Losing 17 stone ‘like getting out of jail’

A woman who lost a staggering 17 stone has described losing the weight as being “like getting out of prison” — and she says the most important thing is: “Don’t give up”.

Now a svelte 12 stone, 46-year-old Blanche Fox won’t worry if she has put on an extra couple of pounds in the past week because she knows she can lose it again — she has already lost 238lb.

Blanch is eager for everyone starting a health kick on the first day of the new year to know that the rewards really do make it worthwhile and urges people to never give up, just start over again — and again.

“I remember what it was like to walk in somewhere and to know 99.9% of people were looking at me and judging me because of my weight.

“At my heaviest I was 29 stone and at that weight you know you are going to be the biggest person in the room.

“So as you enter the room people will look at you. You know comments might be made and they could be made to your face or made behind your back.”