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Victoria SteanBritish woman with diabetes and obesity quits energy drinks
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
- Overweight Diabetic Overcomes Energy Drink Addiction
- The Wake-Up Call
- Childhood Struggles
- A Dangerous Addiction
- Physical and Emotional Toll
- A Life-Changing Decision
- The Road to Recovery
- Transformation and Empowerment
- Reflections and Advocacy
Overweight Diabetic Overcomes Energy Drink Addiction
Victoria Steene, a 27-year-old office worker from Milton Keynes, has revealed she once drank five cans of Monster energy drink (69 teaspoons of sugar) a day, weighing approximately 124 kilograms at the age of 21. Her unhealthy lifestyle put her at risk of losing her vision due to diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes that damages the blood vessels in the back of the eyes.
The Wake-Up Call
After being warned by doctors about the potential consequences of her habits, Steene made a vow to regain her health and preserve her eyesight. She quit energy drinks and embarked on a weight loss journey, shedding over 50 kilograms.
Childhood Struggles
Steene's weight issues began in childhood. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of nine, she largely ignored medical advice to manage her sugar intake and continued to indulge in sweets and fizzy drinks. By 16, she weighed over 100 kilograms and had been diagnosed with retinopathy.
A Dangerous Addiction
By the age of 17, Steene was consuming two cans of Monster Energy each day, describing her addiction as a "toxic cycle" that contributed to her weight gain and deteriorating health. At university, she increased her intake to five cans a day, becoming irritable and argumentative whenever she tried to cut down.
Physical and Emotional Toll
Steene's sugary habit not only affected her weight but also her vision, which became increasingly blurry and could no longer focus on objects more than two meters away. She was consuming 1185 calories from energy drinks alone, making it challenging to concentrate during lectures.
A Life-Changing Decision
After meeting her now-fiancé, Jack Patterson, at Northampton University, Steene realized the extent of her weight problem, sparking a desire for change. In 2013, she vowed to lose weight and improve her health, recognizing the need to control her food cravings.
The Road to Recovery
Steene abruptly quit energy drinks, initially experiencing withdrawal headaches. However, over time, her insulin levels normalized. She eliminated processed foods from her diet and became vigilant about portion control.
Transformation and Empowerment
In her first year of weight loss, Steene shed over 40 kilograms through a combination of a healthy diet and 10 hours of gym work per week. Today, she maintains a weight of 73 kilograms and feels more confident in her appearance. Her vision has also stabilized.
Reflections and Advocacy
Looking back, Steene regrets her past behavior but is grateful for the realization before it was too late. She supports the introduction of a sugar tax to raise awareness about the hidden calories in energy drinks. She believes such measures can help young people make informed decisions about their consumption and reduce the risks associated with excessive sugar intake.
