Still deciding whether to take the plunge and set out on the path to a healthier life? Then perhaps these messages from our Shape Up message board will inspire you

1) ‘Hi all. I joined on 4th June, 2001 and was given great advice on setting small targets. I need to lose seven stone total, so I’ve aimed to lose seven pounds in two weeks. Well, I have lost 9 ½ lbs and am very pleased with myself. I have even had a family meal out and a chocolate treat without going back to being a complete chocoholic!

The added joy is that my hubby who is also around seven stone overweight is doing the Atkins diet and has lost less weight than I have. This is power to my theory that simple healthy eating is best. Thanks for the support and well done to everybody. Doesn't it help that we are all trying together?’ iVillager Timerri2000

2) ‘I did a victory dance round the room this morning as I’ve only been doing the Challenge for a week and have already lost five pounds. Now I weigh less than when I got married 2 ½ years ago. The best thing is, when you start getting bored a new week starts and the plan changes slightly so you've always got something exciting to focus on. I'm definitely not giving up – this week I went to a barbeque and had chicken and salad, and yesterday my family had a big Chinese dinner and I had a healthy eating meal – I didn't even nick a chip. I'm so pleased with myself.’ iVillager Alvy_Singer

3) ‘I just wanted to say thanks to those who have responded to my message – it's brilliant to come to the message boards and read how everyone else is doing. I am so excited about dieting, as I have tried over the past couple of years but have had no motivation at all.

Now, for whatever reason, I have really thrown myself into it and am actually enjoying myself. I lost about 10 stone five or six years ago, then met my husband and piled on the pounds. I am so much looking forward to being able to look in a mirror and see a full body view without cringing. I'll never be super-slim, but I know what I'm happy with and I'll get there. And although my lovely (super-slim) husband loves me the way I am, I will love me better when I am a few stones lighter. I don't want to be Kate Moss – I just want to get back into my knee boots and short skirt, and am planning ahead to the moment when I get a new outfit and feel the confidence to knock him dead! And this time when I lose it, it will stay off. Anyway, I am looking forward to using the boards a lot more, as they're a brilliant encouragement. See you all later.’ iVillager Girly_whirl

4) ‘I went out for a meal last night and had the grilled fish instead of the fried fish, fresh strawberries instead of Tiramisu and black coffee instead of cappucino. I swear it's because of the message board. You guys are giving me lots of strength, thanks so much!’ iVillager Kaz

5) ‘I was feeling the same yesterday, but somehow I managed to do Josh's home gym exercises as it was only about 20 minutes. After this I had more energy and found time for my Power of Yoga video too. Might have overdone it as, today, my whole body aches like nothing ever ached before. I feel very pleased with myself for having done it, and it’s helping me resist food temptation as I don't want to undo all the good work. If you lack time, perhaps try running up and down stairs for a few minutes at a time. No one ever said your workout has to be done all in one go. Good luck!’ iVillager Jofea

6) ‘I'm singing and dancing today! It's official – I no longer feel the need for chocolate. Now don't get me wrong, I've not been that well behaved on The Shape Up Challenge. I was at my mum's last night and she gave me a Jaffa Cake (and in the true spirit of me, I had two) and do you know, I felt as if I could throw up after I had scoffed them. Do you think that I have finally managed to get it into my head that I don't need chocolate every day? What a breakthrough. A couple of weeks ago, I was so fed up because I had lost nothing since starting the Challenge, despite eating well and working out four times a week. Now, I feel as if I could take on the world! Thank you iVillage!’ iVillager Helen

7) ‘I've been going to the gym for six weeks, but my weight has stayed the same – however, I was eating rubbish. This week, I stuck rigidly to the eating plan, and went to the gym four times doing a straight 50 minutes of fat burning. I have lost five pounds this week, which is fantastic and very motivating. To add to this, I find that the diet is beginning to make me feel full up, so my body is getting accustomed to it. Thanks, Shape Up Team! I'll keep you posted. I'm so damn pleased!’ iVillager talgar

8) ‘Twelve weeks ago I topped the scales at 16 stone. I put it down to a lot of things including stress eating, as I just finished a two-year diploma course as well as working and looking after a family. About six weeks ago I discovered The Shape Up Challenge and found the support – more than anything – has been a big help.

I used my visit to the family planning clinic as my stepping stone and decided when I next went I would have lost some weight. Last night I weighed in at 15 stone, 6 pounds, which means I’ve lost eight pounds. This includes falling off the healthy eating wagon several times particularly with the fried breakfasts I had while we were staying in a B&B. More than anything, I have found the inches are coming off. I couldn't figure out why none of my bras fit and it's because I have lost two inches round my bust. I'm really chuffed at the moment even though I know my ultimate target weight (12 stone) is a long way off. I just keep aiming for the little targets.

I do wonder if any of the older Challenge members are finding, as I have, that losing weight seems to be more difficult now than it was when we were in our 20s and 30s? I seem to have to do twice as much exercise now to shift half as much weight. Thanks for the support.’ iVillager megamolly

9) ‘Hello there, I know exactly how you feel. I, too, was about five stone heavier than I should have been when I started – even pushing the pushchair to playgroup puffed me out, and I felt so unattractive. It was when I realised I was declining invitations and making excuses not to see people because I was so embarrassed about my weight that I knew it was time to get a grip. I have found a huge amount of support among these people, sometimes just reading the messages, sometimes letting off steam. Whichever, the support and encouragement is always there. I have been doing the Challenge, not strictly following the eating plan, for five weeks now and I have lost a stone. My jeans no longer castrate me, which is a terrific feeling. So, I am sure you too will find this message board of immense interest and support. Good Luck and keep us posted!’ iVillager hanjam38

10) ‘Ladies, I am pleased to announce that I have lost a further two pounds! :-) That means I've lost a stone all together in seven weeks. I'm so pleased. My willpower dropped a lot this week and I admit I struggled, but I've done it. This means I'm a pound off my ‘wedding weight’ and I wanted to reach that for my anniversary in seven weeks. I'm amazed! Thanks for your support and guidance. My next goal is to get below 13 stone. I'm sure I can do it this time!! P.S. The smiley face icon doesn't seem enough – I'm that pleased.’ iVillager Karen

To join the Shape Up Challenge, click here.