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A woman has revealed her remarkable post-breakup transformation that saw her drop from a size 22 to a size 6.
Amy Salmon, from Hertfordshire, spent years trapped in a cycle of comfort eating, watching her weight climb to 18 stone despite trying endless diets.
But when her relationship broke down in 2023, the aesthetics practitioner decided it was finally time to put herself first.
Two years on, and Amy has lost an astonishing nine stone, now wears a size 6 and says the biggest change has been her confidence rather than her appearance.
Thanks to a gastric sleeve surgery she underwent in 2024, a rigid diet of protein and whole foods, and a little help from cosmetic 'tweakments' to enhance her facial features, the mother-of-two no longer shies away from photos and social situations.
She said: 'Life has changed massively. I finally feel confident in myself, and I no longer hide away from photos or avoid social situations.
'I struggled with my confidence for a long time, and food became something I turned to when I was stressed, overwhelmed or unhappy.
'Looking back now, I realise I wasn’t just carrying extra weight physically, I was carrying a lot emotionally too.'
Amy Salmon, from Hertfordshire, spent years trapped in a cycle of comfort eating, watching her weight climb to 18 stone despite trying endless diets - now, she's a size 6
The mother-of-two was a size 22 just two years ago, with a diet typically consisting of chocolate, sweets, and regular takeaways, including McDonald's and pizzas
According to the mother-of-two, the pressures of motherhood, a demanding schedule and an unhappy relationship caused her to turn to comfort food and gain weight.
Chocolate, sweets, regular takeaways, including McDonald's and pizzas, became routine for Amy, with large portions and little thought given to nutrition.
Although she repeatedly attempted various diets and weight-loss programmes, including Slimming World and meal replacement shakes, the results never lasted.
It wasn't until her relationship ended that she decided enough was enough.
Amy said: 'I reached a point where I realised I wasn’t living the life I wanted. I wanted to be healthier, more confident and, most importantly, able to keep up with my children as they grew up.
'I knew something had to change, not just for how I looked, but for how I felt.'
After struggling to achieve lasting results through dieting alone, Amy travelled to Egypt in June 2024 to undergo gastric sleeve surgery.
Within just a year, she had lost nine stone, cutting her body weight in half.
She explained: 'I always say that the operation was a tool, not a magic fix. It still required a huge amount of commitment, learning healthier habits and changing my mindset.'
'During this time I focused on prioritising protein, exercising regularly, building muscle and creating sustainable habits rather than chasing quick fixes.'
Although she repeatedly attempted various diets and weight-loss programmes, including Slimming World and meal replacement shakes, the results never lasted
But when the mother's relationship broke down in 2023, he aesthetics practitioner decided it was finally time to put herself first, and headed to Egypt the following year for a gastric band
The mother-of-two's weight peaked at 18 stone
Amy now follows a strict diet of protein and whole foods, with chicken salad for lunch and lean meats for dinner
Pictured: Amy with her two children
Today, Amy's meals primarily revolve around lean protein and whole foods.
Breakfast typically consists of eggs on sourdough or Greek yoghurt with added protein and berries, while lunch might be chicken salad or an omelette. Dinner usually includes lean meat or fish with vegetables.
While the mother still enjoys treats from time to time, she revealed her relationship with food has completely changed, adding that she now 'eats to fuel my body rather than to cope with my emotions'.
The transformation has had a huge impact on nearly every aspect of her life.
She said: 'I have so much more energy, I can be far more active with my children and everyday tasks that once felt exhausting are now effortless.
'I spend less on takeaways – they were costing me a fortune – and my mood is happier as I feel better in my own skin.
'My confidence has completely transformed and that’s had a huge impact on both my personal life and my career.
'It’s also inspired the mission behind my [aesthetics] business, because I know what it’s like to lack confidence and I love helping other women feel better about themselves too.'
Amy has since documented her journey on TikTok, where her videos have amassed more than one million views.
And while many followers have been blown away by her dramatic weight loss, other eagle-eyed viewers have noticed the changes to her facial appearance.
While the aesthetics practitioner has undergone dramatic weight loss, she's also made major changes to her facial appearance with the help of regular cosmetic tweakments
Despite the striking physical transformation, Amy insists the emotional changes have had more of an impact on her
Amy, who has candidly opened up about the treatments she 'religiously' receives, says she undergoes aesthetic 'tweakments' every four weeks to maintain her new look.
Her skincare routine includes skin boosters with hyaluronic acid injections, polynucleotide treatments - commonly referred to as 'salmon sperm facials' - beneath her eyes, across her lower face and neck.
She also regularly has Botox injected throughout her face, as well as filler in her lip and chin.
Amy said: 'I went from looking completely unhealthy. [I was] physically overweight, my face looked puffy and tired, and overall I feel it made me look older than I actually was.
'To now [I’m] looking a lot healthier, more put together and less tired. People have also said I look younger.'
Despite the striking physical transformation, Amy insists the emotional changes have had more of an impact on her.
She said: 'If there’s one thing I’d want people to know, it’s that losing weight doesn’t automatically fix every problem in your life – but it can give you the confidence to start changing everything else.
'The physical transformation is obvious, but the mental transformation has been even bigger.
'I’m proud of the weight I’ve lost, but I’m even prouder of the woman I’ve become through the process.
'And if sharing my story helps even one person believe that change is possible, then it’s worth it.'