I lost 22st WITHOUT fat jabs, my body is covered in loose skin but it's better than being dead before I turned 30
But Lexi Reed, 34, was determined not to feel the same this summer and went on a massive weight loss journey without using fat loss jabs.
Advertisement
4
Lexi Reed before her weight loss journey
Credit: Jam Press/@fatgirlfedup
4
The 34-hyear-old has since lost 22st and can finally wear a swimsuit
Credit: Jam Press/@fatgirlfedup
4
Pictured with her husband, Lexi says shes proud to show off her loose skin
Credit: Jam Press/@fatgirlfedup
Now, Lexi has shed over 22st and is now proudly flaunting the excess skin she has been left with in swimsuits – but still can't go into the water due to her rare illness.
Lexi, who lives with her husband Danny Reed, 37, weighed 34.6st at her heaviest and has gone viral on social media for sharing her incredible weight loss journey.
The 34-year-old also battles with a life-threatening condition called calciphylaxis, which causes calcium and phosphate to build up in her blood vessels.
While Lexi can now wear the swimsuits she always dreamed of instead of covering up, she cannot go swimming as her illness leaves her with open wounds.
Advertisement
READ MORE WEIGHT LOSS STORIES
She said: '[Before I lost weight], I'd started to avoid wearing bathing
suits
due to my size and stayed at home most days in the summer, because I was always too hot due to my size.
'I refuse to hide any longer or to not be grateful for all this body has done for me.
'People will judge you, but that doesn't mean that they know your story and you shouldn't say things to yourself you wouldn't say to someone you love or judge yourself.'
Lexi, who lives in Indiana, US, admits that she finds it difficult not to be able to go swimming as she used to love it – but is simply 'making the best' of her situation.
Advertisement
Most read in Fabulous
Speaking to NeedToKnow, Lexi added: 'I'm currently covered in loose skin, varicose veins, scars and calcium deposits - but all of those things tell a story of battles that I've faced and won.
"At 485lbs, I wasn't worried about loose skin; I was more worried about not living to see my 30th birthday and forever feeling like a prisoner in my own body.
4
Lexi says she did it all without using weight loss jabs
Credit: Jam Press/@fatgirlfedup
How to give yourself a £400 'weight loss massage' at home for free
'As far as my scars, every scar was once an open wound that now reminds me of what I went through and how lucky I am to have survived.'
Advertisement
The influencer who has 1.2 million
followers started her weight loss journey nine years ago – after a friend challenged her and Danny to 30 days of 'no eating out, no cheat meals, no soda/alcohol and going to the gym five times a week for 30 minutes'.
Lexi dropped 22st by herself in two years and underwent skin removal in 2018.
But she was then diagnosed with calciphylaxis, which put her fitness journey on hold. She now fights every day to maintain her healthy lifestyle.
Lexi added: 'I lost all my weight with diet and exercise. 'No meal plan, no trainer, no surgery and no medication.
Advertisement
'[I am] fighting for my health and this new healthy lifestyle daily because I never want to go back to being almost 500lbs.
'I love this body for all it's done for me and despite any skin or scars, I'm just so grateful to be healthy, happy, and alive every single day.'
The 5 best exercises to lose weight
By Lucy Gornall, personal trainer and health journalist
EXERCISE can be intimidating and hard to devote yourself to. So how do you find the right workout for you?
As a PT and fitness journalist, I've tried everything.
I've taken part in endless fitness competitions, marathons and I maintain a regime of runs, strength training and Pilates.
Fitness is so entrenched in my life, I stick to it even at Christmas!
The key is finding an activity you love that can become a habit.
My top five forms of exercise, especially if you're trying to lose weight, are:
Walking
Running
Pilates
High-intensity interval training (HIIT)
Strength training
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
20 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Danielle Lloyd back in hospital for new cancer op as she hits out at stars who spread misinformation over SPF
DANIELLE Lloyd revealed she was back in hospital to remove another mole after her recent skin cancer battle. The model, 41, was diagnosed with melanoma in February and had the suspicious mole near her collarbone removed earlier this year. 7 Danielle Lloyd revealed she was back in hospital to have a suspicious mole biopsied Credit: Instagram 7 The model shared a photo of the changing mole Credit: Instagram 7 Danielle documented the procedure from her hospital bed Credit: Instagram 7 The mum-of-five posted a picture of the mole before the minor procedure Credit: Instagram 7 The TV personality then shared a snap of the scar after the op Credit: Instagram Danielle, who is now cancer-free, was not taking any chances and had a biopsy on another unusual mole on her stomach on Tuesday. The star shared a photo of the mole in question and snaps of her on the bed ahead of the minor surgery procedure. She wrote: "It only looks small but it's definitely changed in colour and size." Documenting her time in hospital, she said: "I was a little bit apprehensive when I was waiting but then I was absolutely fine going in.' She then shared a picture of the mole following the op with stitches in place. Danielle continued: "When I got home I was a little bit sore and a little bit swollen but overall I'm just looking forward to getting some positive results." The mum-of-five described the experience as quick and painless but said she would now have a two month wait until she gets the results. She then urged her followers to beware of their changing moles and to continue to protect yourself with SPF. She added: "Trigger Warning. Today I had another surgery to remove another mole — this time on my stomach. "We're hoping it's just a precaution, but I'll be waiting 8–10 weeks for results. 'My world fell apart' Danielle Lloyd bravely opens up on 'living nightmare' cancer battle "Please don't ignore any changes to your skin. I never thought this would happen to me… until it did. "Early detection saves lives — skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early. "If something doesn't look or feel right, see a doctor. "Protect your skin: Use high SPF. Cover up. Say no to sunbeds. Look after yourself and those around you." Danielle's sunscreen warning comes after ex Towie star Sam Faiers sparked outrage after she revealed her kids never use sunscreen. Samantha was forced to fit back and said she is not a medical expert but said she believes SPF is 'pretty harmful and full of toxic ingredients', adding that her family has 'built a tolerance' to the sun. Her response baffled followers and experts alike. One follower responded: 'You need to delete your story about not wearing sunscreen, I don't think you understand the damage you can do to your followers by promoting this.' Meanwhile, Bruce Green, chartered chemist, scientist and founder of SOS Serum Skincare, says there is 'no such thing as 'building tolerance' to UV rays'. 'Skin damage from UV exposure is cumulative and largely irreversible,' he stressed. SCARY ORDEAL In May, Danielle told The Sun: " Being a mum, I was trying to put a brave face on for everyone, but inside I've been crumbling. "I was worried every single day that I was going to die." In February Danielle shared graphic photos alongside a candid health update to raise awareness of skin cancer - admitting her own patch was smaller than a 5p coin. She had an operation to remove a cancerous patch from just above her collarbone, after spotting a change in a small freckle. She admitted she rarely wore sunscreen with a high SPF, saying: "Honestly, if I did, it was very low factor as I go so brown very quickly. I never thought my skin tone could get skin cancer and if I did anyone can". The mum also said she had ditched sunbeds for the first time in her life. Danielle previously explained she only noticed the difference after looking back at old holiday photos, where the mark appeared noticeably darker and had changed in shape. The TV personality said she was "really shocked" to receive the news and would need to have an operation to determine if it has spread. What is melanoma, what are the symptoms and how can you prevent it? Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer that has a tendency to spread around the body. It is diagnosed 16,000 times per year, and tragically takes the lives of 2,340 people per year. The number of people being diagnosed with melanoma is increasing, and it is the 5th most common cancer in the UK. But it is also one of the most preventable cancers, with 86 per cent of cases in the UK avoidable. The best way to protect yourself from melanoma is to be sun safe - wear SPF every day, wear a hat and sunglasses and keep out of the sun in the hottest hours. It is also advised to avoid sunbeds. People who are fair-skinned, have blue or green eyes, blonde or red hair and a large number of freckles or moles are more likely to get skin cancer. Surgery is the main treatment for melanoma, particularly if it is found early. This will involve removing the affected tissue in the skin. Radiotherapy, medicines and chemotherapy are also sometimes used to try and stop the cancer from growing. Treatment depends on the severity of the disease. What are the symptoms? The key thing to look out for are changes to an existing mole, or a new mole on your skin. Most experts recommend using the simple 'ABCDE' rule to look for symptoms of melanoma skin cancer, which can appear anywhere on the body. There are five letters/words to remember: Asymmetrical – melanomas usually have two very different halves and are an irregular shape Border – melanomas usually have a notched or ragged border Colours – melanomas will usually be a mix of two or more colours Diameter – most melanomas are usually larger than 6mm in diameter Enlargement or elevation – a mole that changes size over time is more likely to be a melanoma A mole that changes size, shape or colour may be a melanoma. But other signs to look out for include moles that are: Swollen and sore Bleeding Itchy Crusty How deadly is it? Melanoma is a deadly form of skin cancer. The outlook of a person's disease depends on the stage of the cancer when it was diagnosed. Survival is better for women than it is for men. 'We don't know exactly why this is. It may be because women are more likely to see a doctor about their melanoma at an earlier stage,' says Cancer Research UK. The charity says that generally, statistics show that in England, more than 85 out of every 100 people (more than 85 per cent) will survive their melanoma for 10 years or more after they are diagnosed. Around 100 per cent in England diagnosed with melanoma at stage 1 - when the cancer cells are only in the top layer of skin - will survive for five years or more after drops to 80 per cent for stage 2. Some 70 per cent live for a further five years when they are diagnosed in stage 3, which is when the cancer has started to spread to nearby lymph nodes. At stage 4, when the melanoma has spread elsewhere in the body, almost 30 per cent survive their cancer for 5 years or more. Cancer Research says the stage 4 data does not account for age differences. Age can affect outlook and younger people have a better prognosis than older people. Age can affect outlook and younger people have a better prognosis than older people. What is melanoma? Melanocytes are cells in the skin that give us the colour of our skin because they produce a pigment, known as melanin. When you sit in the sun, melanocytes produce more pigment (a sun tan), which spreads to other skin cells to protect them from the sun's rays. But melanocytes are also where cancer starts. Too much UV causes sunburn, and this is a sign of damage to the skin's DNA. The UV triggers changes in the melanocytes, which makes the genetic material become faulty and cause abnormal cell growth. People who burn easily are more at risk of skin cancer because their cells do not produce as much pigment to protect their skin. Those with albinism are at the most risk because their skin produces no pigment at all. Danielle said the Macmillan nurses at the hospital had "really supported" her after being "shocked" by the health news. She added: "Just honestly, not what I expected today. And I suppose not what anyone expects. "But please guys look after your skin. Stay off sunbeds, wear factor 50. Just look after yourself because honestly you never know what's going to happen." The appearance of a lump or discoloured patch on the skin that continues to persist after a few weeks can be a sign of a form of skin cancer according to the NHS website. A new mole or a change in an existing mole may also be signs of skin cancer. Danielle rose to prominence as a beauty queen who was crowned Miss England 2004 and later Miss Great Britain 2006. 7 Danielle said the procedure was painless but she has a two month wait for the results Credit: Instagram
The Irish Sun
20 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Mum told little Katie, 3, is dying from DEMENTIA – after doctors sent her away with paracetamol for ‘simple fever'
'I'm expected to just sit down and slowly watch her deteriorate,' Katie's heartbroken mum Jessica said MUM'S AGONY Mum told little Katie, 3, is dying from DEMENTIA – after doctors sent her away with paracetamol for 'simple fever' LITTLE Katie Hughes was given paracetamol for a "fever" - but she's now fighting for her life after being diagnosed with a rare, dementia-like disease. The three-year-old was rushed to hospital earlier this year after suffering a terrifying seizure. Advertisement 12 Katie began experiencing seizures in January this year Credit: Jam Press/Grant Hughes 12 Her parents say they were sent home with paracetamol Credit: Jam Press/Grant Hughes 12 But Katie kept getting seizures and she was diagnosed with a deadly brain disease in July Credit: Jam Press/Grant Hughes Doctors blamed it on a high temperature and her parents Grant and Jessica Hughes were reportedly sent home with painkillers and told not to worry. But the fits kept coming and, after Katie endured her seventh seizure, her parents demanded answers. On 14 July, doctors ordered genetic tests that delivered crushing news. Katie has CLN2 Batten disease – a cruel, terminal brain disorder, frequently referred to as juvenile dementia, that will slowly rob her of her ability to walk, talk and see. Advertisement Jessica, 29, from Porth in Wales, said: 'As a mother you're always there for your children and I'm expected to just sit down and slowly watch her deteriorate and go. 'It's just hard to see that because she's only three – she hasn't even lived her life yet. 'She's too young to understand what's happening to her.' Katie's symptoms first appeared in January this year. Advertisement She had a brain scan in May that confirmed that she had epilepsy before she received her Batten diagnosis in July. Doctors have warned that she may not live past the age of eight to 12, meaning her parents could lose their daughter before she even reaches secondary school. Legionnaire's disease outbreak kills at least two and sickens dozens more after spreading at alarming rate across NYC Her family want to make precious memories while she's still able to enjoy them. Grant, said: 'I'd never even heard of [the disease] before. Advertisement 'Jessica called me at work and told me to come home because the doctor wanted to give us the news together. 'I'm not a crying person but I was tearing up – we were in pieces. 12 Katie as a baby Credit: Jam Press/Grant Hughes 12 Katie with her older sister Mackenzie Credit: Jam Press/Grant Hughes Advertisement 12 Doctors said the tot would gradually lose the ability to walk, talk, see and remember Credit: Jam Press/Grant Hughes 'They told us what was going to happen in the future but they didn't straight away say she was going to die. I felt like they were skirting around it. 'I asked them outright what her life expectancy was and they told me it would be early childhood. 'It's devastating. It's hard to wrap your head around because she's normal – she's running around fine but all her skills will slowly go.' Advertisement Despite their heartbreak, the brave parents are determined to stay strong for Katie and her big sister MacKenzie, age seven. We put on a brave face every day but secretly it's destroying us. We have to be there for her Jessica Hughes They hope to take Katie on dream trips so she can experience the magic before it's too late. Jessica said: 'Everything is on a timer now. 'We want to take her to theme parks and Disney World while she can still enjoy it. Advertisement 'Even that's not simple – because she's epileptic we have to pay £100 for special glasses so she can cope with the flashing lights. 'We put on a brave face every day but secretly it's destroying us. We have to be there for her – and for MacKenzie too.' 12 Katie likely won't make it past early childhood Credit: Jam Press/Grant Hughes 12 Katie's parents are determined to stay strong for her and make precious memories Credit: Jam Press/Grant Hughes Advertisement 12 Grant feeding Katie as a baby Credit: Jam Press/Grant Hughes Gift of 'best days' CLN2 disease is a rare degenerative genetic disorder that affects between 30 and 50 children in the UK, Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) says. It's caused by a change in a gene responsible for making a specific enzyme in the nervous system. It first causes seizures, then gradual decline in a child's ability to walk, speak and see, alongside progressive dementia. Advertisement While there is no cure for Batten Disease, a special enzyme therapy could help slow its relentless progress. But the treatment costs a staggering £500,000 a year per patient and needs to be administered directly in the brain every two weeks, through a permanently implanted device called a port. What is Batten disease? Batten disease is a group of genetic conditions that cause cells to collect waste instead of getting rid of it. It affects the structure and function of cells and ultimately causes their death. The disease leads to seizures, vision loss and problems with thinking and movement. Symptoms get worse over time and children diagnosed with it tend to die early. There are 14 known types of Batten disease grouped into categories based on the age when symptoms begin. The first signs and symptoms of Batten disease include: Vision loss Personality and behavioural changes Clumsiness and issues with coordination, balance and movement Seizures Other symptoms may include: Difficulty with thinking and reasoning Speech and language problems, such speech delay, stuttering and repeating words or phrases Tremors, tics, muscle spasms and twitches Memory loss (dementia) Hallucinations and episodes of psychosis Sleep disturbances Muscle tightness Arm and leg weakness Heart problems, such as arrhythmia (in teens and young adults) Source: Cleveland Clinic The NHS has a special deal in place for children who have already started treatment or who can start it before the end of 2025, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). But new patients after that might not be able to get it on the NHS at all, because health bosses say there's not enough long-term evidence it works and the price is too high for the NHS budget. Advertisement Katie's parents are in a desperate race against time to try to get her onto the treatment before the deadline – or raise enough money to go private or even abroad if they have to. Katie's loved ones have launched a fundraiser to help cover the sky-high treatment costs, specialist equipment and special days out. Grant added: 'We just want Katie to have the best days we can possibly give her. 'She deserves to smile, to laugh and to feel loved every single day we have left.' Advertisement You can visit the family's fundraiser for Katie here. 12 Katie's parents are trying to raise money for a new treatment Credit: Jam Press/Grant Hughes 12 'She deserves to smile, to laugh and to feel loved every single day we have left,' Grant said Credit: Jam Press/Grant Hughes 12 'Everything is on a timer now,' Jessica said Credit: Jam Press/Grant Hughes
Extra.ie
2 days ago
- Extra.ie
30 strangers come together to run from Galway to Dublin
A group of 30 strangers gathered in recent weeks to run the 232km from Galway to Dublin — with the funds raised set to 'save lives.' Trasna 2025 took place on Saturday and Sunday (July 26 and 27), following a call-out from Kildare duo Killian and Aby. The duo, who are running coaches and fitness instructors, put an appeal on social media for runners who wanted to get involved with the relay-run, with all funds raised going to Grow Mental Health. A group of 30 strangers gathered in recent weeks, where they risked dehydration, to run the 232km from Galway to Dublin — with the funds raised said to 'save lives.' Pic: Provided Speaking to Aby explained they wanted a 'big event' for people to get involved and 'build a community around going through something difficult.' Seven teams of five people ran from West to East, with each participant essentially running an Ultramarathon. The organisers explained how the charity event was set up so that each person would have to help a member of their team, and also be able to accept help and work as a team — with the event a representation of mental health and the need to help and receive help when struggling. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Trasna Na Tíre (@trasna_2025) Aby and Killian work in The Shed, Naas and also operate running club, The Coffee Run, so they had the expertise to create plans for participants running to Dublin. 'We had people who were running in the middle of the night, and then getting up in the morning and doing a run at 4am and then 9am just to try and get used to the fatigue element,' Aby explained. Asked how it was to train with a group of strangers for such a landmark event, Killian admitted it was a 'massive boost' to have a team around pushing you through, but also able to give proper advice on when to take it easy. Aby and Killian work in The Shed, Naas and also run run club, The Coffee Run, so had the expertise to create running plans for participants running to Dublin. Pic: Provided The relay run kicked off at 12am Saturday, with the first runners leaving Spanish Arch in Galway with their sights set on Dublin. The relay run took an average of 24hours per team, with other participants following in vans to rest and recuperate before their stints. With almost €30,000 raised at the time of writing, the organisers revealed their initial goal was €10,000. 'It was massively bigger than what we expected,' Aby confirmed, adding it was 'a lot more difficult than we expected.' Sheila from Grow Mental Health waited for all the teams at the finishing line, which was at Poolbeg Lighthouse. 'This level of money will save lives,' she confirmed, adding that a number of runners were emotional at the finish line. To check out footage from the relay run, go here, and to donate, go here.
