She lost 140 kg in just 2 years without surgery and supplements—now a rare disease has turned her scars into a symbol of strength

Time of India

2 days ago

Source: Instagram
Lexi Reed's transformation is more than a weight loss story; it's a journey of grit, resilience, and survival. Once weighing over 220 kilograms, the Indiana native rose to social media fame after shedding more than 140 kg without surgery, medications, or personal trainers.
Her inspiring commitment to clean eating and exercise inspired millions. But just as she embraced a healthier life, Lexi was hit with a devastating diagnosis — calciphylaxis, a rare and often fatal disease. Faced with painful open wounds and life-threatening complications, Lexi refused to give up. Today, she continues to fight for her life while spreading a powerful message of self-love, body positivity, and strength through adversity.
This is the untold story of her courage and comeback.
Woman lost 140kg weight in just 2 years with no medical help; here's exactly how she did it
Lexi Reed, a 34-year-old woman from Indiana, USA, began her journey nearly a decade ago when she weighed 220 kilograms (485 lbs). What set her story apart was that there were no meal plans, personal trainers, medications, or surgeries involved. Instead, her transformation began with a commitment to a simple 30-day challenge: no eating out, no cheat meals, no soda or alcohol, and just 30 minutes of exercise five times a week.
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Supported by her husband, Danny, Lexi turned this small but consistent effort into a complete lifestyle overhaul. In just two years, she lost more than 140 kilograms through diet and exercise alone. 'I lost all my weight with diet and exercise. No trainer, no surgery, no medication,' she told NeedToKnow. Her story gained massive online attention, and Lexi soon became a symbol of authentic transformation, inspiring millions with her transparency and perseverance.
Lexi Reed diagnosed with rare and dangerous condition after her weight loss journey
After years of maintaining a healthier lifestyle, Lexi was unexpectedly diagnosed with calciphylaxis; a rare and potentially fatal condition. This disorder causes calcium and phosphate to build up in small blood vessels of fat and skin tissue, leading to painful skin ulcers, open wounds, and even tissue death. The condition is not only rare but also extremely serious. According to medical reports, more than 50% of those diagnosed with calciphylaxis die within a year, often due to infection or sepsis.
Despite the grim prognosis, Lexi remains unshaken in her fight for life.
"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,' she shared in a candid interview with NeedToKnow.
Lexi Reed embraces her scars and loose skin after surviving chronic illness
Though calciphylaxis has forced Lexi to modify her lifestyle by avoiding high-impact workouts and refraining from swimming in public; she refuses to let her condition define her self-worth.
Today, she proudly wears swimsuits, embracing her loose skin, scars, and stretch marks as visible reminders of survival.
'At 485 lbs, I wasn't worried about loose skin. I was more worried about not living to see my 30th birthday,' Lexi said. '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.' Now living with her husband in Indiana, Lexi uses her platform not just to promote fitness but also to advocate for body positivity, self-love, and chronic illness awareness.
Her message is clear: everyone's journey is unique, and no one should be judged based on appearances alone.
'People will judge you,' Lexi said, 'but that doesn't mean they know your story. You shouldn't say things to yourself that you wouldn't say to someone you love.'
Understanding Calciphylaxis
Calciphylaxis is a rare but serious disease that occurs when calcium and phosphate build up in the small blood vessels of the skin and fat tissue. This buildup narrows or blocks blood flow, causing painful skin ulcers, open wounds, and tissue death.
Most commonly seen in people with kidney problems, calciphylaxis can also affect others and is often life-threatening. The condition leads to severe pain and complications from infections, making early diagnosis and treatment crucial.
Despite its rarity, calciphylaxis demands urgent medical attention due to its high risk of serious health outcomes.
Key
symptoms of Calciphylaxis
to look for
Painful skin ulcers: Open wounds that can be very painful and slow to heal
Skin discoloration: Patches of purplish, red, or black skin due to poor blood flow
Hard, hardened skin areas: Thickened, hardened patches often felt under the skin
Necrosis (tissue death): Skin and tissue damage leading to dead tissue in affected areas
Tenderness and severe pain: Intense pain in affected regions, often worsening over time
Calcium deposits: Hard nodules or lumps under the skin caused by calcium buildup
Swelling and inflammation: Localized swelling and redness around the ulcers or nodules
Commonly affected areas:
Usually appears on legs, thighs, abdomen, and buttocks
Secondary infections:
Wounds may become infected, increasing risk of sepsis
Possible systemic symptoms:
Fever or general feeling of being unwell if infection develops
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