I’m a fat woman and I’ve been fat for most of my life. I get where you’re coming from but there are a couple of important things to realise. You’re not your body. You’re just inhabiting it for a while until your number is up. Don’t make other people’s opinions about your body your business. It works both ways.

I suffered badly from body image issues because of hurtful comments, but only because they confirmed what I was already thinking about myself. It is a vicious circle. When I changed my beliefs about my body, and realised that other people’s opinions about me, my life and my body weren’t my business, I started to accept myself and my body more, and I felt more at ease. It didn’t happen overnight, and it wasn’t easy but it was worth it in the end.

Be well and be happy. Remember, happiness is a choice.