When she found herself cooped up at home with her six children during lockdown, Lisa Walters took up daily walks to get some peace and quiet. But within weeks, her three-mile strolls had turned into ten-mile hikes, which also inspired her to ditch her beloved biscuits and takeaways.
Now, thanks to walking, Lisa is over 3st lighter than she was at the start of the year. While reports say a third of us gained 7lbs or more during lockdown, she has dropped an incredible three dress sizes, going from a size 18 to a slender size 12.
And as fears grow that the nation could go into another lockdown, she urges everyone to discover the benefits of walking.
“When lockdown began, I was really worried, but walking saved my sanity,” says Lisa, 54. “It helped me mentally and emotionally – my family never wanted to join me, so it was guaranteed time alone!
“At first my legs ached when I walked and I’d be out of breath, but I soon discovered how much I loved it. Now, I can easily do a 10-mile hike. It’s transformed my body, too – I’m so toned I can even borrow my daughter Amy’s size 12 jeans!”
It’s a far cry from January, when 5ft 5 Lisa weighed 14st 4lbs. She and her husband Ian, a railway consultant, loved eating biscuits, chocolate and crisps. They also ordered a takeaway three times a week.
Lisa says, “I’d become obese and was so depressed about how I looked.
“I felt frumpy and self-conscious, and had headaches every day.”
When the country went into lockdown in March, Lisa realised she needed to prioritise her wellbeing. And with her six children, son-in-law, seven-month-old granddaughter and Ian, 51, all sharing her five-bedroom house, that meant carving out time alone.
“Lockdown was scary – I knew I needed to look after my mental and physical health,” says Lisa, who is mum to Amy, 25, Henry, 23, George, 17, Emily 15, Annie, 13, and Penny, nine.
“I adore my family, but sometimes I need space. I also knew that my weight and age put me at higher risk if I caught COVID-19.”
Check out: Celebrity weight transformations
CLOSER Celebrity weight transformations - slider
1 of 74Spencer Matthews, 2011
Spencer Matthews was known as a typical playboy when he first shot to fame on Made in Chelsea. He actually toldCloser Online lots of juicy behind the scenes secrets about the reality show.
2 of 74Spencer Matthews, 2019
Fast forward several years and he dropped a tonne of weight and it's reportedly down to his strict diet and ditching the booze.
3 of 74Stevi Ritchie, 2014
Stevi Ritchie shot to fame on The X Factor back in 2014 and after getting engaged to his wife Chloe Jasmine Whichello, they both went on Celebrity Big Brother.
4 of 74Stevi Ritchie, 2019
Stevi shocked fans when he revealed he lost a whopping 20kg - just over 3 stone - in just eight weeks. He also opened up about how emotional his transformation has been.
5 of 74Scarlett Moffatt, 2015
Gogglebox favourite Scarlett Moffatt was well-loved for her bubbly personality, but had issues with her weight.
6 of 74Scarlett Moffatt, 2016
A year later, Scarlett underwent a huge weight loss - dropping from a size 18 to an 8. Read all about it here.
7 of 74Kelly Brook, 2010
Model and presenter Kelly Brook has always had perfect hour glass curves, but she shrunk to a size 8 in 2010 when she became the face of Ultimo and appeared in American Playboy magazine.
8 of 74Kelly Brook, 2018
Approaching her 40s as a happy and healthy size 12, Kelly has spoken about how she's just not bothered about staying a size 8 anymore. But she recently shared how putting weight on her famous big boobs might be causing a bit of a health issue.
9 of 74Paddy McGuinness 2011
We've always had a soft spot for Take Me Out presenter Paddy McGuinness. But recently...
10 of 74Paddy McGuinness, 2019
He has been hitting the gym HARD and boy do the results look good!.
11 of 74Tina Malone, 2014
Shameless star and Celebrity Big Brother big mouth Tina Malone was a size 26 when she left the BB house in 2014.
12 of 74Tina Malone, 2017
But what a difference a gastric band makes. Tina lost a whopping 12.5 stone after an operation to reduce the volume of her stomach.
13 of 74Gary Barlow, 1996
The Take That frontman shared this photo in February 2018 to remind himself how far he's come in his weight loss journey. Gary went up to around 16st after Take That split in 1996.
14 of 74Gary Barlow, 2017
These days, Gary eats healthily and takes part in yoga every week. He now weighs less than 12st.
15 of 74Josie Gibson, 2010
When Josie won Big Brother in 2010, she was a size 20 dress size and reportedly weighed 16st 17lb.
16 of 74Josie Gibson, 2012
Josie famously went through a huge weight loss transformation in 2012, dropping to a size 8 and reportedly weighing 10st 2lb.
17 of 74Mariah Carey, 2017
Mariah Carey stepped out in August 2017 with her boyfriend Brian Tanaka in New York.
18 of 74Mariah Carey, 2017
Just three months later in October, she looked dramatically different - and was reported to have undergone liposuction.
19 of 74Lisa Riley, 2012
Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley was known for her size 28 frame, but fans were pleasantly surprised by her sprightliness whilst on Strictly Come Dancing in 2012.
20 of 74Lisa Riley, 2018
Lisa went under a huge lifestyle overhaul, losing a whopping 12 stone and dropping from a size 28 to a 12 before having her excess skin removed in 2017.
21 of 74Dawn French, 2005
Everyone's favourite comedienne Dawn French previously weighed around 19st.
22 of 74Dawn French, 2018
But in 2016, Dawn lost an incredible seven and a half stone - here's how she did it.
23 of 74Katie Hopkins, 2014
Controversial Katie Hopkins was a regular runner who gained a whopping 3st 5lb in just three months and weighed 12st. But Katie has always said there are 'no excuses' for people being overweight - so what happened?!
24 of 74Katie Hopkins, 2015
It turned out Katie's rapid weight gain was for a documentary to prove how easy it is for her to lose weight - which she did in just a few months. But we can't help but think it was all a bit of a, errr, pointless exercise?
25 of 74Tom Kerridge, 2013
TV chef Tom Kerridge weighed a dangerous 30st which he says was due to a lifestyle of late night drinking and overeating.
26 of 74Tom Kerridge, 2016
After a complete lifestyle overhaul, Tom shredded a staggering 12st - which is basically the same weight as another grown adult. Impressive work, Tom!
27 of 74Brooke Vincent, 2017
Corrie actress Brooke Vincent was already a petite size 10 but she wanted to give up smoking and get fit for Dancing on Ice.
28 of 74Brooke Vincent, 2017
And she did it! Brooke lost a dress size and showed off her seriously toned tum on Instagram. She also managed to kick her smoking habit. Yay!
29 of 74Holly Willoughby, 2015
Morning TV star Holly Willoughby has always had enviable curves and was a size 12 up until recently.
30 of 74Holly Willoughby, 2017
She looked noticeably slimmer in 2017 when Loose Women star Nadia Sawalha commented on it accidentally on live TV. Holly's secret to staying in shape is said to be a healthy lifestyle of pilates, kickboxing and a high vegetable diet.
31 of 74Lauren Goodger, 2017
Former TOWIE star Lauren Goodger has always battled with her yo-yo weight.
32 of 74Lauren Goodger, 2018
Following a tough 21 day juice cleanse at a retreat earlier this year, Lauren lost 1.4st.
33 of 74Khloe Kardashian, 2012
khloe owns the kind of curves that can only belong to a Kardashian! She is the tallest sister in the fam at 5ft 9in and she reportedly weighed just over 11st in 2012.
34 of 74Khloe Kardashian, 2017
Fast forward five years and Khloe shredded 30 pounds through a strict exercise regime and diet. She has spoken about how her split from Lamar Odom triggered her decision to hit the gym.
35 of 74Jennifer Hudson, 2007
Singing sensation and The Voice judge Jennifer Hudson was a size 16 when she first came to our attention as the American Idol winner in 2007.
36 of 74Jennifer Hudson, 2018
As her career grew her body shrunk after joining Weight Watchers and taking control of her diet. Jennifer dropped five dress sizes and today is a size 6.
37 of 74Christina Aguilera, 2012
In 2012 Xtina's womanly curves weighed 10 stone 7lb on her 5ft 1 frame and she wore a size 16.
38 of 74Christina Aguilera, 2016
The pop megastar dropped two stones by 2016 thanks to cutting out bad foods and being very strict with booze. But we're glad to see she's still rocking those curves!
39 of 74Cheryl, 2015
Nation's sweetheart Cheryl Tweedy has always been super slim but she sparked concerns with her fragile frame during X Factor filming in 2015.
40 of 74Cheryl, 2018
Cheryl quickly lost the pregnancy weight after giving birth to baby Bear in 2017. She was looking slim but strong at the Brit Awards 2018.
41 of 74Melissa McCarthy, 2014
The hilarious Melissa McCarthy weighed just under 19st in 2014 after her brilliant performance in Bridesmaids.
42 of 74Melissa McCarthy, 2017
5ft 2 Melissa lost an amazing 75 pounds through a very strict diet and exercise regime. She looks happier (and even more amazing!) than ever.
43 of 74Rebel Wilson, 2010
Actress Rebel Wilson defied the typical Hollywood body when she starred in Bridesmaids with fellow actress Melinda McCarthey.
44 of 74Rebel Wilson, 2017
In 2016 Rebel looked great after losing eight pounds at a fitness retreat in Malibu. By 2017 she'd lost an incredible 33 pounds!
45 of 74Jonah Hill, 2007
Jonah Hill has always been the 'cuddly' character in films like Knocked Up, Forgetting Sarah Marshall and 21 Jump Street.
46 of 74Jonah Hill, 2018
What a difference a year makes! He said he lost the weight and toned up by cutting out beer, seeking a nutritionist and getting tips from 21 Jump Street co-star Channing Tatum.
47 of 74Chris Pratt, 2010
Chris Pratt has always been a total cutie...
48 of 74Chris Pratt, 2018
But he transformed into an absolute hunk after losing 60 pounds and training for Guardians of the Galaxy.
49 of 74Holly Hagan, 2011
Geordie Shore star Holly Hagan admitted to having a poor diet of junk food and booze when she weighed 13 stone and wore a size 16 in 2011.
50 of 74Holly Hagan, 2018
Holly said she wasn't happy with her fluctuating weight and took a lifestyle overhaul to drop to a size 8. She also spent £6000 on a boob job.
51 of 74Sam Smith, 2015
The whole world fell in love with Sam Smith after releasing his debut album, but Sam has since said that he will always be self conscious of being in the public eye because he loves food so much.
52 of 74Sam Smith, 2017
Sam hired a nutritional therapist in 2015 and reportedly lost a stone in just two weeks. He then continued a healthy lifestyle by transforming his relationship with food - he's shredded 3.5 stone in total!
53 of 74Charlotte Crosby, 2013
The Geordie Shore star's weight has always fluctuated but she went from a size 10 to a size 16 a year after being crowned the winner of Celebrity Big Brother.
54 of 74Charlotte Crosby 2018
She dropped to a size 6 before releasing her workout DVD in 2015. Recently, she spoke about how her breakup with Stephen Bear helps her keep a 'revenge' body.
55 of 74Vicky Pattison, 2015
After seeing unflattering bikini photos of herself at the beach, Geordie Shore's Vicky took dramatic steps and shrunk from a size 16 to a size 6 in five months.
56 of 74Vicky Pattison, 2018
The I'm A Celeb jungle queen is now a healthy size 10 and lives a balanced lifestyle, working hard on her fitness regime to be happier and healthier than ever.
57 of 74Natalie Cassidy, 2005
Eastenders' Nat Cassidy grew up before our eyes and her weight was always changing. At one point, Natalie said she had size 6 - 16 clothes in her wardrobe. She even lost two stone in the three months after having her daughter.
58 of 74Natalie Cassidy, 2018
Now a mum of two, Natalie looks a happy and healthy size after giving birth to her second daughter.
59 of 74Frankie Essex, 2015
Frankie Essex is a another TOWIE star who has sometimes struggled to maintain a healthy weight.
60 of 74Frankie Essex, 2018
The Essex girl has recently used a personal trainer and bootcamp workouts to shred a stone in just a couple of months. We think she looks fab!
61 of 74Joe McElderry, 2013
X-Factor winner Joe McElderry won the nation's hearts with his cute smile and amazing voice in 2009.
62 of 74Joe McElderry, 2018
He has transformed into a total gym BUFF while preparing for a West End role. He told Loose Women: 'I never promote anything apart from being healthy and fit. That is my message, doesn't matter what shape or size you are'
63 of 74Ricky Wilson, 2005
Living the rock and roll lifestyle took its toll on Ricky Wilson's weight, skin and general health. I predict a diet...
64 of 74Ricky Wilson, 2016
And we were right! We had to take a double look when he turned up to judge The Voice looking noticeably slimmer and healthier in 2014!
65 of 74Tom Fletcher, 2005
Tom has spoken about how he had a problematic relationship with food and depression because he felt like 'the fat one' in McFly. (Even though he was DEFINITELY our fave!)
66 of 74Tom Fletcher, 2018
But Tom is healthier than ever and even posts work outs that he does with his son Buzz - possibly the cutest gym buddy ever?!
67 of 74Rob Kardashian, 2016
Rob gained over 100lb while struggling with diabetes, depression and anxiety.
68 of 74Rob Kardashian, 2018
But Rob's recent Instagram posts like this suggest that he's lost the weight. He also posted a throwback to when he was bigger, along with the caption: 'I don't look like this anymore ud83dude02 #thetransformationiscoming #staytuned #nosurgery #putinwork'
69 of 74Jazmine Franks, 2017
Hollyoaks actress Jazmine Franks has always had a petite frame.
70 of 74Jazmine Franks, 2018
But the star now looks seriously lean after dedicating herself to a new fitness routine and healthier lifestyle.
71 of 74Laura Barton, 2014
The Emmerdale actress confessed to being addicted to sugary drinks and drinking a whopping FOUR litres per day.
72 of 74Laura Barton, 2018
After exercise and cutting out sugary drinks, Laura lost three stone within three years.
73 of 74Emma Chawner, 2007
During Emma's first audition she told the judges she "couldn't do anymore" singing and after they told her she couldn't sing, her parents went on to confront them all. The dramz.
74 of 74Emma Chawner, 2019
Fast forward 12 years since her first audition and Emma revealed after swapping junk food for a healthy lifestyle she dropped 12 stone in just two years.
Spurred on, Lisa started going for daily three-mile walks near her Lichfield home.
“I’d fit it around home-schooling, or go out in the evenings,” she says. “I walked fast, to make it a workout. At first, my breathing was laboured and whenever I got home, I felt like I needed to lie down. But, after a few weeks, my legs stopped aching and I felt less lethargic.
“Being out on my own, with just the birds for company, gave me such a sense of freedom. I loved exploring the country footpaths and making new discoveries, like the berries in the hedgerows and the smell of wild garlic.”
Lisa also changed her diet, swapping calorie-laden Chinese and Indian curries for grilled chicken, salmon, pasta and salads packed with prawns and veg.
“I was eating more, but it was better food,” she says. “Instead of three slices of buttered toast for breakfast, I’d have scrambled eggs. Being healthier made me feel in control of my life, at a time when the world felt very out of control. I was cheerful too, and more patient with the kids.”
And Lisa didn’t just feel better, she was also rapidly losing weight. “By May, I was holding up my jeans with a safety pin,” she says. “When I slipped into a pair of size 14 trousers, it gave me such a boost.
“By June, I was walking five to ten miles a day and researching hilly routes, to make it more of a workout. One day, I accidentally walked 11 miles instead of five!”
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Amazingly, by the time lockdown eased in July, Lisa had lost 3st 4lbs and dropped to a size 12. And thanks to their new healthier diet, Ian lost an incredible 4st too, going from 18st to 14st.
Now, Lisa still walks daily, and she’s maintained her weight of 11st.
She says, “My tummy and legs are toned now, and I no longer have a muffin top. My headaches have disappeared, and I sleep much better.
“I’m 54, and feel happier and healthier than ever. Walking has changed my whole outlook – instead of feeling old and unfit, I’m positive and proud of what I’ve achieved. And if we have another lockdown this winter, I’m not worried. I know I’ll cope.”
Read the best real life stories in Closer magazine each week.