Lisa loses more than half her body weight and gears up for Race for Life
A support worker from Leicestershire has lost more than 13st with Slimming World and is raising money for Cancer Research UK by running her local Race for Life event.
Before joining Slimming World, Lisa Eden, 46, from East Leake, had struggled with her weight for most of her life and began dieting at just 11.
Mum-of-three Lisa tried a range of weight loss methods, including hypnotherapy and weight loss groups. Over the years, she would lose weight and feel great, but the weight she’d lost always came back on – and more.
After being told that she had type 2 diabetes as well as high blood pressure, it was her increasingly concerning health that led Lisa to decide to take control of her weight for good. Lisa’s 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.
Lisa, who lives with her husband and three daughters, says: “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 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 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.
Lisa says: “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.
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. Not only that, she has also gained stacks of confidence and can do things that she never thought she’d be able to, such as snorkelling and swimming with dolphins. She says: “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