From slinky hipsters to increased self-confidence, iVillagers describe what keeps them from ditching the diet

What to wear
That extra piece of chocolate or a red satin dress? The self-confidence to wear a skimpy bikini or the latest range of halter necks from Top Shop is what many dieters aim for. iVillagers on the 'You Can Do It - Diet Support' message board describe the clothes they dream about to keep their minds off that second helping of Sunday lunch.

Some of the board members posted up links to their dream outfits on shopping channels while others had actually bought items, a few sizes too small, to inspire them every time they open the wardrobe. lolly78 imagines herself at her ideal weight being able to wear 'bikinis, a tailored trouser suit and one of those gorgeous Sex and the City-style 50s skirts with the tiny waist'. To top it off she posted up a picture of a satin red dress by Ben De Lisi - even more delicious than that tub of Ben & Jerry's in the freezer (well, maybe).

kerry has decided that when she reaches her goal she'll rush out to buy hipsters and crop tops, and doesn't care 'if I look ten years too old. So there!' Ritu went one step further and bought 'a lovely pair of green silk trousers from Laura Ashley which will only fit me when I have lost another half stone'. This sounds like the perfect inspiration - setting smaller goals and treating yourself every time you achieve them, this way you can gradually work towards the skimpiest bikini.

Craving confidence
The weight loss issue, of course, goes deeper than spangly tops and satin dresses, however sumptuous. Woman should be able to wear what they want at any size, the problem is that they are made to feel uncomfortable or ridiculous. The causes for this feeling are deeply entrenched in our society, both psychologically and practically. You can't buy clothes over size 16 in most high street shops. Big woman have to search out the much rarer 'outsize' shops if they are to find the right fit.

We see images of women constantly, on TV, at the cinema, in magazines and slapped across bus stops and the majority of them are never over a size 10. The psychological impact on women's self-confidence is evident. mandy describes standing in front of the mirror and searching for 'the thin me inside' and goes on to explain that one of her major reasons for sticking to the diet is 'to be treated like an intelligent human being rather than a loathsome fat slug'. Meanwhile, kerry says that she has 'put her life on hold, I never go out because my confidence is way too low.'

The women posting on the message boards are obviously bright, loyal and funny but despite this they are made to feel unattractive. One of the major factors motivating these iVillagers to keep dieting is that they feel their weight eclipses their other attributes. As mandy says, her aim is to 'get that buzz from going out in tight sexy clothes and blatantly stand out from the crowd because I look good, not because I look fat...'

Binning the big pants
Finally, one of the most passionate messages was on the large, industrial strength control pants. The type you really hope you don't pull in - as was demonstrated by Hugh Grant's reaction in Bridget Jones's Diary. fizz7f claims that her ultimate goal is 'to never have to wear those huge hold everything in, can't breath, can't move, can't sit down and constantly make you look constipated knickers again.' Hear! Hear!

What motivates you to lose weight? Why not share your tips and get advice from other iVillagers on the You Can Do It! diet support message boards. Have a look at some of the discussions happening live, right now: