A former EastEnders actress has shed light on her unexpected weight loss, highlighting that it wasn't the result of a trendy diet or vigorous exercise routine. Melissa Suffield, who once starred as the rebellious teen Lucy Beale, experienced a 'horrible' bout of nausea last year which saw her unexpectedly shrink to a size where she could wear pre-baby denims.
Following a marathon of roughly 40 GP visits and countless diagnostic tests, she was eventually diagnosed with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth - also known as SIBO - at the start of this year. In a heartfelt exchange with The Sun, she explained: "Obviously, I've lost quite a lot of weight this year.
"...What it [losing weight because of SIBO] has helped me do is prove the point that I've always, always made, which is that you cannot define how healthy someone is, by how much they weigh, or how fat you think they look or whatever it is that you think you know."
SIBO is a little-known condition where too much bacteria is found in the small intestine, the Mirror reports. This can give rise to a number of life-altering issues, including a loss of appetite, abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhoea.
Dr Lawrence Cunningham, a retired GP at Help & Advice, previously told the publication: "Symptoms of SIBO can vary, but they typically include bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and sometimes malnutrition.
"These symptoms can be so broad that they overlap with other conditions, which is why diagnosis can be tricky...While it's not as commonly discussed as other gastrointestinal problems, it's more prevalent than many people might think.
"In my experience, SIBO often goes undiagnosed because its symptoms can be mistaken for other digestive disorders." Dr Cunningham said that SIBO is usually triggered by an 'imbalance in the gut flora', which may be linked to a compromised immune system or 'structural abnormalities'.
People suffering from conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease or diabetes may have a worsened risk of developing SIBO. Certain medications, including some proton pump inhibitors typically used for acid reflux, can also contribute by creating an environment that encourages bacterial overgrowth.
He went on: "SIBO isn't necessarily a life-long condition, but it can be persistent if not properly managed. Treatment usually involves antibiotics to reduce bacterial overgrowth, and dietary changes to prevent recurrence.
"If left untreated, SIBO can lead to complications such as nutrient deficiencies, weight loss, and damage to the intestinal lining. I've seen patients with severe cases experience significant life disruptions, which underscores the importance of early detection and management."
On a separate note, Dr Cunningham added: "One thing I always emphasise is the importance of a comprehensive approach to gut health. Lifestyle modifications, such as stress management and diet adjustments, play a significant role in both prevention and recovery. In my practice, mindfulness and holistic strategies often complement medical treatments effectively."