Sharon Pitkethly, a mother who once weighed nearly 27 stone, successfully shed over half of her body weight following the passing of her sister and a devastating house fire, which prompted her to make significant lifestyle changes. At 5ft 11in tall, Sharon, who used to be a size 32, reached her peak weight of 26st 12lb in 2015, leading her into a cycle of depression, anxiety, and overeating. The 54-year-old experienced a turning point when her house was engulfed in flames in 2015, pushing her to reevaluate her life. Over the next eight years, she managed to lose 7st 4lb with the help of WeightWatchers, although she struggled at times, particularly with overeating. In 2023, the loss of her sister motivated her to fully commit to her weight loss journey.
Since then, Sharon has continued her weight loss journey with WeightWatchers, shedding an additional 6st 8lb and engaging in regular swimming sessions. Currently weighing 13st and fitting into a size 16, she expressed feeling like a completely different person. Sharon, residing in Newcastle upon Tyne with her husband, Dean, emphasized that her weight loss journey was a tribute to her late sister, aiming to make her proud.
Reflecting on her past struggles with obesity and anxiety, Sharon recounted how she used to turn to food for comfort, leading to a cycle of weight gain and loss. She also shared how her weight impacted her family life, preventing her from fully engaging in activities with her children due to her size.
Following a house fire incident in September 2015 caused by a malfunctioning tumble dryer, Sharon faced significant damage to her home, yet she found solace in returning to WeightWatchers to distract herself from the anxiety. By the end of 2023, she had successfully shed 7st 4lb, dropping four dress sizes and reaching a weight of 19st 8lb with an obese BMI of 38.2.
Sharon’s determination was further fueled by the loss of her sister, Kaleena, prompting her to make a promise to herself to prioritize her health and weight loss goals. She credited WeightWatchers for its support and community, acknowledging that sticking to the program was her own challenge.
Expressing her newfound confidence and sense of accomplishment, Sharon highlighted how she has reclaimed activities she once avoided due to her weight, such as visiting amusement parks and engaging in physical exercises like swimming and gym workouts. She conveyed feeling like a transformed individual, embracing a healthier lifestyle and increased self-assurance.