Scots woman sheds nine stones after 'humiliation' on flight is 'final straw'

dailyrecord.co.uk:

An Ayrshire woman has lost an astonishing nine-and-a-half stone after admitting a 'humiliating' incident on a flight was the final straw.Fiona Barr said that having to ask for a seatbelt extension on a plane was so embarrassing that it sparked a life-changing journey.The 47-year-old from Beith ballooned in weight after a number of devastating blows, including the loss of her mother, saw her retreat from life and pile on the pounds with comfort food.Fiona was so embarrassed about her weight that she joined a Slimming World class almost 10 miles away in Johnstone, Renfrewshire.And 10 years on from that pivotal moment, the civil servant has reclaimed her health and lost a lot of weight in the process.She said: “Back in 2013 my weight ballooned mostly due to various personal issues, one major one being the loss of my mum.“Being completely humiliated and embarrassed at having to ask for a seat belt extension on a flight was the final straw.“I started my Slimming World journey on July 31, 2013 in another town from where I live because I was so embarrassed and ashamed of myself.“The class I chose to attend was in Johnstone and it was so welcoming and friendly.

I never felt judged when I walked in and I have never looked back.“I was so focused and encouraged that I got to my target weight on the August 14, 2014 having lost 8st.”More importantly for Fiona than the weight loss was the growth in confidence and the social side of the club – which after a tough few years was just what she needed.She added: “The weight loss made me feel great and my confidence had grown, going into high street shops to buy clothes was a dream come true.“I continued going to group and became a member of the social team which I loved.