Size 36 'secret eater' who would binge on 10,000 calories a DAY loses 14 stone after battling eating disorders for 30 years

  • Gemma Oliver, 38, dieted since the age of eight but used to binge in secret
  • The nursing sister from Southampton gorged on bread, chocolate and cake
  • The once 26-stone Gemma went from a size 36 to a svelte size 10

By Caroline Garnar For Mailonline

Published: 05:08 EST, 2 October 2015 | Updated: 03:17 EST, 13 October 2015

A woman who used to eat 10,000 calories a day has finally shed her excess weight after battling eating disorders for 30 years.

Gemma Oliver, 38, from Southampton, used to binge on bread with thick layers of butter, blocks of chocolate and bags of biscuits, telling people she was having a party to explain all the junk food.

The nursing sister has now gone from 26 stone and a size 36 to 11 stone 8lbs and a svelte size 10.

Gemma Oliver, 38, from Southampton, used to weigh 26 stone and wear a size 36
She now weighs just 11 stone 8lbs and is a svelte size 10

Gemma Oliver, 38, from Southampton, used to weigh 26 stone and wear a size 36. She now weighs just 11 stone 8lbs and is a svelte size 10 

Gemma said she had a weight problem since childhood. She was aware of her size in primary school, believing she looked different compared to other kids of her age.

An unhealthy relationship with food developed at the age of eight when she went on her first diet.

And from age 13 onward Gemma started cycles of dieting then binging in secret.

'I would go food shopping and make comments that I was having a party to explain all the junk food,' said Gemma.

'I would often buy extra food to replace what I had eaten so no one would know it was me.

'On the face of it I would always be on the latest diet, but then I would eat when no one could see me.

'I was a secret eater. My weaknesses were bread with thick layers of butter, blocks of chocolate and bags of biscuits.

Gemma, an NHS sister from Southampton, would binge on up to 10,000 calories a day

Gemma, an NHS sister from Southampton, would binge on up to 10,000 calories a day

'It would be very easy for me to consume anywhere in the region of 10,000 calories in one day,' Gemma added.

Working in a hospital, Gemma said her weight was mentioned but that she used to 'put on a front'.

'I used to say I was happy being larger but really I wasn’t,' she said.

And even though she knew the risks associated with being overweight, Gemma managed to convince herself she didn't have a problem. 

'I initially didn't realise the actual size I had become. Or if I did I chose to ignore it, instead tending to believe I was 'big boned',' said Gemma. 

Gemma said her weaknesses were 'bread with thick layers of butter, blocks of chocolate and bags of biscuits'

Gemma said her weaknesses were 'bread with thick layers of butter, blocks of chocolate and bags of biscuits'

In her early 30s Gemma received not one, but two warnings from her GP that she wouldn't reach 40 if she didn't change her lifestyle.

But it was only when the relationship problems that were causing her to binge ended that 'it felt right to find a reason to live a healthy lifestyle', said Gemma.

Gemma joined PureGym in 2011, weighing 26 stone.

Across four years she worked with personal trainer Dale Jackman to lose 14 stone, hitting the gym six times a week and controlling her diet. 

Gemma credits her bond with Dale as helping her though her tougher moments. 

'Over the past few years he has experienced my highs and lows with me and has become a good friend. 

Since joining PureGym in 2011 Gemma (middle) has shed 14 stonewith the help of personal trainer Dale Jackman (left). Also pictured is Daniella Scouzi, a fellow PureGym personal trainer

Gemma (middle) credits her bond with Dale (left) as helping her though her tougher moments. Also pictured is Daniella Scouzi, who will be one of the VIP table hosts at Gemma's charity ball

'Except for one hour a week when he's putting me through my paces; I definitely don't like him then and I make sure he knows it!'

Gemma likens her training sessions with Dale to a game of rugby – 'we're friends at the beginning and end but during, not so much - though we do have a laugh.'

Gemma explained that when she tried going to the gym before she felt judged and like she didn't belong. 

'For the first time in a long while I don't have to justify my existence, or jump through other people's hoops in order to be heard,' she said.

'I can just be me, and with this lot, 'being me' is good enough.'

Gemma said that since her weightloss she 'feels like a new woman', but still had her moments of self doubt. 

'There are times when I still see the old me,' said Gemma. 'I'm training hard all the time and loving life, but on the flip side I sometimes need help to see the change I have made - to not be so hard on myself.'

From weighing 26 stone in 2011, Gemma completed the Bristol marathon in 2012

From weighing 26 stone in 2011, Gemma completed the Bristol marathon in 2012

One of Gemma's goals was to eat dinner with friends at a social event - something that would seem like no big deal to most of us, but is a huge step for someone who has suffered with eating disorders for 30 years.

And not just any social event; 'something grand, opulent, majestic', said Gemma.

But with nothing ready-made in the calendar, Gemma decided to take matters into her own hands. 

'I decided to organise and host the Phantom Dream Ball and Charity Auction to focus my recovery and face my demons head on,' said Gemma. 

The black tie ball, which will raise money for Help for Heroes and Follow Your Dreams, is also a way to thank those who have supported her through the years, said Gemma.

 

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