Lisa didn’t believe Slimming World would work, but she saw her go from a size 28 to a 14 and her high blood pressure and diabetes also changed.
A sleep-deprived mum-of-three has turned her life around after losing almost half her body weight thanks to Slimming World. Lisa Eden went to bed at night terrified that she wouldn’t wake up.
Weighing more than 24 kilograms, she was not only ashamed of her size, but lived with high blood pressure, diabetes and struggled to breathe when she went to sleep. But when doctors gave her three months to turn her life around, she knew enough was enough.
And in just over two years, she’s lost 13 4lb, gone from a size 28 to a size 14, reversed her high blood pressure and seen her type 2 diabetes go into remission. And now, away from running and exercising, she embraces it and even takes part in the Cancer Research UK Race for Life.
Before joining Slimming World, Lisa, 46, from East Leake, Nottinghamshire, had struggled with her weight for most of her life and started dieting aged just 11. She tried a number 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 on top, along with the rest. But she was told she had type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, leading her to decide to finally take control of her weight.
Lisa told how her GP had given her three months to improve her health through lifestyle changes before she had to start taking different drugs. She said: “I was at rock bottom, physically and mentally. I knew I wanted and needed to make a change, but I didn’t know how.
“I drove everywhere and would park as close to the shops as possible because my knees and hips couldn’t walk far. My breathing was extremely labored and I had to gasp for air walking up the stairs before I reached the top.
“I went to bed every night worried I wouldn’t wake up because of breathing complications and had to sleep propped up with pillows to control it.
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 my head was never in the game. However, this time my mindset completely changed and I was ready to fully embrace everything Slimming World had to offer to help me on my weight loss journey.
“I was nervous when I first joined the group because I was self-conscious and ashamed of my size. I pushed through my nerves, even though I knew I had to do it myself. I’m so glad I did, 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 members of the group and felt reassured and relieved. Everyone in the group is so supportive and there’s never any judgement.”
Lisa has since lost more than half her body weight by following Slimming World’s Food Optimizing healthy eating plan and can still enjoy her favorite meals like roast chicken with her family. She has also increased her fitness and activity levels with Slimming World’s Body Magic physical activity support program and now enjoys aqua aerobics and Clubbercise at her local leisure centre.
After losing more than 13st and increasing her activity level, Lisa is now able to walk without getting out of breath and will be taking part in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life 5km race. She said: “I no longer see exercise as the enemy – I love it!
“I’ve gone from struggling to climb stairs to climbing Snowdon and I’m enjoying every second of it. I’m also preparing for my upcoming Race for Life and if you’d told me three years ago that I’d be whizzing around a 5km course without panting I’d have laughed in your face – I can’t wait!
“I will complete the Race for Life in support of everyone who has been affected by cancer. I know firsthand the impact a cancer diagnosis can have because both my father and stepmother had cancer and I was scared of cancer. I want to do everything I can to support Cancer Research UK in the vital work they do to help families affected by cancer.”
Weight loss 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 weight loss journey. She is an inspiration to us all and I know she will love crossing the finish line at her Race for Life event!”
In addition to losing weight and improving her fitness, Lisa also reversed her high blood pressure and saw her type 2 diabetes go away. Her confidence is now so enhanced that she is doing things she never thought possible.
She even tried snorkeling and swam with dolphins. She said: “I enjoy getting involved in all kinds of activities and I no longer feel held back by my weight. Now I can take my youngest daughter, who is nine, on theme park rides and fit into wetsuits for underwater holiday trips.”
Slimming World, who have worked with Cancer Research UK for over a decade and have helped raise over £20m in fundraising, are official sponsors of Race for Life 2024. To take part visit raceforlife.org
Lisa’s stats
Starting weight: 24.7.5 lbs
Final Weight: 11.3.5 lbs
Dress size: 28
Dress size now: 14
What Lisa ate then and now
|
Before |
After |
|
|
Breakfast |
Sausage sandwiches |
Boiled eggs on whole wheat toast |
|
Lunch |
Tiger baguette filled with cheese Chips Cake |
Mackerel salad Yogurt and fruit |
|
Dinner |
Fish, chips and peas |
Roast chicken dinner |
|
Refreshment |
Frozen pizza Ice cream Chocolate Cookies |
Fruit Carrot sticks |