Paul has always been fairly bi, but was motivated to lose weight after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and sleep apnoea. Paul lost 15 kilos through exercise, but after a stressful period in his life put some of this on again. Paul has found losing weight harder as he has gotten older. He feels healthcare professionals should be more direct in encouraging individuals to lose weight, and should offer more personalised advice on how to do this.

Julie gained weight slowly over time, which she became aware of after retirement. Motivated to manage her diabetes and her stomach problems, Julie reduced her carbohydrates, fats and dairy. Julie has lost weight gradually, and feels more confident and mobile. Although she has not received support from healthcare professionals around her weight, Julie encourages doctors to tailor their advice to the individual, considering health and lifestyle factors.

Christine started gaining weight in early adulthood. She had complications with diabetes in pregnancy, but was determined to manage this through diet. Since then, Christine's weight has fluctuated, and is particularly influenced by her mental health. Christine hopes to lose weight in the future to improve her self-esteem.

Rosemary's weight has fluctuated since her teenage years, and she has tried many different diets to manage her weight. Rosemary has found that weight loss support groups are most effective, as she is more compliant about reducing her portions and cutting out certain foods when she knows she will be weighed every week. Rosemary finds maintaining a diet difficult, but hopes to lose weight in the future due to vanit, as well as to maintain her health as she gets older.

Heidi started to gain weight in her late teenage years, after being put on medication for mental health conditions. However, over the years she has developed several other health problems, and put on weight rapidly after being prescribed steroids. Although Heidi has since lost some weight, she faces several barriers to doing so, including her health conditions and poor mobility, the medications she is on, and financial considerations. Heidi suggests that health professionals should adopt a more holistic and patient-centered approach to helping individuals manage their weight.

Myra has always struggled with her weight. She suffers from several health conditions, which have affected her weight. Several years ago, Myra lost 4 stone for an operation after joining a weight loss support group, through changing her diet and avoiding certain foods. Although Myra has since gained a stone, she hopes to continue to lose weight for health reasons and to feel more confident in her appearance.

Hilary gained weight over the years, in part because of bad eating habits developed from working in a busy office environment. After being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, she made changes to her diet, and started losing weight quite quickly. Hilary hopes to continue to lose weight for health reasons, but advocates for realistic goals in weight loss.

Meeka started gaining weight in middle age. Because there is a history of heart problems in Meeka's family, and she has suffered a heart attack herself, Meeka is very aware of maintaining a healthy diet. Meeka manages her weight through counting calories and following a meal plan, although she tends to put weight on during the holidays. Meeka hopes to lose just under 2 stone in order to reduce her chances of suffering further health problems.

Colin gained weight after his wife died. Although he has since become aware of portion sizes, and has made small changes to his eating habits, Colin's weight has remained stable. Colin has also been diagnosed with several health conditions over the years. Because of this, he finds exercise difficult. Colin has had mixed experiences with health professionals, but plans to ask for advice on diet in the future.

Sue's Y weight became a problem in menopause, where she suffered from several health and personal problems. Sue started gaining weight, and although she lost this quite drastically, she put it on again and was diagnosed with diabetes. However, Sue has received excellent support around her condition, and has learnt to manage her diet. Motivated to improve her health, Sue has made small changes to her eating habits, and is now losing weight gradually.