A former EastEnders actress has opened up about a significant lifestyle change that has not only helped maintain a slimmer figure but also revitalised her sense of self. Trying to replicate this might help others with weight loss as well as decreasing the risk of severe health issues such as heart and liver disease.
Lorraine Stanley, famed for her role as Karen Taylor on EastEnders from 2017 to 2024, took to Instagram to share a snap from a night out on June 2. She dazzled in a kaftan she picked up for “less than £30” at Barcelona airport, captioning the post: “[This is the] first time I’ve worn it, I love it! Thanks for all the beautiful comments.”
The 48-year-old was showered with compliments on her appearance, including from her ex-EastEnders colleague Diane Parish, who played Denise Fox, said: “You look incredible!” James Bye, who played Martin Fowler on the show, added: “Look at you skinny minny!”
Angie Greaves, Smooth Radio presenter, reacted to the photo with: “You look amazing!” to which Lorraine replied: “Thank you! I feel like myself again!” Another fan commented: “You look absolutely stunning!” while a third praised her, writing: “You have great style and look so happy!”
Reports suggest that since her departure from the soap, Lorraine has managed a remarkable five-stone weight loss, partly thanks to undergoing a gastric sleeve operation. However, there is another lifestyle adjustment that has given the mum-of-one a renewed zest for life, reports the Mirror.
She’s ditched alcohol and now opts for non-alcoholic beverages instead. Sharing an update on her Instagram story alongside a photo from her main feed, she wrote: “I’m five months sober and still had a good night dancing! #Sobriety.”
Lorraine has been open about her sobriety journey. She claimed that ditching the drink hasn’t dampened her ability to enjoy a good time at social gatherings.
What can ditching alcohol do for your health and waistline?
Drinkaware states on its website that abstaining from alcohol can lead to several health perks – including weight loss. Short-term benefits include lowered blood pressure and better sleep quality, while long-term advantages are even more significant.
Eliminating alcohol from your life can decrease the likelihood of contracting severe alcohol-related conditions. A major organ that will benefit includes your liver, potentially preventing liver disease if damage hasn’t already set in beyond repair.
On the surface, your skin should improve once you stop drinking, as alcohol dehydrates your body. When you drink, the dehydrating effect of alcohol means your skin loses fluid and nutrients that are vital for healthy-looking skin.
Drinkaware claims: “This can make your skin look wrinkled, dull and grey, or bloated and puffy. Dehydrated skin may also be more prone to some types of eczema.”
Drinkaware suggests that cutting out alcohol altogether might reduce the risk of:
- Heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure
- Liver disease
- Sexual dysfunction
- Gut problems
For those carrying extra weight and indulging in regular alcoholic drinks, cutting back often results in weight loss. Plus, staying away from booze can make maintaining a healthy weight easier.
According to Drinkaware experts, alcohol is full of ’empty’ calories, which means it offers no nutritional benefits. To put it into perspective, Drinkaware shared that “a typical pint of lager or a large glass of wine contains the same number of calories as more than half a cheeseburger.”
If you’re concerned about your alcohol consumption, Drinkaware offers a range of support networks and resources. It provides dedicated phone lines and online chat rooms to assist those in need.
