At 5 ft 5 she had a BMI of 48.9 (the healthy range is 18-25) and gorged on 4,000 calories a day, putting her at risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Emily, now 15, was desperate for help. So Closer teamed up with GI Jane Bootcamp and after following a strict healthy eating and exercise regime, she shed an incredible two stone
Since then, Emily’s been back to boot camp twice and has now slimmed to 17 stone and a size 18, as well as losing an impressive 19 inches from her arms, legs, waist and bust. The determined teen has lost four stone in total since April this year.
She says: “I’m so pleased with how far I’ve come. I can just about squeeze into my size 16 school trousers, I feel amazing.
“I'm much healthier and fitter after boot camp. I can run short distances, jump and do squats. I’m determined to keep my weight down.”
When Emily first went to boot camp, in Sittingbourne, Kent, she formed a close bond with reality TV star and personal trainer Josie Gibson, who’s also struggled with her weight in the past.
Josie says: “We bonded because we’d both been through the same thing. I wanted to show her you can lose weight no matter how big you are.”
Emily followed a tough exercise regime to get in to shape.
She explains: “I was up at 7am for a sprint session, followed by a healthy breakfast of Branflakes or porridge.
“Then we’d spend the afternoon doing circuit training, boxing, squats and weight training. We learnt salsa dancing as well, which I really enjoyed.
“In the evening we’d have a healthy roast dinner or tuna salad and snack on fruit and Ryvita.
“I was nervous when boot camp started, but my fitness level has improved and that’s boosted my confidence.”
Now Emily is determined to keep up her fitness regime and even hopes to be a personal trainer, helping overweight children like herself, one day.
She says: “I’m going to do exercises in the park four times a week and go walking with Mum regularly.
“I really like healthy food now – I snack on prunes and sweet potato chips.
“I’m so pleased I’m almost a size 16. I’ve got my school prom coming up next year and I'm aiming to fit into a size 12-14 dress.
“In future I’d like to become a personal trainer and help other overweight children. I know exactly what they’re going through and if I can slim down, anyone can!”
Make sure you keep an eye out on Emily's progress, online and in the magazine.
With thanks to the incredible team at the GI Jane Bootcamp - the UK's leading women's boot camp, where guests are guaranteed to drop a dress size in a week
Visit www.gijanebootcamp.co.ukfor more details.