See what one time world's fattest woman looks like now (photos)

Catrina Raiford was at one point the world's fattest woman and was bedridden for five years. The 38-year-old from Florida immediately embarked on a strict diet when medics had to bulldoze the side of her house to treat her breathing problems. Her diet consist only of lean meat, fruit and vegetables, and a light exercise regime. Catrina has lost 36 stone so far.

"I’m so much happier now and feel so confident. I was in bed for so long that now I’ve lost the weight I just want to be free. I love running around, going to the gym three or four times a week and keeping fit." she said

See what she used to look like after the cut...

When she was 14 years old, and weighed 32 stone, she was admitted to a psychiatric home for eight months to try and control her eating – but because she didn’t feel she could talk about the abuse with anyone, the treatment didn’t help.

By the time she was 21 she was unemployed, bedbound and living with her mum, passing her long days ‘catfishing’ men on the internet by lying about her appearance.

"It was the worst time of my life," she said. "I just wanted to die. Each day I’d just eat and go online from morning to night"

With the help of specialists, a calorie restricted diet and light exercise, she lost 21 stone naturally – after which she was able to have gastric bypass surgery. Catrina still has an extra 10 stone of loose skin she wants to shed

"Last year I bought my first bikini ever. I’m really happy with myself. I don’t want my excess skin removed for my looks. I just need the operation to help finish the process I’ve started and improve my health" - she said