Lisa didn’t believe Slimming World would work but saw her go from a size 28 to a size 14 and transform her high blood pressure and diabetes
A mum-of-three who was afraid to sleep has transformed her life after losing almost half her body weight with Slimming World. Lisa Eden used to go to bed at night fearing she would never wake up again.
Weighing more than 24 pounds, she was not only ashamed of her size, but also lived with high blood pressure, diabetes and difficulty breathing when she went to bed. But when doctors gave her three months to turn her life around, she knew it was enough.
And in just over two years she’s lost 13st 4lbs, gone from a size 28 to a size 14, reversed her high blood pressure and put her type 2 diabetes into remission. And now she’s embracing exercise, not running away from it, even taking part in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life.
Before joining Slimming World, Lisa, 46, from East Leake in Nottinghamshire, had struggled with her weight for most of her life and started dieting at the age of 11. She tried a range of weight loss methods, including hypnotherapy and weight loss groups.
But despite initially losing weight and feeling great, the weight she lost always came back, and more on top. But she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, which made her decide to finally take control of her weight.
Lisa told how her GP gave her three months to improve her health through lifestyle changes before she had to start taking a range of medications. She said: “I was at rock bottom, both physically and mentally. I knew I wanted to and needed to make a change, but I just didn’t know how.
“I drove everywhere and parked as close to the shops as possible because my knees and hips couldn’t cope with walking far. I was breathing extremely heavily and when I walked up the stairs I was gasping for breath by the time I got to the top.
“I went to sleep every night with the fear that I wouldn’t wake up because of breathing problems. I had to sleep with pillows on my head to keep it under control.”
In February 2022, Lisa joined the Clifton Slimming World group. She says: “To be honest, I wasn’t convinced it would work. I tried Slimming World years ago, but looking back I realize I was never really into it. However, this time my mindset had completely changed and I was I was ready to fully embrace everything Slimming World had to offer to help me on my weight loss journey.
“I was nervous about running in a group for the first time because I felt insecure and embarrassed about my size. I pushed through the nerves because I knew I had to do it for myself. I’m so glad I did it, it’s the best decision I’ve ever made – for me and my family.
“I was immediately welcomed by my consultant Sacha and the other group members and I felt reassured and relieved. Everyone in the group is so helpful and there is never any judgement.”
Lisa has since lost over half her body weight by following Slimming World’s healthy eating plan Food Optimising and still enjoys her favourite meals, such as roast chicken with her family. She has also increased her fitness and activity levels with Slimming World’s Body Magic physical activity programme and now enjoys aqua aerobics and Clubbercise at her local leisure centre.
After losing more than 13st and increasing her activity levels, Lisa can now walk without feeling short of breath and will take part in a 5km event from Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life event series. She said: “I no longer see exercise as the enemy – I love it!
“I’ve gone from struggling with stairs to climbing Snowdon and am loving every second of it. I’m also preparing for my upcoming Race for Life event and if you’d told me three years ago that I’d be able to get around a 5k course without getting out of breath I would have laughed – now I can’t wait!
“I will be doing Race for Life in support of everyone affected by cancer. I know from my own experience how much of an impact a cancer diagnosis can have, as my father and stepmother both had cancer and I was afraid of cancer myself. I want to do everything I can to support Cancer Research UK in the important work they do to help families affected by cancer.”
Slimming World Consultant Sacha Patchett, who runs the group in Clifton that Lisa attends every week, says: “I am so proud of Lisa and how she has embraced every element of her slimming journey. She is an inspiration to us all and I am sure she will love crossing the finish line in her Race for Life event!”
In addition to losing weight and improving her fitness, Lisa has also reversed her high blood pressure and seen her type 2 diabetes go into remission. Her self-confidence has now improved so much that she finds herself doing things she never thought possible.
She has even tried snorkelling and gone swimming with dolphins. She said: “I love taking part in all sorts of activities and no longer feel restricted by my weight. I can now take my youngest daughter, who is nine, on theme park rides and wear wetsuits for underwater holidays.”
Slimming World, which has partnered with Cancer Research UK for over a decade and has helped raise over £20 million in fundraising, is an official sponsor of Race for Life 2024. To take part, visit raceforlife.org
Lisa’s stats
Takeoff weight: 24st 7.5 pounds
Final weight: 11st 3.5lbs
Dress size then: 28
Clothing size now: 14
What Lisa ate then and now
|
For |
After |
|
|
Breakfast |
Sausage rolls |
Boiled eggs on whole wheat bread |
|
Lunch |
Tiger baguette filled with cheese Potato chips Cake |
Mackerel salad Yogurt and fruit |
|
Dinner |
Fish, chips and peas |
Fried chicken dinner |
|
Snacks |
Frozen pizza Ice cream Chocolate Cookies |
Fruit Carrot sticks |