‘At 20st I was determined to look good for my wedding, and I found a way’

A mum who used to get breathless after running around with her kids for just 30 seconds says she was determined to look and feel good for her wedding day. Amy Keane, from County Meath, Ireland, found the motivation to drop 10 stone in less than two years when her partner popped the question. At her heaviest, Amy weighed 20 stone 5 pounds and was a UK dress size 20. She tried various diets, including detoxes, but nothing seemed to stick, and cravings took over. However, when her now husband, Chris, proposed, Amy was resolute to shed the weight for good.

“I didn’t want to just look good on my big day, I wanted to feel good, too,” Amy, a healthcare worker, shared. “I used to sigh whenever I watched other mums rush around after their kids, wishing I could do that as well.” Amy embarked on a weight loss journey that eventually led her to lose over 10 stone in less than two years. She recounted how she struggled with portion control, often indulging in carbohydrate-heavy foods like bread and potatoes with butter, along with snacks like chocolate and takeaways.

In July 2022, Amy decided it was time to make a change for her upcoming wedding. She joined a programme called Body Slims, which involved calorie counting and committing to at least one hour of exercise per day. This approach, with motivational videos sent to her phone instead of weigh-ins or group meetings, worked for Amy. She replaced her nightly chocolate bar with 10-calorie jellies or protein puddings to satisfy her sweet tooth and removed triggers from her house.

By the time her wedding arrived in February 2023, Amy had already shed three stone. However, she didn’t stop there and continued her efforts until she reached a UK dress size six. Amy underlined the importance of setting goals to stay focused on her journey. She emphasised, “Absolutely start now – there’s no better time, and it’s never too late. If I can do it after this long, anybody can. It’s the best decision I’ve made for myself and my family.”

Amy’s inspiring weight loss journey serves as a testament to her determination and commitment to achieving her goals. As she looks ahead, her next target is to run a marathon, all while maintaining her healthier lifestyle. Amy’s story is a reminder that with dedication and perseverance, significant transformations are possible, and the benefits extend beyond appearance to overall well-being and quality of life.