Amy Edwards: Overcoming Mental Health Struggles and Losing 10 Stone in 12 Months

Content Warning:

This episode contains discussions of mental health struggles, including suicide attempts, that some listeners may find difficult. Please take care while listening, and seek support if needed.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Amy Edwards, a remarkable woman from Scarborough who has achieved something truly inspiring. Amy has lost over 10 stone (140 lbs) in under 12 months, all while juggling the challenges of being a mother of four young children and overcoming serious mental health struggles. We dive deep into her journey, discussing how she transformed her life with a calorie deficit, running, and an unwavering commitment to her family. Her story is a powerful reminder that no matter where you start, change is possible.

Amy shared her background, explaining how she and her family moved from Surrey to Scarborough in 2020. As a mother of four kids under three, she talked about how the demands of raising young children impacted her health, both mentally and physically. She bravely opened up about her lifelong struggle with OCD, disordered eating, and multiple suicide attempts. Amy explained how these challenges shaped her relationship with food, starting in her teenage years and continuing into adulthood, as she battled both mental health issues and weight gain.

The turning point for Amy came when she faced the reality of her weight gain—a bridesmaid dress that didn’t fit and photos from a wedding that shocked her into realising it was time for a change. She decided to take control of her health, not only for herself but for her children, who were her biggest motivation. Amy lost 10 stone by committing to a calorie deficit and using her Fitbit to track her activity and food intake. She also started the Couch to 5k program, which gradually built up her fitness, despite the challenges of balancing motherhood with the demands of a healthier lifestyle.

Amy also shared her experience with Slimming World and why it didn’t work for her. While she acknowledges that it helps many people, she found that the restrictive nature of the diet negatively impacted her mental health, leading her to realise that a more balanced, sustainable approach was necessary for her well-being. During our conversation, Amy emphasised the importance of mental health in any transformation. She explained that improving her mindset and working on her mental health were crucial steps in her journey toward losing weight and feeling better about herself.

Since her weight loss, Amy has achieved incredible things. She ran the London Marathon and is now training for an Ironman event. Her story is a testament to the power of determination and self-belief. It shows that when you commit to yourself and refuse to give up, you can achieve extraordinary results.

Thank you SO much to Amy for joining me on the show and being this week's Weight Loss Warrior and make sure you follow her amazing journey on Instagram >> @4under3_marathonmum

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