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Woman drops 21kg while battling three complex health conditions

After being told the only way she could lose weight was with injections, Victoria's Lauren Bull lost 21kg on her own.

Lauren had for years suffered debilitating symptoms, including sudden weight changes, depression and anxiety, before finally being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease, hypothyroidism, and polycystic ovarian syndrome in 2019.

Lauren Bull before and after she lost 21kg. She wears a black sports bra and knickers in both pictures and is taking a selfie in each.
Lauren Bull before and after she lost 21kg whilst battling serious illness. Photo: Lauren Bull

Lauren's triple diagnosis

According to the Mayo Clinic, polycystic ovarian syndrome affects hormone levels. Sufferers have higher amounts of male hormones which can affect fertility, weight and hair growth and more.

Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks healthy cells in the thyroid - cells that are responsible for producing hormones in the body. This can cause a reduction in hormone production (hypothyroidism).

Symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism can include fatigue, muscle and joint pain, memory issues and depression.

Due to weight gain caused by these conditions, Lauren had extreme lethargy and felt insecure and self-conscious.

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But speaking to Yahoo Lifestyle, Lauren shares the moment she knew she had to find another way.

“I was told by my endocrinologist that I would not be able to lose weight without the assistance of injectable weight loss medication,” Lauren said.

“I was shocked. I never for a moment accepted this as my fate and, if anything, it made me more determined to lose weight naturally.

"I wanted to prove the specialists wrong and I did exactly that."

weight loss transformation
Lauren has overcome Hashimoto’s disease, hypothyroidism, and polycystic ovarian syndrome to become healthier. Photo: Supplied

Lost 21kg in four months

Committed to finding another way to lose weight, Lauren started a meal plan from Lite n' Easy.

“Four months later, I lost 21kgs and never felt better,” she says.

Now 28-years old, Lauren is down to her ideal weight of 61kg. And the symptoms she once dealt with daily are a thing of the past.

“I've regained my confidence and got my love for life back," she adds. "I feel like myself again and it's all thanks to Lite n’ Easy and the 1,500 calorie plan I opted for.

"It felt good to relearn portion control and it was extremely motivating when the number on the scales began to decrease."

Before and after shots of Lauren in black sports bra and knickers, taken from side.
After losing 21kg in four months, Lauren has more energy and a renewed zest for life. Photo: Lauren Bull

What's Lauren's life like now?

Lauren says she now feels like she's "back to her old self".

"No more feeling sluggish and lethargic. I've got my zest for life back and I feel unstoppable," she adds.

"I'm running every day and feeling fitter and stronger, both physically and mentally."

Lauren's message for others grappling with weight

"I truly hope my story encourages others to become the best version of themselves too," she says.

"You can do absolutely anything you set your mind to, with a bit of hard work, perseverance and determination.

"Push yourself beyond the limits you've set in your mind. You are far more capable than you think!"

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