A Hertfordshire mother has undergone a dramatic transformation, losing eight stone and completely revamping her appearance following the breakdown of her long-term relationship. Amy Salmon, 31, from Bishop’s Stortford, has garnered attention on social media after being compared to reality TV star Gemma Owen, famed for her stint on Love Island.
Amy’s story began in March of last year, when her relationship came to an end. At the time, she was a size 22 and admits she felt utterly “horrific” about her self-image. The breakdown not only prompted her to reflect on her wellbeing but also spurred her into making dramatic lifestyle changes. Speaking to the press, Amy recounted the difficulty of those days, describing the communication issues in her relationship and the toll it took on her confidence and health.
Reflecting on her life before the transformation, Amy recalls being significantly smaller when she first met her partner at 21 – weighing 10 stone and regularly attending the gym. The comfort of a long relationship led to unhealthy habits, and she soon found herself indulging in up to five takeaways a week, with binge eating becoming commonplace. “It became so easy, so routine – a takeaway here, a treat there, and soon enough I’d lost control,” she explains. “Just the thought of going to the gym like I used to felt so distant.”
After their split, Amy’s wake-up call came when she saw photos of herself on a rare evening out. Unhappy with what she saw, she realised a significant change was needed. Initially, she tried traditional methods such as diet and exercise, but struggled to break the cycles of overeating that had become ingrained in her lifestyle. Taking a bold step, Amy decided on gastric sleeve surgery, which she had done in Egypt at a cost of £4,200 in June 2024.
The effects were remarkable: over the next year, Amy lost eight stone, shrinking from a size 22 to a petite size six. The impact on her day-to-day life was tangible – she found renewed energy, especially as a mother of two young children, and no longer felt held back by her body. “Running around with my children became easier. Before, I’d dread even soft play sessions because I’d feel exhausted and self-conscious. Now, I can do so much more with them,” she shares.
In addition to the surgery, Amy invested in a range of beauty treatments totalling around £5,000. She opted for facial fillers, skin boosters, Botox and replaced her former blonde bob with luxurious, 18-inch brunette hair extensions. Amy, who works as an aesthetics practitioner herself, performed many of these treatments, but estimates the full transformation would have cost “absolutely thousands” had she not done it herself. “Changing my hair alone cost £600, but it really completed the look I wanted – it was about feeling good in every way,” Amy explains.
Amy’s revamped appearance has impressed many online. When she shared a TikTok video documenting her transformation in April, comments quickly poured in, comparing her to Love Island’s Gemma Owen. The positive feedback was both flattering and affirming for Amy, who says her newfound confidence is worlds apart from how she felt a year earlier. “When I look in the mirror, I barely recognise myself,” she admits. “If someone had told me a year ago this is how I’d look and feel, I wouldn’t have believed them.”
With encouragement from her newfound confidence, Amy has not only begun dating again, but is also sharing her story to inspire others. She encourages anyone in an unhappy or unhealthy relationship not to let fear stand in the way of positive change. “Leaving was hard, but necessary. I don’t like to imagine where I’d be if I’d stayed. Life is simply too short to be miserable – you have to seize the chance for happiness where you can.”
Amy’s transformation has sparked widespread admiration, with her video accumulating over 359,000 views and scores of supportive comments. “What a glow up! You look like Gemma Owen,” gushed one viewer, while another declared, “This is the best glow up ever.” In a light-hearted twist, one commenter joked they’d even consider divorce for such a transformation.
Amy’s journey highlights how turning a painful chapter into a catalyst for self-improvement can have far-reaching effects, not only on appearance but on mental and emotional wellbeing as well. Her story stands as both a reminder and inspiration for those facing similar crossroads, championing the message that real change is possible, even in the face of adversity.