Ms Charlotte O'Connell:

I am the youngest leader of "Operation Transformation" this year. I can see where they are coming from in terms of education because even in primary school, I was overweight. I knew that being overweight was an issue and the kind of embarrassment it caused in school. Weigh-ins should be introduced in school from infant classes upward. In my school, fifth class was the only class where a weigh-in was introduced. The teacher measured our weight and height. From fourth class onwards, I dreaded going into class because I knew she had that chart on the wall. If it was introduced in every class, used on a yearly basis and students knew it was used in every class, it would help. It needs to be carried out on an overall scale.

"Operation Transformation" has done much for my confidence. At 23, I did not want to discuss my weight with anybody. To see that I can come in here and talk about my weight, the effect it had on me and the changes that have taken place is tremendous.