The media appears to delight in making BIG issues out of people's sizing and the way they look. We see pictures of celebrities who have gained weight, famous people who have dropped several dress sizes in short spaces of time and within weeks of delivering a healthy new child. We are bombarded with every diet these people have ever tried, and we're told that if we do the same thing - we too can lose weight and look sexy, thin and absolutely gorgeous.

Sensationalism in the media is not uncommon - it's what drives ratings and helps sell newspapers and magazines, and we love it. We like to think the celebrities have the same issues we have. We can use it as an excuse - "well if they can't stick with xyz diet, then how on earth am I supposed to?" and of course the other side which says "if I go on this new diet, I can lose all this weight...."

Has the media influenced you in your weight loss journey?