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NHS Denies Reduction for 5-Stone Breasts
5 Feb
Summary
- Lily Porter, 21, denied NHS breast reduction due to BMI.
- Her 36NN breasts weigh five stone, causing sepsis.
- NHS cites BMI guidelines but may consider exceptions.
Lily Porter, a 21-year-old care assistant from Retford, Nottinghamshire, has been denied a breast reduction by the NHS due to her BMI. Her 36NN breasts weigh approximately five stone, causing her significant pain and leading to sepsis in September 2025 after her skin tore.
Despite the life-threatening infection, which has yet to fully clear, the NHS stated that her Body Mass Index (BMI) is too high for the procedure. Lily contends that the majority of her 17-stone weight is concentrated in her breasts.
She has been subjected to bullying and constant stares since her teenage years, impacting her ability to participate in activities like swimming and football. Her local MP has written to the NHS on her behalf, seeking reconsideration.
An NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire spokesperson acknowledged Lily's situation but highlighted strict funding guidelines, including a requirement for a BMI between 18 and 25 for one year. They suggested her GP could explore the process for considering exceptional cases.
