Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

'I No Longer Spend My Days In Tears', Lexi Reed Shed 2/3rd Weight While Battling A Rare Skin Disease

For many, dramatic <span>weight loss</span> is a reason to celebrate but for Indiana based social media influencer Lexi Reed, it was a painful and near-death transition- one that included a bittersweet consequence. After shedding an incredible 312 pounds, she began battling a rare and disfiguring skin disease called calciphylaxis, a condition that almost took her life. And now, as she keeps writing about her weight loss struggle and fight for health, she hopes that she will motivate others with her strength and sheer willpower.

Lexi Reed's path to improved health started in 2016 when a friend dared her to do a 30-day lifestyle overhaul. She was 485 pounds (219 kg) at the time, had trouble squeezing into public seating, and was relegated to being left out of normal activities because of her weight. She candidly discussed her obesity issues—how junk food binges became her go-to coping mechanism and how it was almost impossible to shop for clothes in her size.

Deciding to transform her life, Reed began a fitness and health journey, taking small but effective steps. She traded fast food for home cooking, adopted an active lifestyle, and slowly began to lose weight. In eight years, she lost two-thirds of her body weight, a milestone that had millions of people following her story on social media.

<h2>Fighting a <span rel="noindex">Rare Skin Disease</span></h2>

Although Reed's weight loss was a phenomenal accomplishment, her process took a dramatic and agonizing turn when she was diagnosed with calciphylaxis in April 2022. Calciphylaxis is a severe and uncommon condition in which calcium accumulates in the small blood vessels of the skin and fat tissue, causing painful ulcers, blood clots, and an extremely high risk of infection.

Reed suffered horribly, explaining that her skin went black and ulcerated, leaving her with 30 open sores. The disease has a high death rate, with close to 80% of the patients not surviving. Although she did not know what caused it, physicians suspected that it might have been caused by the dialysis she underwent for her kidneys failing.

At the height of her fight against calciphylaxis, Reed's quality of life significantly worsened. She was dependent on sodium bisulfate infusions for 59 weeks and had intensive wound care. The pain was so bad that she could not move, eat, and even do the simplest of daily activities.

There were days when I didn't know if I was going to wake up the next morning because I hurt so much," Reed said in an interview. She also had trouble with medical professionals minimizing her pain, making her feel unheard and alone.

But even through the pain and uncertainty, she never lost hope. In August 2023, after a year of intensive treatment, Reed went into remission. The wounds healed over, the threat of infection abated, and she regained her independence slowly.

"Glory be, I'm on the other side &amp; my life is back. I'm thankful I can do for myself, cook for myself, dress for myself, appreciate life outdoors instead of seeing from a window, &amp; that I no longer live my days in tears because pain is debilitating," she wrote on an emotional Instagram post.

<h2>Taking Care of Side Effects of <span rel="noindex">Extreme Weight Loss</span></h2>

Although Reed beat calciphylaxis, excess skin was another physical obstacle she had to face—excess skin. Severe weight loss tends to leave behind loose, hanging skin, which can be painful and limit mobility. The skin loses elasticity with long-term weight gain so that it is unable to contract after weight loss.

Reed has been very public about the challenges of having too much skin and how it impacts her life. Although she loves her body, she also knows it is a challenge. In certain situations, body contouring surgery is available to those who have too much loose skin, but for most, it is still a medical or financial issue.

For others having the same issue, experts suggest strength training for better skin tone, proper hydration, and skincare products that benefit the skin for elasticity. The best way to address post-weight loss skin problems can be identified by consulting a healthcare provider.

Lexi Reed's tale is not merely one of weight loss or surviving a rare illness—it's one of resilience, hope, and self-acceptance. She still documents her journey on Instagram (@fatgirlfedup), where she has more than a million followers. In unapologetic posts and videos, she reminds everyone to treat their bodies kindly, regardless of shape, size, or health issues.

Even with fear creeping into some days, I still keep appearing &amp; won't live in fear or squander any good days. I loved me enough to fight for me—just like I fought calciphylaxis," she wrote.

Her transparency regarding weight regain, setbacks, and mental health has struck a chord with many. She realizes that the journey is not always linear and setbacks are unavoidable. However, she is dedicated to her health, striving for balance and self-acceptance.

<h2>Why Listening to Your Body is Important?</h2>

One of the most significant things Reed teaches is to listen to your body. She does this by practicing self-care, eating well, and not ignoring pain or warning signs. Her current diet centers around high-protein foods, such as salmon, turkey burgers, asparagus, and broccoli—feeding her body and rebuilding strength.

Although weight loss has its benefits, it also entails physical and psychological challenges. Developing the ability to cope with these challenges patiently and with kindness toward oneself is a recipe for successful long-term well-being.

Calciphylaxis is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition in which calcium deposits in small blood vessels in fat and skin tissues, causing serious complications. Calciphylaxis results in painful skin ulcers, blood clots, and severe infections that can lead to organ failure or death. Although calciphylaxis is most frequently observed in patients with kidney failure who are on dialysis or have had a kidney transplant, it may also develop in individuals without kidney disease.

Symptoms are huge purple net-like marks on the skin, aching swellings that become open sores covered by black-brown crusts, and wounds that don't heal, risking life-threatening infections. The cause is unknown but studies indicate that abnormalities in blood-clotting factors could play a role in its formation. Because of its severity, early diagnosis and vigorous treatment are important in controlling symptoms and avoiding complications.

Health Conditions A-Z

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weight loss

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rare skin disease

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weight loss journey

extreme weight loss

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For many, dramatic weight loss is a reason to celebrate but for Indiana based social media influencer Lexi Reed, it was a painful and near-death transition- one that included a bittersweet consequence. After shedding an incredible 312 pounds, she began battling a rare and disfiguring skin disease called calciphylaxis, a condition that almost took her life. And now, as she keeps writing about her weight loss struggle and fight for health, she hopes that she will motivate others with her strength and sheer willpower.Lexi Reed's path to improved health started in 2016 when a friend dared her to do a 30-day lifestyle overhaul. She was 485 pounds (219 kg) at the time, had trouble squeezing into public seating, and was relegated to being left out of normal activities because of her weight. She candidly discussed her obesity issues—how junk food binges became her go-to coping mechanism and how it was almost impossible to shop for clothes in her size.Deciding to transform her life, Reed began a fitness and health journey, taking small but effective steps. She traded fast food for home cooking, adopted an active lifestyle, and slowly began to lose weight. In eight years, she lost two-thirds of her body weight, a milestone that had millions of people following her story on social media.Fighting a Rare Skin DiseaseAlthough Reed's weight loss was a phenomenal accomplishment, her process took a dramatic and agonizing turn when she was diagnosed with calciphylaxis in April 2022. Calciphylaxis is a severe and uncommon condition in which calcium accumulates in the small blood vessels of the skin and fat tissue, causing painful ulcers, blood clots, and an extremely high risk of infection.Reed suffered horribly, explaining that her skin went black and ulcerated, leaving her with 30 open sores. The disease has a high death rate, with close to 80% of the patients not surviving. Although she did not know what caused it, physicians suspected that it might have been caused by the dialysis she underwent for her kidneys failing.At the height of her fight against calciphylaxis, Reed's quality of life significantly worsened. She was dependent on sodium bisulfate infusions for 59 weeks and had intensive wound care. The pain was so bad that she could not move, eat, and even do the simplest of daily activities.There were days when I didn't know if I was going to wake up the next morning because I hurt so much," Reed said in an interview. She also had trouble with medical professionals minimizing her pain, making her feel unheard and alone.But even through the pain and uncertainty, she never lost hope. In August 2023, after a year of intensive treatment, Reed went into remission. The wounds healed over, the threat of infection abated, and she regained her independence slowly."Glory be, I'm on the other side & my life is back. I'm thankful I can do for myself, cook for myself, dress for myself, appreciate life outdoors instead of seeing from a window, & that I no longer live my days in tears because pain is debilitating," she wrote on an emotional Instagram post.Taking Care of Side Effects of Extreme Weight LossAlthough Reed beat calciphylaxis, excess skin was another physical obstacle she had to face—excess skin. Severe weight loss tends to leave behind loose, hanging skin, which can be painful and limit mobility. The skin loses elasticity with long-term weight gain so that it is unable to contract after weight loss.Reed has been very public about the challenges of having too much skin and how it impacts her life. Although she loves her body, she also knows it is a challenge. In certain situations, body contouring surgery is available to those who have too much loose skin, but for most, it is still a medical or financial issue.For others having the same issue, experts suggest strength training for better skin tone, proper hydration, and skincare products that benefit the skin for elasticity. The best way to address post-weight loss skin problems can be identified by consulting a healthcare provider.Lexi Reed's tale is not merely one of weight loss or surviving a rare illness—it's one of resilience, hope, and self-acceptance. She still documents her journey on Instagram (@fatgirlfedup), where she has more than a million followers. In unapologetic posts and videos, she reminds everyone to treat their bodies kindly, regardless of shape, size, or health issues.Even with fear creeping into some days, I still keep appearing & won't live in fear or squander any good days. I loved me enough to fight for me—just like I fought calciphylaxis," she wrote.Her transparency regarding weight regain, setbacks, and mental health has struck a chord with many. She realizes that the journey is not always linear and setbacks are unavoidable. However, she is dedicated to her health, striving for balance and self-acceptance.Why Listening to Your Body is Important?One of the most significant things Reed teaches is to listen to your body. She does this by practicing self-care, eating well, and not ignoring pain or warning signs. Her current diet centers around high-protein foods, such as salmon, turkey burgers, asparagus, and broccoli—feeding her body and rebuilding strength.Although weight loss has its benefits, it also entails physical and psychological challenges. Developing the ability to cope with these challenges patiently and with kindness toward oneself is a recipe for successful long-term well-being.What is Calciphylaxis?Calciphylaxis is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition in which calcium deposits in small blood vessels in fat and skin tissues, causing serious complications. Calciphylaxis results in painful skin ulcers, blood clots, and severe infections that can lead to organ failure or death. Although calciphylaxis is most frequently observed in patients with kidney failure who are on dialysis or have had a kidney transplant, it may also develop in individuals without kidney disease.Symptoms are huge purple net-like marks on the skin, aching swellings that become open sores covered by black-brown crusts, and wounds that don't heal, risking life-threatening infections. The cause is unknown but studies indicate that abnormalities in blood-clotting factors could play a role in its formation. Because of its severity, early diagnosis and vigorous treatment are important in controlling symptoms and avoiding complications.