Fran Holmes, a 22-stone woman from Caerphilly, South Wales, lost seven stone using Weight Watchers instead of weight-loss jabs after a breakup left her unable to recognise herself in photographs.
Comfort Eating After Breakup
Fran turned to comfort eating after ending a seven-year relationship. She consumed enormous foot-long Subway sandwiches, McDonald’s, KFC takeaways, pizzas, and pasta dishes designed to feed four people. Her weight climbed to 22 stone 7lbs (143 kg).
“My weight gain was mainly due to a breakup – after ending a nearly seven-year-long relationship, I turned to food for comfort because it was all I knew,” said Fran, a team manager with the Welsh government.
Turning Point: Christmas 2024 Photo
Seeing a picture of herself at Christmas 2024 was the catalyst for change. “I couldn’t recognise myself. I had let myself get to a place where I didn’t think I could recover from,” she said.
Fran had previously lost weight with Weight Watchers before the breakup. Despite the surge in popularity of medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro, she chose not to use weight-loss jabs. “Knowing I had previously lost weight following Weight Watchers made me decide not to go the weight loss jab route,” she explained.
Return to In-Person Workshops
Fran rejoined Weight Watchers weekly meetings, valuing the in-person interaction. “Although it had been four years, the familiar faces made it feel like I’d never left. Going back to an in-person workshop was a must – virtual classes weren’t for me,” she said.
She used the Weight Watchers app and meal plans to make mindful food choices. “It was all about making small, sustainable changes rather than an ‘all or nothing’ approach – which I’ve tried before, with not much success,” Fran added.
18-Month Transformation
Over 18 months, Fran shed seven stone, dropping from 22 stone 7lbs to 15 stone 2lbs (97 kg). Her clothing size reduced from 26-28 to a size 16. She also incorporated weekly circuit classes and Pilates sessions into her routine.
“I feel so confident and appreciate my body so much more now. Prior to losing weight, simple tasks such as popping into a few high street shops would fill me with anxiety,” she said.
Newfound Confidence
Fran no longer hides in oversized T-shirts and leggings. “I’m able to live more freely. I no longer worry about going outside with my arms out anymore,” she said. “I’m also no longer afraid to go on dates now and just be myself.”
