A WOMAN is calling for greater education around nutrition after frustration with “yo-yo” dieting led her to quit her job and start a weight loss centre.

Amy Ditchburn, 32, was “kicked up the bum” into losing weight after a photo, taken by her partner, shocked her. One year later, she quit her six-figure job to start Core Club, a nutrition centre focused on education and lifestyle changes.

“I’ve always been overweight. My parents had me young so we just ate what we could afford, which I call freezer dinners. Nothing healthy or nutritious,” the Darlington woman said.

“I yo-yo’d through diets and got really good results but never maintained them. They didn’t teach me what I needed for my body. I’ve done every diet you can imagine, the normal ones like Weightwatchers and Slimming World, all the way to the crazy stuff like the diet they put you on before major surgery.”

When Ms Ditchburn fell pregnant 16, she gained even more weight.

Aged 19, she was her heaviest at 18-and-a-half stone.

During her “unhealthy” 20s, where she worked away from home a lot, Ms Ditchburn “overworked and overate”.

“My other half took a picture of me and passed the phone over, and said, do you think it’s time you did something about this? It wasn’t malicious, he’s the best person in the world,” the then-29-year-old said.

“So I did what any other self-respecting woman would do, I poured a big glass of red wine and went for a bath.

“I realised something was missing – I had accomplished everything I wanted career wise and had my dream home.

“That’s when I got serious and wanted to look after myself. It’s more than weight loss, it’s how you feel. Everything around you is better when you feel better.”

Now 32, Ms Ditchburn weighs 10-and-a-half stone, but advocates a healthy lifestyle and education over watching the scales.

“Foods tends to be overcomplicated,” she said.

“Let’s look at what you eat because you enjoy it and what is because you need it to live.

“People are talking more about fitness but nutrition needs attention.

“It’s really strange, I look at pictures and I don’t hate that girl. She got me through a lot.

“But I wish I knew then what I know now - you can still live a healthy, active life and enjoy it.”