'I weighed 21st aged 12 - but an NHS clinic changed my life'

Ibbie was just 12 years old when she was told that her weight could lead to her eventually needing a liver transplant.

Ibbie, now 16, was referred to a specialist clinic as part of an NHS pilot project in 2022. She weighed 21st (136kg).

The Complications of Excess Weight programme is aimed at patients aged two to 18, and Ibbie, from Doncaster, attended sessions at Sheffield Children's Hospital.

Four years on, she has lost about 7st (43kg) and said the support she received from medical and social care staff has transformed her life. She was discharged from the clinic three months ago.

"I will always be grateful for everything they have done for me. I truly couldn't have achieved this without them," said Ibbie.

She now enjoys running and going to theme parks - something she was reluctant to do before as she was worried she would not fit into the rides' seats.

The Sheffield clinic is one of 38 run at different locations in England.

Tailored treatment plans are delivered by doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers and dietitians.

Ibbie said: "When I first came to the clinic I was in a very negative place and terrified of being judged for my weight and appearance.

"Instead, I was met with kindness, understanding and support."

Ibbie's weight had a significant impact on her mental health and overall wellbeing.

As well as the warning about future liver damage, she was at risk of developing diabetes.

"I wasn't confident in myself. I'd been bullied massively about my weight and my height and I just didn't feel comfortable or happy in the way I was."

Her weight gain began during the Covid-19 lockdowns, when she ate more "because that was all there was to do". When she returned to school, she faced negative comments about her appearance.

"I was scared for my health. I was so low that I was self-harming. I felt suicidal."

Ibbie stopped attending school and began studying at home instead.

"I didn't want to do PE. I felt like I was going to be judged about the way I looked.

"If we were going out for the day, going to an amusement park or something where there were rides, I didn't want to go because I was worried that I wouldn't be able to fit on the rides."

Her hobbies became home-based, such as art.

Ibbie said she felt that "nobody was really helping" her.

"When I had my first ever appointment meeting the consultant, I barely spoke, but she explained to me about the clinic and how they were going to support and help me.

"No one had ever put my mental health first but she knew from listening that I needed support to be able to even think about my weight loss."

Ibbie was supported by a psychologist before seeing a dietitian, which helped her to start losing weight. She was then prescribed weight loss injections.

She said also having a family support worker who made home visits was "absolutely amazing" as she educated Ibbie's parents about the right sort of food to buy.

Dr Dita Aswani, a consultant paediatrician specialising in diabetes and weight management for children, said the clinics took a "holistic approach".

She said any medication, including injections, was only prescribed by specialists and monitored for safety and effectiveness.

Ibbie was not alone in her home city in suffering from the effects of excess weight gain.

The government's National Child Measurement Programme data found that in 2023, around one in four children in Doncaster started school classed as overweight or obese. By the time they were 11 years old, that number had risen to one third - or 33%.

Among adults in the city, 74% are overweight or obese.

Ibbie's weight dropped to about 15st (93kg) and her health dramatically improved.

"I no longer need a liver transplant because of the amount of weight I've lost.

"I've got no diabetes, no underlying health issues. My mental health is the best it's ever been. I'm a lot more confident in myself."

She loves going on days out and walking the family dog, and has enjoyed trips to Doncaster Racecourse.

Ibbie's mother Andrea said the support they received as a family had helped them all to become healthier without being judged for her parenting.

"I really do believe through all this journey I've learned that as a parent you have to take responsibility.

"Children are not going out there and they're not buying the food - you are.

"I realised that we all needed to change our ways."

Andrea herself lost 9st (57kg) and Ibbie's father shed 2st (13kg).

"You can't help a child and support that child unless you go through that journey with them," she said.

"Ibbie is still the beautiful girl that she always was.

"She's grown in confidence tremendously and I just am so proud of her now."

Ibbie is now considering career in the NHS to help other children like her.

"It's changed my life."

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