A super slimmer from Colchester told she was a ticking time bomb at 32 stone is enjoying a new lease of life – after shedding half her body weight.
Mother-of-three Sarezah Lake has transformed her life over the last decade, managing to lose 17 stone by joining a gym and eating balanced meals.
At the start of her weight loss journey the touring guest chef, who works under the name Mama Lake, found even the simplest tasks exhausting.
The 49-year-old, who is now just under 15 stone, said: “My health was really suffering, I was riddled with debilitating arthritis and it was a real Catch 22 situation, the less I could move the bigger I got and the bigger I got the less I could move.
“After a few steps I was breathless and my children had to tie my shoe laces.
“What really stopped me in my tracks was my brother having a heart attack.
“He had diabetes and high blood pressure, exactly the same as my parents, and according to my doctor I was a ticking time-bomb.”
A decade on and Sarezah regularly completes marathon rides on spin bikes at the Bannatyne Health Club in Kingsford Park, Colchester.
She places much of the credit for her weight loss to the continued support of the club and its dedicated fitness team.
Sarezah added: “Losing 17 stone has been a long struggle, which has require a lot of dedication and patience.
“The key for me is keeping it varied enough that you don’t get bored of doing the same thing over and over, as well as having the chance enjoy a cheat meal and rest day. To anyone who is trying to lose weight but struggling, I would say don’t give up.
“If you fail just get back up and don’t be put off by the people that laugh at you because you’re big.
“That’s just them shifting their own insecurities onto you.”
To mark another significant milestone in November – turning 50 – Sarezah is planning to take part in a bodybuilding competition.
Called transformation class, it is for people with disabilities or those who have slimmed down from obese to lean.
The Colchester-born slimmer added: “When you are as overweight as I was, you are your own biggest obstacle.
“It’s much easier to accept your size and not do anything about it, but you have to think about your loved ones.
“It’s important you are able to be around for them and have the ability to do activities with them.”
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