NEWS & ANALYSIS

"Big mama's double trouble!" - Daily Sun

The front page and lead story of SA's largest daily newspaper, June 20 2014

Daily Sun (June 20 2014) - LIZEKA Gongxeka swears she's a light eater.  She dreams of becoming a thin Lizzie. BUT TAXI DRIVERS CHARGE HER DOUBLE BECAUSE SHE WEIGHS AN AXLE-BENDING 250KG!

"I was born like this, said mother of four Lizeka (41) of Jabavu Street, in Cape Town's Langa. "I'm not a big eater, but I'm always out of breath.

"I want to lose weight so that I look thin and have a well-proportioned body."

When the SunTeam took a scale to weigh her it gave up at its highest reading - 120kg! Lizeka said the whole kasi laughs at her and she's desperate!

"My mother comforts me every day because it's nerve-wracking to be obese. I've been diagnosed with high blood pressure and recently visited a doctor as we're worried because my bones ache, especially when it's cold."

Lizeka said doctors get cross with her for missing appointments. But it's not her fault when taxi drivers want to charge her double for taking up two seats.

"I don't have enough money - just my child support grants," said Lizeka. Local taxi driver Morris Sandi said: "I force stout passengers to pay extra.

"Lizeka must understand she's got unusual weight and has to do something about it," said Morris. Sad Lizeka said: "I go job hunting, but employers don't even look at me.

"They say no one will employ me because I am too big. It's frustrating. It's hard for me to clean the house or even take a bath as I have only a small basin. I am now appealing to Daily Sun readers who can help me lose weight to please come forward."

Her friend, Nomonde Jack, said: "She's not lazy. Things are just tough for her.

"I keep suggesting that she sees a specialist so her fatty tissues can be removed. But the problem is money. It's so bad she has to call for help as she struggles to get through her own doorway!"

Nutritional therapist Megan Bousman said: "When you have a weight problem you have to stick to eating fresh and canned vegetables without salt.

"Fruit like oranges and berries are also good as they have lots of fibre. Canola and olives oils and soft margarine are also healthy. Drinking plenty of water and some exercise is imperative!"

See the Daily Sun mobi site for more on this and other stories....

 

The Daily Sun is South Africa's largest daily newspaper with an average circulation of 297,614 (Audit Bureau of Circulations 4th Quarter 2013) and a readership of 5.7m (as per AMPS 2012ab). Its Facebook page can be accessed here. It can be followed on Twitter here. To find about advertising on the Daily Sun click here.

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