Heather has had weight issues since she was in her early teens but managed to lose weight while at university. For the last six years Heather has been following a now modified version of the 5:2 diet. She has lost about four stone and now feels confident about maintaining a healthy weight. For her, the advantage of the 5:2 diet is that the feeling of deprivation is short-lived and is followed by eating a normal healthy diet, without needing to count calories. In the past, she did a fat-free diet for two years due to health problems and she lost weight but found this diet unsustainable as a long term project.

Shirley's weight has fluctuated since her teenage years, and she has tried many diets and programs to manage this. Although in the past Shirley has found it hard to maintain weight loss, she has recently lost 2 stone after joining a weight management group on the advice of her doctor. She hopes to continue to lose weight for health reasons, and is trying to change her attitude around food, finding a more flexible food plan that suits her, and seeing healthy eating as a lifestyle rather than a diet.

Sandra has put on weight since being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in her 40s. Since then, she has developed complications from her condition, and has limited sight and mobility. This makes it difficult to go out, and sometimes Sandra feels stressed and depressed because of her health. Sandra doesn't know how she can lose weight whilst controlling these conditions, but feels that healthcare professionals need to offer more information and support to patients who have been diagnosed with diabetes.

Sue X has struggled with her weight since her teenage years, and has tried many diets. Although Sue has lost weight in the past, she has found this unsustainable in the long-term. Recently, Sue lost 3 stone with a weight-loss support group, strictly following a diet program and finding support and advice through attending regular classes. Since losing weight, Sue's confidence, energy, and health has improved, yet feeling in control of her eating is something she continues to work at.

Liz first attempted to lose weight at 18, and has tried many diets since then. Liz; weight has increased over the years, as she tends to lose a little weight, but put on more than she lost. Liz eats healthily and leads a fairly active lifestyle, and finds her difficulty in losing weight to be frustrating, upsetting and demotivating. Liz continues to follow a weight loss support program, and hopes to lose weight in the future, to improve her health and self-esteem. Liz suffers from osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia, and feels that these health issues, as well as her general energy levels, would improve with weight loss.

Carole first gained weight as a teenager, and it increased further in later life as her health deteriorated. Carole's weight is very much linked to her wider health concerns, and she finds it difficult to control her eating, take exercise, and lose weight alongside managing her conditions.

Angela has had weight problems from a young age. She has tried many diets, and has lost and gained weight at various stages of her life. Angela has used food as a source of comfort, and feels her weight is very much tied to her emotional health.

Maxine Mary has a condition called joint hypermobility syndrome that affects all her joints, including hips, ankles and knees. Maxine Mary was diagnosed with arthritis in all her joints and had hip replacement surgery and is waiting to have her knees repaired. Her main motivation to lose weight is her health and in the last twelve months she has lost three stone. She attributes it to life style changes rather than dieting.

Kate gained weight in middle age, due to menopause and an addiction to sugar, which had a negative impact on her self-esteem. Kate was motivated to lose weight after concerns over her health, and succeeded in doing this by following a blood sugar diet. Kate feels that discussing weight is difficult, but the government should encourage healthy living through policy.

John X gained weight in middle age, but only became aware he needed to lose weight because of medical problems. After being diagnosed with prostate cancer, he searched for information about diet and cancer, and made several changes to his diet. Although John has lost some weight, he hopes to continue his weight loss in retirement. He believes that GPs could be more direct in talking to patients about weight.