It was just the simple act of standing up - but for obese housewife Nurhaniza Ahmad, it was such a feat. And she was close to tears when she finally stood up after two years of dragging herself around.

A supplement prescribed by a doctor has reduced her waistline from 77cm to 71cm.

"I kept trying to stand up despite several failed attempts. On Tuesday, to my surprise, I was able to stand up without any support," she said.

"Initially, I was only able to stand for five to 10 minutes. Now I can go on up to 30 minutes," she said at her house in Kampung Kebun Sireh here yesterday.

The 35-year-old has been housebound for the past two years as her weight restricted her movements. She could only drag herself around her home using her hands.

Her plight became public last week when the press reported that Nurhaniza was dependent on her 11-year-old daughter to bathe her and cook for the family. The girl had to quit school without completing Year One to care for the family.

Nurhaniza said a doctor from Kulim paid her a visit and recommended her the supplement which she took as a drink for a week.

"I have been consuming five packets of the supplement at four-hour intervals daily. It was amazing that on the fifth day, I was able to stand up," she said.

She said it was like a dream come true. The doctor, who had been monitoring her progress, advised her not to overstretch herself.

"I feel very light now. The aches and pain on my legs and knees have reduced a lot," she said. "I can sleep better now, and I no longer breathe heavily like I used to."

Nurhaniza, who only eats a bowl of rice with simple dishes for lunch and bread for dinner, said the supplement made her sweat.

When she is up to it, Nurhaniza said she hoped to get out of the house and have a thorough medical check-up.