A woman who was suicidal after realising how overweight she was has shared her journey to discovering a happier and healthier life.
Old Town resident Sarah Jane Clark weighed around 22 stone in the 1990s after comfort eating to battle the stresses of everyday life at the time.
She found herself in a damaging relationship that only added to the problems and was made aware of the level of her issue during a doctor’s appointment in 1997.
The Swindonian has since spent over two decades losing the weight gradually and now is aiming to help others who find themselves in a similar position.
“I had some health issues and was horrified to find out how overweight I was when I got onto the scales during a doctor’s appointment,” said Sarah Jane.
“It was horrifying how easily that weight went on as I was using food as an alcoholic would use alcohol to numb the pain while being in a toxic relationship.
“I felt suicidal when I left that appointment and if there had have been a bridge there, I’d have jumped.”
The 51-year-old decided it was time for change but realised that there would be no quick fix to help her out of her unwanted situation.
“I was so big that I would get ridiculed in the street but the first change that I made was going for half an hour walks but I’d wait till nighttime so I wouldn’t be seen,” said Sarah Jane.
“Over the years I have got fitter and fitter and I have lost 12 and a half stone of weight with no gastric band, just taking it gradually.
“If someone had told me before that I would lose that much, I would have probably turned back to the fridge.”
With statistics showing around 69 per cent of adults in Swindon overweight or obese, Sarah Jane is now aiming to provide her experience and tips to help out.
“It is very taboo as many people are secret eaters but we don’t tend to discuss it but I would like to open that discussion,” she said.
“I work with them to educate families about a healthy lifestyle and I do small group workshops, I do one-to-one sessions via Zoom calls.
“It feels really rewarding to help others as I had a very painful and lonely journey with my doctor making myself feel lonely.”
If you would like to get in touch with Sarah Jane you can by sending stepbystepwithsarahjane@gmail.com an email.
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