Young Mother Faces Sepsis Risk as NHS Denies Breast Reduction Over BMI
Lily Porter, a 21-year-old care assistant from Retford, Nottinghamshire, has shared her distressing ordeal after being denied an NHS breast reduction, despite contracting sepsis due to the immense weight of her bust tearing her skin. The mother-of-one endures constant pain from her 36 NN breasts, which led to a life-threatening blood infection in September 2025. She expressed her frustration, stating, "The weight of my boobs has caused my skin to tear, leading to an infection that gave me sepsis. It was horrendous, and I'm at risk of getting it again."
BMI Criteria Blocks Surgery Despite Health Dangers
The NHS has refused the operation because Ms Porter's body mass index places her in the obese category. However, she argues that nearly a third of her body weight—approximately five stone—is carried in her breasts, skewing the BMI measurement. "The NHS say my BMI is too high for a reduction, but most of my weight is in my boobs. They're not listening to me at all," she lamented. Weighing 17 stone, with each breast estimated at 2.5 stone, she meets other criteria for the surgery but feels her health struggles are being overlooked.
Lifelong Struggles and Emotional Toll
Ms Porter's challenges began in childhood, where her large breasts led to bullying and social isolation. She recalled, "I couldn't enjoy being a teenager; people were constantly taking the mickey and saying I must shove pillows down my bra." Her condition forced her to quit football at age 13 and avoid activities like swimming. Today, she faces daily discomfort, with bra straps digging into her shoulders and strangers staring at her chest. "I'm constantly depressed and crying. I'm in pain all the time," she added.
Medical and Political Appeals Fall on Deaf Ears
After her sepsis scare, doctors warned that delayed treatment could have been fatal. Despite antibiotics, the infection persists, heightening her risk of recurrence. Ms Porter has sought support from her local Bassetlaw MP, Jo White, who wrote to the NHS pleading for assistance, but her local integrated care board continues to block the surgery. An NHS spokesperson explained, "We have strict guidelines for funded procedures, including a BMI of 18-25 for one year. We do have a process for considering exceptional cases, which could be explored by her GP."
Support and Ongoing Battles
Amid her struggles, Ms Porter finds solace in her supportive fiancé, though her confidence has been severely impacted by years of judgment. She must order custom-made bras at £55 each, adding financial strain. With the infection preventing her from wearing bras currently, she remains in a precarious health situation, urging the NHS to reconsider its stance based on her unique circumstances.
