"From Catfish to Confident: How I Lost 8.5 Stone Without Fat Injections"

A woman shed 8.5 stone after feeling like a "catfish" by only taking selfies to appear slimmer.

Mum-of-three Danielle Davies, 35, weighed 18 stone 7 pounds at her heaviest and was struggling to fit into a size 22.

Danielle Davies, 35, weighed 18 stone 7 poundsCredit: Danielle Davies / SWNS Danielle would tell her husband Manny she was on a diet, but days later, she would indulge in takeawaysCredit: Danielle Davies / SWNS

She frequently indulged in pizza and chip takeaways three times a week and snacked when she was “bored” rather than hungry.

However, a photo of her stomach taken on her birthday motivated her to try cropping it out.

Before meeting her partner, she would go on dates and, despite warning people about her size, they would still say she was “bigger than expected.”

After attempting almost every diet available, she decided to relieve the pressure by not labeling her efforts as a diet but rather holding herself accountable by tracking her calorie intake.

In October 2023, she replaced takeaways, chips, and pizzas with protein pancakes, overnight oats, and tomatoes.

By February 2024, Danielle had lost 3.5 stone and chose to enroll in a bootcamp to continue her weight loss journey, incorporating weight exercises and squats.

Since then, she has shed an additional 5 stone by integrating gym workouts into her routine and now weighs just 10 stone, easily fitting into a size 8 to 10.

Danielle, a residential care worker from Fife, shared: “I had tried every diet imaginable, but nothing seemed to work.

“Before meeting my husband, I used dating apps and would only post selfies to avoid showing my body.

“One day, I saw a birthday photo and attempted to crop out my belly – that’s when I decided to make a change.

“I didn’t label it as a diet and took the pressure off; I simply started monitoring what I was eating and counting calories.

“Reflecting on it, I realize I wasn’t happy with my previous self.

“I went on holiday to Turkey at that weight, and I recall having to use the very end of the seatbelt, thinking I didn’t want to use an extender, which motivated me further.”

Through previous diets, Danielle had only lost a maximum of 3 stone, but she always ended up “putting it back on.”

She stated: “I was fed up with telling my husband, Manny, 40, that I was going on a diet, only to be eating a takeaway two days later.

“I worked 12-hour shifts and constantly snacked.

“I would have a roll for lunch with chocolate and crisps, and I often ate out of boredom.

“Takeaways and pizzas were my go-to without much thought.

“I was having three takeaways a week, more if you count places like Greggs.”

After losing the initial 3.5 stone through calorie counting, Danielle sought additional support.

She explained: “I joined a bootcamp that provided me with my precise calorie deficit.

She would indulge in pizza and chips three times a weekCredit: Danielle Davies / SWNS Danielle has lost 8.5 stoneCredit: Danielle Davies / SWNS

“I attended three classes a week where I learned about my protein intake, hydration, and steps.

“I engaged in running , weightlifting, burpees – you name it.

“My goal was to achieve a press-up.

“I can now do press-ups, which I’m very proud of.

“Initially, I struggled, but now I can run and hold a plank.

“I continue to attend the bootcamp three times a week – everyone is amazing, there’s no judgment, and everyone encourages you.

“I also joined