West End assistant wig mistress, Jessica Plews, 28, felt like a misfit backstage because she was much bigger than everyone else around her. She joined LighterLife and lost an amazing 8st*, and now it’s her turn to take centre stage! She shares her inspiring story…
Growing up
I used to think my weight never held me back from going for my goals. I come from a theatrical family, so confidence was never lacking in our household! However, I really enjoyed my food and I was always bigger than other children at school. I tried my first diet at 16. It was extreme and I lost a lot of weight but I didn’t feel healthy. The worst thing was, the weight didn’t stay off long. By my early 20s, I was bigger than ever.
Taking centre stage
After I finished school, I trained as a make-up and wig mistress. My first big gig was in the touring production of Edward Scissorhands. Even though I was a bubbly person, I couldn’t help but feel big, lumbering around backstage with all the tiny dancers.
Working in the theatre also meant that my diet was all over the place. On a typical day, I start work at 1pm and finish at 11:30pm, so I got into the habit of eating on the go – grabbing sandwiches and crisps on the way to work, and then ordering in takeaways to the theatre later on.
A turning point
It was the press night party of Thriller Live, the musical I was working on. It was a big night out, a chance for cast and crew to let their hair down and celebrate our hard work. I should have been having the time of my life, but it was marred by the fact that I felt so uncomfortable in my outfit. On the surface, I was still the same bubbly Jess, but inside I was miserable. Soon after, I joined LighterLife.
Group support
Before LighterLife, I was always finding an excuse to eat. I used food as a pick-me-up when I was down, to wind down after a busy day, and to socialise. I didn’t give enough attention to the harm I was doing to my body. Food was my drug and I couldn’t get enough. I also realised that in order to successfully lose weight and keep it off, I had to do it for myself – no one else.
A lust for life
It’s been four years since I lost weight with LighterLife, and my life has transformed. Physically, I have much more energy. I can be on my feet at work for hours and not feel exhausted. I’ve taken up Bikram yoga and I also walk everywhere rather than take taxis. I have so much more confidence, and I can wear whatever I like without worrying about things not fitting. I love clothes that show off my shape and enhance my curves. I don’t feel the need to hide away anymore.
Each of our client’s results and stories are unique to them and their experience of LighterLife. Your own results will be personal to you and may vary.
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