Martine McCutcheon has admitted that she struggles to lose weight because of her ongoing battle with Lyme disease
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The singer and actress has revealed a shocking health worry in her latest Instagram post, alerting her 109k followers that she suffers with Lyme disease.
Martine, 40, had taken to social media to share some exciting news with her fans, proud to show off her impressive one stone weight loss.
The Love Actually star revealed she has been following the Cambridge Weight Plan, and has enjoyed shedding 14 pounds in her first five weeks.
'Heres my silly little head feeling all giddy and happy because I reached my 1 stone target today on the @cambridgeweightplan I'm SO thrilled.'
But her happy news was tinged with concern, as the EastEnders actress explained that she refuses to be disheartened at not losing weight faster as her Lyme disease and ME can slow her down.
'My loss was a tiny bit slower than the average person but to be honest I expected that as many diets/food plans didn't work for me at all as the lymes disease and m.e can really play havoc with how your system works.'
The star went on to share the positive message that being healthy is the most important thing when it comes to your body.
'Plus my consultant Donna stressed that my health is the most important thing so I took things a little more slowly whilst feeling more energised and even with health issues I've still managed to do it!
'Only 5 and a half weeks and My BMI is in a much healthier range -and on my step of the plan I love that I can still have my green juices, porridge and real food. Give me too much choice and it's game over 🙈I've loved my choccie shakes and and mint chocolate bars and I whip them in my bag with my green juice and go! It's simplicity is brilliant.'
Martine didn't seem to dwell on her 'health issues' though, flashing a big smile in her selfie and announcing that she would be treating herself to something nice in Space NK.
'Here I am in @spacenk treating myself to new make up and body treatments etc!! #1stone #20inches #cwp #weightloss #inchloss #spon 👍🏼😁🎉'
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread by ticks, so is most commonly picked up in the countryside, amidst long grasses or park lands during warmer months, when most people are out and about.
It can give you flu like symptoms such as a high temperature, tiredness, muscle pain and a stiff neck. If left untreated possible health complications can include joint pain and swelling, nervous system problems, heart complications and paralysis.
