As a former rugby coach and avid swimmer, Lisa Merritt had previously considered herself to be sporty and active.
But after going through a divorce and noticing a decline in her mental health, the 56-year-old realised that she had fallen into a habit of eating to feel "less miserable". She had reached a point where she had no self-esteem or body confidence.
And the woman who had once swam regularly with a swimming club was now embarrassed to wear a swimming costume. She would cover herself up with a towel until she reached the pool to avoid being seen by others and was suffering pain in her knees.
