MISHAAL KHAN

As twins, Hayley and I are used to people comparing us. While we're not identical, we still looked similar and growing up, people often mistook us for one another. Yet there were many things that set us apart, too.

I was sensible and academic, whereas Hayley was more outgoing. Like all siblings there were also times when we were competitive with each other, like getting good grades at school, or keeping up with the latest beauty trends.

As we got older, that competitiveness changed into support and we became each other's biggest cheerleaders. Turning 40 was a huge milestone because Hayley and I vowed to make some drastic life changes. It wasn't going to be easy, but we also knew that together, we were unstoppable.

During my teens, I was active and fit. Weight was never an issue for me, and although Hayley wasn't keen on sports, she was naturally slim anyway. After college, I started working as a bank cashier and at 10st and a size 12, I was a healthy weight for my 4ft 11in frame. But I spent hours sitting behind a desk and at break times, enjoyed the array of options in the canteen. It didn't matter if I'd had a bowl of sugary cereal at home, I couldn't resist the temptation of a bacon and hash brown sandwich as a mid-morning snack.

Poor meal choices

When I got a place of my own, aged 21, I also loved the novelty of cooking for myself. Most evenings I rustled up calorie-laden dinners including pasta, pizza, always with a baguette of garlic bread and followed by a bowl of ice cream in front of the TV.

My weight started creeping up, but I was in denial.

Meanwhile, with Hayley studying at Preston University, I tried to visit her every month or so and realised she wasn't gaining weight like me.

Every time I saw her, it only reminded me I didn't look the same. I couldn't help but feel a pang of envy.