Like many women, full time mum Tracy Carey, 32, from Essex was finding life hard enough running around after three children without carrying an extra stone or so.

But despite having tried nearly everything on the market – including Slimming World, Weight Watchers, Slim Fast and dieting on her own – she was finding it really hard to drop the excess weight she’d gained after having the children.

“When I stopped breastfeeding, I found it hard to stop eating the extra calories you need so the weight just slowly piled on,” recalls Tracy.

Seeing photographs of myself – and realising that clothes in a bigger size than usual were starting to feel tight – was making me feel really miserable and I realised I had to do something about it

“Gradually, though, it dawned on me that I was becoming quite overweight. Seeing photographs of myself – and realising that clothes in a bigger size than usual were starting to feel tight – was making me feel really miserable and I realised I had to do something about it.”

Tracy had seen Jenny Craig advertised online and the idea of trying something different really appealed.

“My diet pre Jenny Craig was pretty unhealthy. Lots of bread and cakes and hardly any fruit or veg. But post Jenny Craig, my diet is transformed! I’ve not only learnt about portion sizes and healthier options, but I actually love vegetarian food now!”

Tracy was delighted to discover that she didn’t get hungry on Jenny Craig food – and that she was able to enjoy quite a lot of Italian food – her favourite!

“When you’re eating food like lasagne and noodles, you don’t feel like you’re on a diet at all, so it was very easy and very painless.”

My consultant Claire was absolutely wonderful. She was with me every step of the way and I know that her support each week kept me on track

Tracy also found her weekly consultations invaluable.

“My consultant Claire was absolutely wonderful. She was with me every step of the way and I know that her support each week kept me on track.

“The fact that everything was personalised – just for me – meant that the advice was always relevant and really helped me get to goal.”

Tracy is now 17lbs lighter and weighs 9 stone 13lbs. And dropping from size 16/18 clothes to a dress size 12 has been amazing.

“Losing the weight has definitely made me more confident. I feel happier and more willing to meet new people. Claire has also given me a keen interest in keeping fit which was definitely lacking before!”