A NURSERY manager from Addiscombe lost almost seven stone in just seven months after seeing unflattering images of herself on Facebook.
Kathleen Philpott, 38, weighed 17 stone 10 pounds at her heaviest before deciding to grasp the initative and join a dieting club in March 2013.
Changes to her social life and a strict regime set by her LighterLife club in Purley led to her reducing her weight to under 11 stone.
Kathleen said: "I would look at Facebook and see myself on there and I thought 'I have to change this'.
"I've lost nearly seven stone. A lot of food was taken completely and replaced by shakes. I am maintaining the management of it.
"My health has been a lot better as well as in terms of my personal confidence. I still occasionally go to support groups and you can go back whenever and there's no judgement on you for doing so. It's fantastic.
"They don't persecute you for that."
Kathleen has since met a new partner, something she puts down to her weight-loss improving her confidence.
One of her biggest vices in the past was Krispy Kreme donuts and going out with friends for drinks – something she says has worked out a lot cheaper since she lost the weight.
Kathleen added: "I did a lot of social things such as going out to eat or out for drinks and people don't say anything to you because they don't want to offend you.
"I've become a lot more conscious of how much I drink and consume. Because I'm a lot smaller, I don't have to drink as much anymore and it helps save money."
