After years of struggling with fad diets and secret eating, a young woman from the UK has transformed her life by shedding an incredible nine stone. Daisie Jenson's turning point came during a flight to Tenerife in the summer of 2023, when she faced the embarrassment of needing a seatbelt extender.
The Vicious Cycle of Anxiety and Weight Gain
At her heaviest, the 28-year-old, who is 5ft 9.5in tall, weighed 21 stone 8lb (136.96kg). This gave her a body mass index (BMI) of 44, classed as obese. Her anxiety about her appearance became so severe it led to social isolation. "I'd lock myself away," Ms Jenson admitted. "I didn't want to go to any social plans, even silly things like walking to the local shop."
Her weight had increased significantly between 2019 and 2023, gaining around five stone. This was driven by binge eating and emotional consumption, including daily takeaways during the week and multiple weekend takeaways. She would also 'secretly eat' large quantities of biscuits and family-sized crisp packets, trapped in a cycle where anxiety fuelled overeating, which in turn worsened her anxiety.
The Moment Everything Changed
The pivotal moment occurred in June 2023 on that flight to Tenerife. "Something clicked," she said, when she struggled to fasten her seatbelt. Later that summer, her GP delivered a stark warning: her weight put her at a heightened risk of having a heart attack.
Determined to change, she began The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan in July 2023. This tailored programme provided one-to-one consultant support. Initially, she consumed four nutritionally-complete meal replacement products daily, such as shakes and bars, adhering to a strict calorie intake of around 800 calories.
"I was quite worried about it at the start," she confessed, "but I adjusted to the plan in time." The structure helped, as "everything was grab and go so I couldn't overthink what I was eating."
A Transformed Life and Future
Ms Jenson's commitment was unwavering. She progressed through the plan's phases, later incorporating a low-calorie evening meal of protein and vegetables. She also drank four litres of water daily, attended personal training sessions, and drastically cut back on alcohol.
The results have been profound. She now weighs 12 stone 10.5lb (80.96kg), wears a size 14, and has reduced her BMI to 26. More importantly, her mental health and confidence have soared. "My anxiety is a lot better, my mind is a lot quieter," she said. Doctors have also told her she now has a higher chance of conceiving, despite having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
In November 2025, her incredible achievement was recognised when she won Transformation of the Year at The 1:1 Diet awards. Looking ahead, Daisie is focused on maintenance and hopes to inspire others. "You need to change your lifestyle," she advises. "Take it one day at a time... it's the best thing I've ever done."
Binge Eating Disorder (BED), where a person feels a loss of control over eating, is estimated by NHS inform to affect 1 in 25 people in the UK. For those seeking support, organisations like Beat Eating Disorders offer help and resources.
