The former BBC soap star looked almost unrecognisable in the social media post
An ex-EastEnders star has said that making one significant life change has helped her feel like herself again. This lifestyle adjustment may help others lose weight and reduce their risk of serious health problems like heart and liver disease.
Lorraine Stanley, known best for her role on EastEnders as Karen Taylor between 2017 and 2024, posted a picture on her Instagram feed from an event last night (June 2). In it, she can be seen wearing a kaftan she bought in Barcelona airport for “less than £30”. She added: “[This is the] first time I’ve worn it, I love it! Thanks for all the beautiful comments.”
The 48-year-old received a wave of positive comments on how well she looked, including her former EastEnders co-star Diane Parish, known for playing Denise Fox, who commented: “You look incredible!” And James Bye, who played Martin Fowler until recently in the soap, posted: “Look at you skinny minny!”
Smooth Radio presenter Angie Greaves wrote: “You look amazing!” Lorraine responded: “Thank you! I feel like myself again!” Another commenter put: “You look absolutely stunning!” And, a third fan told Lorraine: “You have great style and look so happy!”
According to reports, Lorraine managed to achieve her five-stone weight loss since leaving the soap with help from a gastric sleeve operation. But another lifestyle change has also contributed to the mum-of-one’s new lease of life.
She’s banished alcohol from her diet and has swapped booze for non-alcoholic options. Taking to her Instagram story to upload the same image posted onto her main feed, she added: “I’m five months sober and still had a good night dancing! #Sobriety.”
Lorraine publicly shared her journey toward sobriety. She has said that being sober has not stopped her from having fun and enjoying social events.
What can avoiding alcohol do for your health and weight?
According to Drinkaware, cutting out alcohol completely has many health benefits. These include reducing blood pressure and improving sleep in the short term, as well as many other important, longer-term health benefits.
Cutting alcohol from your life reduces the risk of developing serious alcohol-related diseases. Giving up drinking could help your liver and should reduce the chances of developing liver disease, as long hasn’thasn’t already been irreversibly damaged.
Drinkaware also claims that stopping your alcohol intake could lower the risk of:
- Heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure
- Liver disease
- Sexual dysfunction
- Gut problems
If you’re overweight and regularly drink alcohol, you will likely find that you lose weight if you stop drinking. And, not drinking at all will make it easier to maintain a healthy weight.
Alcoholic drinks contain lots of ‘empty’ calories, Drinkaware says, meaning your body doesn’t get any nutritional value from alcohol. Drinkaware gave the example 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 worried about your drinking, Drinkaware has a list of support networks and resources to help. There are dedicated phone lines or online chat rooms that can provide people with the help they need.