I was at my heaviest last year, being 22 stone 1 pound. Since my husband and I married we have wanted to start a family but we were not having any luck so we were referred to a fertility clinic. After various tests to both of us they have concluded the problem is my weight. I have polycystic ovaries which means I do not ovulate regularly anyway but the doctors have told me my weight is making it worse. I believe that even if I did conceive the risks to me and the baby would be much higher during the pregnancy because of my weight? The last time I went to the clinic in October I was told that they cannot and will not offer me any form of treatment until I get my BMI under 30.

I have always been big, ever since I was a child (despite being a competitive swimmer and synchronised swimmer) so to be honest I am not sure I could ever get my BMI under 30 which is devastating news because I want a family. However I am trying, since October I have lost 38 pounds by changing my diet alone. Now my weight seems to have stuck so I am having to start introducing exercise as well. I just hope it makes a difference because it is the hardest thing I have ever done.

My family are all big, grandparents and parents but I have always been the biggest. I think a small part of it is genetic but I cannot blame anyone but myself. The people in these programmes make me disgusted and embarrassed in case others think of me as they do them. I have always worked and always would, they seem to blame everyone else for their weight. No one is forcing them to eat the way they do and no one is stopping them changing.