A mum who lost an incredible five stone after purchasing an item from TikTok Shop says she feels “brilliant”.
Gemma Heath, from Woodley in Stockport, tipped the scales at 25 stone at her heaviest and was a dress size 30. Ordering Chinese takeaways twice a week and snacking on crisps late at night, the mum-of-three struggled with tiredness, walking long distances and backache.
But everything changed when the 41-year-old was shown a photo of herself on holiday in France – giving her the shock she needed to turn things around for good.
Gemma decided to join Greater Manchester and Cheshire slimming group Beeweighed in January 2024 and watched as the weight quickly dropped off.
Gemma says this photo made her cry
(Image: Gemma Heath)
Through calorie counting and walking on a treadmill she purchased from TikTok Shop, the mum went on to lose an incredible five stone.
And Gemma says not only has her self-confidence improved, she has never felt better physically. “That photo of me in the blue dress was horrendous,” she told the Manchester Evening News. “I was mortified when I saw it; I cried.
“I hated taking photos. You get to a point where you can’t keep looking like that. I didn’t realise how big I actually looked. You don’t realise until you see the photos. I just didn’t go on scales; I hid from scales all the time.”
Gemma has lost five stone
(Image: Gemma Heath)
Gemma, who now fits into size 16 clothes, credits walking and fasting for her weight loss success. She also believes weighing everything she eats has been key to her transformation.
“Since I lost the five stone, I don’t get backache anymore,” she added. “I can walk and do more with the kids. It’s made my life so much better.
“I calorie count and write everything I’ve eaten down on my Fitbit. I bought myself a walker on TikTok Shop. Track everything, that’s the key – weigh everything.”
Gemma feels great after becoming five stone lighter
(Image: Gemma Heath)
But Gemma isn’t finished with her weight loss journey, aiming to get down to around 12 stone.
“I feel brilliant now,” she added. “I actually have photos with the children. Before, I wouldn’t do that.
“It definitely gives you more confidence. You feel better in yourself. You want to make an effort. Before, I didn’t. Now I do.
“I can walk for hours now. I couldn’t walk for 30 minutes before without problems. Now, no problems at all. I don’t get tired; my back doesn’t hurt. It’s just made a big difference.”