Mum went to sleep at night afraid she'd never wake up due to weight

27 June 2024 , 06:00

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Lisa went from a size 28 to a size 14 (Image: Slimming World)

A mother of three who was scared to sleep has transformed her life after losing almost half her body weight with Slimming World. Lisa Eden went to bed at night frightened she would never wake.

At more than 24st 7lbs she was not only embarrassed about her size but living with high blood pressure, diabetes and struggling to breathe when she went to bed. But when doctors gave her three months to change her life she knew enough was enough.

And in just over two years she has lost 13st 4lbs, going from a size 28 to a size 14, reversed her high blood pressure and seen her type 2 diabetes go into remission. And now, far from running from exercise she is embracing it, and 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 began dieting at just 11. She tried a range of weight loss methods, including hypnotherapy and weight loss groups.

But despite losing weight at first and feeling great, the weight she’d lost always came back on along with more on top. But it was being told that she had type 2 diabetes as well as high blood pressure, that led her to decide to finally take control of her weight.

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Lisa lost more than half her bodyweight (Slimming World)

Lisa told how her GP gave her three months to make improvements to her health through lifestyle changes, before she would need to go on a variety of medication. She said: “I was at rock bottom, both physically and mentally. I knew I wanted and needed to make a change, but I just didn’t know how.

“I’d drive everywhere and would park as close to the shops as possible as my knees and hips couldn’t cope with walking far. My breathing was extremely heavy and walking up the stairs would leave me gasping for air by the time I reached the top.

"I went to sleep every night worried I wouldn’t wake up due to breathing complications, and I had to sleep propped up with pillows to try to control it.”

Lisa had a number of health problems (Slimming World)

In February 2022, Lisa joined the Clifton Slimming World group. She says: “Being honest, I wasn’t convinced that it would work. I tried Slimming World years ago but looking back I realise that my head was never really in the game. This time though, my mindset had completely shifted, and I was ready to fully embrace everything Slimming World had to offer to help me on my weight loss journey.

“I was nervous about walking into group for the first time as I was self-conscious and embarrassed about my size. I pushed through the nerves though as I knew I had to do it for myself. I’m so glad I did, it’s the best decision I’ve ever made – for me and my family.

“I was welcomed straight away by my Consultant Sacha and the other group members, and I felt reassured and relieved. Everyone at group is so supportive and there is never any judgement.”

Lisa was determined to give it her all and lost an amazing 13st 4lbs (Slimming World)

Lisa has since lost more than half her body weight by following Slimming World’s Food Optimising healthy eating plan and is still able to enjoy her favourite meals like a roast chicken dinner with her family. She has also increased her fitness and activity levels with Slimming World’s Body Magic physical activity support programme, and she now loves to do aqua aerobics and Clubbercise at her local leisure centre.

After losing more than 13st and increasing her activity levels, Lisa is now able to walk without being short of breath and will be taking 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 have gone from struggling to climb the stairs to climbing Snowdon and enjoying every second of it. I’m also gearing up for my upcoming Race for Life event and if you’d told me three years ago that I would be whizzing around a 5km course without becoming breathless, I’d have laughed in your face – now I can’t wait!

“I’ll be completing Race for Life in support of everyone who has been affected by cancer. I know firsthand the impact a cancer diagnosis can have as my father and stepmother have both had cancer, and I had my own cancer scare. I want to do everything I can to support Cancer Research UK in the vital work that they do to help families touched by cancer.”

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Lisa Eden lost more than 13 stones with Slimming World before competing in the Race for life (Slimming World)

Lisa was scared to go to sleep (Slimming World)

Slimming World Consultant Sacha Patchett, who runs the group in Clifton that Lisa attends each week, says: “I’m so proud of Lisa and how she has embraced every element of her weight loss journey. She’s an inspiration to us all and I know she is going to love crossing the finish line at her Race for Life event!”

Alongside losing weight and improving her fitness, Lisa has also reversed her high blood pressure and seen her type 2 diabetes condition go into remission. Her confidence is now so improved she finds herself doing things that she never thought possible.

She has even tried her hand at snorkelling and been swimming with dolphins. She said: “I love getting involved in all kinds of activities and no longer feel held back by my weight. I can now accompany my youngest daughter who’s nine, on rides at the theme park and fit into wetsuits for underwater holiday excursions.”

Slimming World, which has been working with Cancer Research UK for more than a decade and has helped to raise more than £20m in fundraising, is an official sponsor of Race for Life 2024. To enter, visit raceforlife.org

She is now taking part in the Race for Life (Slimming World)

Lisa's statistics

Start weight: 24st 7.5lbs

End weight: 11st 3.5lbs

Dress size then: 28

Dress size now: 14

Lisa went from a size 28 to a size 14 (Slimming World)

What Lisa ate then and now

Elaine Blackburne