In January BBC Gloucestershire started following Ann and Ron Bennett from Churchdown, as they tried to lose weight. We put them in touch with the county's NHS weight loss expert Sue Weaver.
66 year-old Ann had a history of dieting, but somehow always managed to put the weight back on. Sue was emphatic that they shouldn't think of themselves as being on a diet. Thinner chunks Instead she asked them to make minor changes - such as cutting thinner chunks of cheese to go on a sandwich, and making sure they ate proper meals instead of snacking. They were also asked to try to walk more - for instance walking to the shops as opposed to driving. After a month they were already reaping the benefits. Neither had lost weight by that stage, but both said they felt much better - both physically and mentally. And then the weight started to come off, at just over 1lb a week. Bottom of the cupboard By May they'd both lost over a stone - and could fit back into clothes they'd relegated to the bottom of the cupboard. It had also had a positive effect on their health. Ann used to get migraines. But now she says they've gone - and thinks it has something to do with her weight loss. Energy Ron, who started working part-time several years ago, now says he's got so much energy he's taken up extra work as a decorator. Between the Monday July 12 and Friday July 16 you'll be able to hear their story on BBC Radio Gloucestershire. And we'll also be touring the county with Sue Weaver - who helped Ann and Ron rejuvenate themselves. Advice and tips She'll be on hand to give out advice and tips for getting rid of the pounds - and keeping them off. On Monday the team will be in in Cirencester, Tuesday in Stroud, Wednesday in Tewkesbury, Thursday in Coleford. and Friday in Gloucester. Leaflets will also be available at the BBC Learning Centre on Eastgate Street in Gloucester. What are your top tips for losing weight? Have you been on a diet recently, or started regular exercise? Has it paid off? We want to know how you got on. Maybe you managed to lose weight by cutting out snacks between meals, or perhaps you've started walking to work. Your comments: stephen
im 14 coming 15 and looking to loes 2 stone or 1 stone and a half before im 15 . what could i do im to young for the gym i go walking everyday after school but is their any other way for me to lose a few stones plz tell me gary
I have been on a diet now for nearly two weeks and if anything, my weight has increased by 0.5 lb. I am 5:10 and weigh exactly 12 stone. My new regime is to keep my diet and alcohol comsumption the same but from doing hardly any exercise I now run 6 km (about 4 mile), do 20 minutes of weights combined with 80 sit ups then finish up with 2/3 mile swim. I've managed to do this almost every day. What am I doing wrong or will it soon start to drop off ? I just want to look toned for the holidays please!!! Tracy
I shed half a stone in a month in the new year by going on the cabbage soup diet and joining the gym. Tasted horrible though so now I'm putting it back on. 
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Ann and Ron Bennett both wanted to lose weight and get fit. That was back in January 2004. So have they slimmed down, or were the cakes and pies too much of a temptation? 
