‘I was so big I thought I’d die in my sleep – so I lost 13 stone’

Worried mother-of-three Lisa Eden dreaded going to bed. At more than 24 and a half stone in weight she struggled to breathe when she lay down and it left her fearing each day would be her last.

Not only was she embarrassed about her size, but she also battled numerous health problems including high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes. However, it took a stern warning from doctors, giving her just three months to turn her life around, that finally spurred her into action.

Now, Lisa is embracing life after losing nearly half her body weight through Slimming World. In just over two years, she has shed an impressive 13st 4lbs, dropping from a size 28 to a size 14.

Her high blood pressure has reversed, and her Type 2 diabetes is in remission. In stark contrast to her previous aversion to physical activity, Lisa now enjoys keeping active and is even participating in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life this weekend.

The 46-year-old support worker from East Leake, Nottinghamshire, told how she had struggled with her weight for most of her life. She started dieting at just 11 and had tried every weight loss method available, from hypnotherapy to weight loss groups.

She said while she initially lost weight and felt fantastic, she always ended up regaining what she’d lost along with more. However, when she was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, she knew she had to take control of her weight once and for all.

Lisa revealed that her doctor gave her a three-month ultimatum to improve her health through lifestyle changes, or face the prospect of medication. She confessed: “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.”

In February 2022, Lisa decided to join the Clifton Slimming World group. She admitted: “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.”

Lisa committed to the plan and has since lost more than half her body weight by following Slimming World’s Food Optimising healthy eating plan. She has transformed from 24st 7.5lbs to a fit 11st 3.5lbs woman who enjoys physical activity, including aqua aerobics and Clubbercise at her local leisure centre.

Lisa now walks without gasping for breath and this weekend will be joining fellow fundraisers to participate 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 first-hand 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.”

Slimming World Consultant Sacha Patchett, who oversees the group that Lisa attends, said: “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!”

In addition to shedding pounds and improving her fitness, Lisa has managed to reverse her high blood pressure and put her type 2 diabetes into remission. Embracing new challenges and experiences that were once unthinkable for her, she now enjoys all kinds of activities and has been snorkelling and swimming with dolphins.

Reflecting on her newfound zest for life, Lisa 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 has been working with Cancer Research UK for more than a decade, helping to raise more than £20m, and is an official sponsor of Race for Life 2024. The enter visit raceforlife.org

Lisa’s statistics

Start weight: 24st 7.5lbs

End weight: 11st 3.5lbs

Dress size then: 28

Dress size now: 14

What Lisa ate then and now