Woman Sheds 8 Stone for Wedding Dress
A bride-to-be has lost nearly half her body weight in nine months, dropping from a size 22 to a size eight, in preparation for her wedding.
Make-up artist Emilie Heeks, 26, from Pershore, Worcestershire, significantly reduced her body weight by shedding eight stone over a nine-month period. At her heaviest, Heeks weighed 17 stone 12 pounds and wore a size 22. This transformation began in January of the previous year after her boyfriend, Ollie, proposed at the end of 2024, inspiring her to achieve her goal of fitting into her desired wedding dress.
Heeks opted for a lifestyle change rather than medical interventions, joining Slimming World and subsequently losing the weight to reach 9 stone 12 pounds and a size eight. She stated that the physical and mental toll of her previous weight led her to seek a change, with the engagement serving as a strong motivator.
She detailed a past diet that included a bacon roll and coffee for breakfast, a chicken bake meal deal with potato wedges for lunch, and frequent takeaways such as pizza, Chinese, or curry for dinner, often accompanied by full-fat fizzy drinks. Heeks mentioned that her weight struggles were exacerbated by a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis.
After meeting her boyfriend Ollie in 2016, their shared appetite for food, partly influenced by Ollie's rugby background, contributed to her weight gain. She noted that while Ollie's higher calorie intake was suitable for his activity level, her own did not burn off. This period also negatively impacted her mental health.
Heeks achieved her target weight by October of the previous year and maintained it for her wedding to plasterer Ollie, 25, in May. She has since incorporated exercise into her routine, running up to 20 kilometers per week and hiking with Ollie on weekends. She mentioned that she only began running after losing five stone and now exercises three to four times weekly.
Heeks emphasized her desire to lose weight through natural means, without relying on injections or pills, recognizing the need for a sustained lifestyle change. While she still enjoys favorite foods, she now prepares healthier, homemade versions. Looking back at her wedding photographs, she expressed disbelief at the change and attributed her newfound confidence to the weight loss, calling it one of the best days of her life. She expressed pride in her journey and a desire to share her success.