We struggled to lose weight. Here's what worked

Weight loss isn't easy. It's hard. It can be really hard. Many people often try lots of different methods to lose weight – yet sometimes still struggle to get results.

It's important to remember weight loss doesn't work in the same way for everyone. Everyone is different – and every body is different. There is no one size fits all approach, which can make the journey even harder.

Weight loss may happen quicker for some, and slower for others. We're all unique and all have our own preferences for how we like to move and fuel our bodies.

We spoke to people who have been on weight loss journeys to see what worked, what didn't in the past, and what it was that made it "click" for them.

Samantha Robinson: "I stopped striving for results"

The journey: Samantha lost 3 stone in 5 months

What didn't work? "I used to struggle to lose weight and keep it off. I tried all the fad diets: not eating, eating strange food combinations. I even did a shake diet plan for ages and lost a lot of weight but I soon put it all back on again. I didn't understand what my body needed to maintain and be consistent."

What was the turning point? "What clicked for me firstly, was to not look for the answer. Not strive for results. I invested in a plan that made me feel comfortable, that seemed achievable and that I trusted (Joe). I enjoyed the process and it wasn't a chore or a struggle. I put all my energy into the recipes and following the workouts and the more I did it, the better I felt. That was the leading factor. More energy, healthier and confident. Then all of a sudden I noticed a massive physical change. I looked different and all my clothes were too big. I felt amazing and it encouraged me to keep going. It wasn't a diet or even a plan anymore but a lifestyle change, that's what I tell everyone. It was the confidence I felt and the pride in my body that inspired me to carry on. How I felt internally but also mentally. It was a no-brainer."

Samantha's advice: "The biggest, most important message I would give someone else who is struggling to lose weight would be to trust the process. Honestly, it might sound far fetched but you just have to keep going. You might not notice a change straight away and you might have the odd treat, but it does not mean you need to give up. See it as there is no end goal."

Nicola Doherty: "I realised I could work out at home"

The journey: Nicola lost nearly 3 stone in just over 10 months

What didn't work? "After having my boys I told myself "I couldn't get to the gym and I'd have to wait until the boys were at school". I was a stay at home mum and running my own business from home in the evenings. When I look back, what I was eating was so far down on the list of my priorities. If I was trying to be "good" I would eat a simple salad which would get boring and wouldn't fill me up! With the gym being out of reach and my lack of knowledge of how to properly fuel my body, my weight gain got out of control."

What was the turning point? "I saw info on Joe's app on his Instagram and realised I could do all the workouts at home and create my own meal plan. My boys were 2 and 4 when I started. It seemed achievable and I loved my son being able to see mummy exercise. I feel a sense of achievement after a workout and feel more energised for the day. If I don't workout now, I really feel the difference, which is what keeps me going. My workouts are that little space in the day I reserve for myself! My mindset has changed and I'm focused on being strong, not skinny. The food is healthy and nutritious, I eat more than before as I regularly used to skip meals. It really has been a lifestyle change."

Nicola's advice: "Stay committed, it doesn't happen overnight, but it will be so worth it. Eat healthy but make sure your meals are full of flavour so you don't get bored! And meal prep so you are always prepared. On the days you feel like giving up, get up and workout, push through it and when you come out the other side you'll feel so much better for it."

Melanie Hill: "I started fuelling my body properly"

The journey: Mel lost 4 stone in 1 year

What didn't work? "I went travelling for 2 years and when I came back, I saw that my mum had lost weight cutting back on saturated fats. I tried it too, but it was slow-going and took a long time to work. Previously, I'd tried to lose weight in my 20s just by exercising and cutting out fun things. It didn't work and I didn't lose much. I also tried the 5:2 diet – but not for very long as I didn't get on well with it. I always thought that to lose weight you had to cut out the fun, eat less, and exercise more."

What was the turning point? "None of my previous attempts were based on what my body actually needed. I downloaded The Body Coach app and the exercise and food plan just made life feel a bit easier. I was making better food choices, I wasn’t as hungry, I was feeling better mentally, and I wasn’t stress eating. I started eating more protein and realised I would be fuller for longer. I stopped snacking, and I'd go to shops without being tempted into things. I stopped eating out of boredom. I soon realised that salads without protein that I was eating before just won't fill you up! Once I was eating more, I added in the exercise. And I started focusing on the non-scale victories, too – wearing a T-shirt I wasn't able to fit in, being able to lift something down from the cupboard now I'm stronger, wrestling the children into the car. I loved being stronger. It just feels like my life and lifestyle. It's not unpleasant. It's enjoyable."

Mel's advice: "Eat more protein, drink more water than you think and stay in a small calorie deficit. Give weights a try – it's amazing being stronger and fitter. Be proud of all your non-scale victories, and always be on the lookout for them. Take photos and measurements - don't rely on the scales for your progress. Always look back and see how far you've come."

Amy Nuttall: "I stopped looking for quick fixes"

The journey: Amy lost 8 stone in 4 years

What didn't work? "I was looking for quick fixes. It'd work initially, then I'd be fed up. I didn't eat enough food that I could maintain. I wasn't doing any form of exercise. I'd do shakes and snack bars. But I'd pile it back on as soon as I started eating normally."

What was the turning point? "I was walking my son to school and my coat exploded. I sat on the step to call my friend and accidentally hit Instagram. Joe's advert came up and I signed up. The length of workouts were easy to fit in. The food is normal and doesn't feel difficult to create or unusual. The whole plan was a friendly plan and I knew straight away it was something I'd be able to do. It was hard for the first month, but I could see things changing. Within the first 4 weeks, I felt so much better. I didn't feel tired anymore. It became a habit and part of my daily life. I didn't have to go out to the gym, I could do it in my own home and go at my own pace."

Amy's advice: "I'd never done a day's exercise in my life, I'd never eaten a green vegetable. If I can do that, anybody can. You just have to put a tiny bit of effort in until it becomes a habit. I tried everything, but nothing worked. This did."

Craig Melhuish: "I started exercising for my mental health"

The journey: Craig lost 2 stone in 1 year

What didn't work? "I had never been consistent in my training before. I've tried different approaches to exercise and eating well but never maintained them with any consistency."

What was the turning point? "Weight loss as a metric can be misleading. It used to affect me mentally when I saw my weight fluctuate, even by a few pounds. Now, the benefits to my mental health have become my priority. The physical benefits are a bonus, but some days I honestly don't know how I would cope with life's stresses without having exercise in my toolbox. So, what clicked for me was the strength and fitness of both my body and mind. Now it's determination that takes over, along with the inspiration I get from seeing friends in the BC community sharing their sweaty smiles and successes, and overcoming failures and obstacles. They still come back and press play every day. That's my click moment in the mornings and what gets me out of bed every day."

Craig's advice: "There is no magic bullet, but consistency in exercising and eating well is the worst-kept secret to fat loss. It's out there for everyone, but it's hard. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it. The hardest part is starting, but that's where the transformation begins. Once on your journey, focus less on the numbers on the scale and more on how you look in the mirror, how your clothes fit, and how you feel mentally. It's game-changing."

This article was written by The Body Coach content team.