In short, I used to be very thin (size 6 – 8) and then, in my mid-thirties I became clinically depressed. I’ve always been sporty and despite doing exercise I went up to a size 16 – I believe the anti-depressants can slow your metabolic rate somewhat.  Although I ate healthily and exercised as I usually did, nothing shifted the weight.  As a final desperate measure I decided to try Pure Hoodia. I must admit it took a couple of weeks to kick in, but now that it has I have dropped a couple of sizes in the last 3 months (I’m now size 12) and I’m hoping to lose more by September when I go on holiday. I just wish it was available on the NHS, especially for people who are on anti-depressants long-term.

Karen Kane-Dalglish - Glasgow (featured in Take a Break magazine August 2007)

In her early 40s, Vanessa's world fell apart when her partner left. Alone, with no children to draw comfort from, Vanessa thought her life was over.

Comfort eating was her only source of pleasure and the weight soon piled on. Eventually she weighed 17 stone.

Vanessa's self esteem was rock bottom. Shopping for clothes was a nightmare - she couldn't find anything that fitted or looked good, and she hated her appearance.

Vanessa began to withdraw from her friends, as she became more ands more self-conscious about her size. She couldn't bear the thought of going out, and knew she'd never find another man to love her. She felt more alone and miserable than she'd ever felt in her life.

The final straw came when Vanessa was at work. Though an Insurance Clerk by day, Vanessa had a part time job she loved - working in a bar. It was her only opportunity to get dressed up and socialise and feel good about herself. But even that was taken from her when the customers started to say rude and unkind things about her - making cruel jokes about her weight.

Vanessa tried diet after diet but nothing seemed to work. She joined slimming clubs but still the weight stayed on. She was at the end of her tether.

Then, one day when she was surfing the internet, Vanessa read about Hoodia. It's a natural herb extract that helps curb your hunger to stop you from snacking. At last Vanessa could wave goodbye to comfort eating, and say hello to her sexy figure.

"Before I started taking the Hoodia in September this year, I was 17 stone," says Vanessa. "In just a couple of months I've lost nearly two stone - I can't believe it!" she beams. "I weighed myself this morning and I'm 15 st 4lbs. What's fantastic is I haven't felt hungry at all, and although I am careful about what I eat, I don't feel guilty if I have something naughty."

Despite the amazing weight loss, Vanessa is not cutting meals and still eats three healthy meals a day - but the Hoodia has stopped the comfort eating and snacking between meals.

"I feel like a new woman!" smiles Vanessa. "People have started to notice the weight loss and have commented how well I look. It makes me feel great! I've had a whole new lease of life."

Hoodia has helped Vanessa feel sexy again. She's enjoying nights out with friends, and is back shopping for a sexy new wardrobe.

Look out men! Vanessa is feeling so good about herself, she's shopping for a new partner too! "I'm a new woman - now I need a new man!" she laughs.

Vanessa Gillett, 42 years old, Wiltshire. - November 2007