Paul X gained weight after his health deteriorated, though he is not sure what has caused this. Although Paul knows how to lose weight, this is not easy for him, as he does not eat regularly and finds exercise painful. Paul feels that strains on the NHS have affected his care. He would like healthcare professionals to offer more personalised support, and help him manage his weight in the context of his wider health conditions.

Stuart started to gain weight in middle age. Although he lost weight for a heart bypass operation, he has since gained some again. As Stuart suffers from type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and back problems, he would like to lose weight for health reasons. Although in the past Stuart used a starvation diet to lose weight, he is now making changes to his diet, as well as taking advice from healthcare professionals on managing his weight in the context of his wider health conditions.

Tref has lost and gained weight over the years, but has found it hard to maintain a diet over time. Tref started taking his weight loss more seriously since being diagnosed with bowel cancer. He is finding making changes to his diet easier now he has a motivation for dieting and something to aim for.

David gained weight in middle age due to work commitments and a sociable lifestyle, where he was exercising less and eating more. David was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure around 15 years ago, but started taking his weight loss more seriously after being warned by his diabetic nurse that his health was in danger. David lost some weight by following an NHS program, changing his diet and exercising regularly. David would like to lose more weight but has found this difficult.

Ria was a healthy weight until her 40s. She gained weight drastically after the death of her son, where she began binge-eating as a source of comfort. Ria has several health conditions, which have been related to or affected by her weight, including type 2 diabetes, blood pressure problems, and depression. Ria feels that dealing with obesity requires health professionals to consider new approaches, and emphasizes the importance of education.

Alan X says that for the last 20 years, he has been overweight with a weight of about 14.5 stone. On average he tries to diet once a year, usually after Christmas. Over the years there have been periods of weight loss and periods of weight gain. In 2006, he had a heart attack and later underwent CABG (coronary artery bypass graft). He has also been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure and had 2 episodes of atrial fibrillation. Alan plans to join a weight management program in the future.

John Y describes himself as overweight but not obese;. After the age of fifty, he has had three heart attacks that required heart surgery each time. Later, he was also diagnosed with kidney disease and had a renal artery bypass graft done. Following his liver surgery - and due to a lack of stomach muscle function – his back has greatly deteriorated. At present, his physical activity level is limited and he feels it affects his ability to lose weight. He eats healthily and is applying several rules including, small portion sizes, no snacking, no alcohol or sugary drinks and drinks plenty of water.

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.