A woman who ate greasy takeaways every other day has lost almost 6 stone after years of her body being in "unbearable pain". Nicola Parkin started struggling with her weight after the stresses of marriage and motherhood took over her life.
She ballooned to 19 stone and often suffered intense periods, which only fuelled her comfort eating. When Nicola became "too scared to leave the house", the 43-year-old knew something had to change.
Nicola, who is married to husband Barry, 56, told the Mirror: "I was miserable every day. I had tried to lose weight a few times but only lost around one stone until I gave up, as I struggled to cut back on overeating.
"So I began avoiding scales and bought bigger clothes. As things got worse, I comforted myself with snacking and often ate up to three takeaways a week.
"The painful periods, which were caused by childbirth and the subsequent weight gain, were horrible and would last up to three weeks at a time.
"The bleeding was so heavy, I became scared to leave the house and knew something had to change."
Nicola, from Nottingham, saw her doctor and had hoped to receive a "life-changing" hysterectomy, but was unfortunately not eligible due to her high BMI of 41.
Medics informed the mum-of-one that she would need to get her BMI down to 35 in order to be considered for the operation.
In April 2021, Nicola, who has 20-year-old daughter Courtney, decided to overhaul her unhealthy lifestyle.
"I was defeated and felt so ashamed that I had got myself to that point," she said.
"Because I didn't look in mirrors, take any photos or buy myself clothes, I didn't think I was that big - but this was the wake up call I needed.
"Quickly, I became unhappy with my weight and how I looked, so I decided enough was enough. If I didn't work on my body there and then, I knew I could kiss the operation goodbye.
"Soon, I started to shift the pounds after counting my calories - and it wasn't easy, but I got there."
To date, Nicola has lost 5st 5lbs and now weighs 13st 9lbs by focusing on maintaining a healthy calorie deficit.
She has gotten into regular workouts at the gym with a personal trainer and her friends and family regularly comment on her new look, noting the "incredible" difference.
Speaking about how her life has changed, she said: "I'm so proud of what I've achieved.
"I can finally go into high street shops and find clothes that fit, which I was never able to do before, as they didn't stock my size.
"I have more energy than ever before and I feel like I have my 'old' life back, it's liberating. If I have a bad day, I try not to beat myself up and start fresh."
In February 2022, with a BMI of 30, Nicola underwent the hysterectomy and is now living a "pain free" life.
She added: "I go to the gym everyday and weightlifting has helped tone my loose skin. Both Courtney and Barry are super proud of me and everyone says I look like a different woman.
"I didn't think about what I looked like much until I lost the weight and now I hate the way I looked before.
"Never give up, start small and don't put yourself under too much pressure. I'm definitely done with the kebabs for good."
Nicola's diet before:
Breakfast: Bowl of cereal with lots of sugar on top
Lunch: Pizza or sandwiches with crisps
Dinner: Takeaways or large home-cooked meals
Snacks: Chocolates, cakes or crisps
Nicola's diet after:
Breakfast: Muesli
Lunch: Small salad or mackerel on toast
Dinner: Salad, small home-made dinners with lots of vegetables
Snacks: Small amounts of chocolate, fruit or mixed nuts
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