At her heaviest, Rachel Hallgren was constantly mistaken for being pregnant because of her size.

The 44-year-old never weighed herself at home and decided to take control after barely touching fruits and vegetables in 20 years.

In fact, the program manager, from California was in complete denial about her size as she allowed the pounds to pile on.

She was pushed onto the scales during a doctor’s visit in January 2015 where she tipped the scales at over 25st, a dress size 28.

Rachel refused to admit she had a problem with her size, even though the doctors advised her to consider weight loss surgery.

“I have been morbidly obese my entire adult life”

Rachel Hallgren

“I have been morbidly obese my entire adult life,” Rachel explained.

She added: “I never learned to cook so my diet consisted of lots of fast food and I loved ramen noodles and pasta.

“I found him to be seriously dramatic and immediately changed doctor after that visit. I was in serious denial about my weight issue.

“I had plantar fasciitis, serious discolouration in my legs, high blood pressure, heart palpitations.

“The worst thing I remember was at a pizza buffet one of the owners came to our table and said that we had to leave because we’d had our share.”

She concluded: “Knowing the nutritional value of food is empowering. Reading labels is enlightening.

“Cooking at home is my favourite thing. As a society we are programmed to eat three meals and two snacks a day. That’s a lot of food if we aren’t being active.

“I have learned to listen to my body. I drink lots of water, don’t mindlessly snack, plan my meals for the week, and use lots of fresh veggies.”

• Weight loss

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