There’s a lot of noise around weight loss: quick fixes, slimming teas, unrealistic body goals, and a world that often confuses thinness with worth. However, beyond all of that, some stories aren’t really about fitting into jeans or chasing a number on the scale. Instead, they are about survival.
Anna’s journey is one of those stories. She didn’t begin this journey to impress anyone. There was no outside pressure, no shame that drove her. Rather, she made an intentional decision to choose health and reclaim her life on her own terms.
Here is her story, told in her own words.
What pushed you to start your weight loss journey?
At the time, I was dealing with fluctuating blood pressure, pain in my knees and ankles, and constant chest discomfort. Eventually, a hospital visit confirmed what I feared.
My blood pressure was too high for my age. I was on too many medications. That was when the doctor told me I needed to lose weight. From that point onward, I knew something had to change. That became my turning point.
Health or appearance, what was your motivation?
Primarily, it was my health. That said, I also wanted to look and feel better.
Honestly, I was tired of always being referred to as the “fat friend,” and exhausted by the casual body shaming that’s so normal around here. Still, it wasn’t about insecurity. I’ve always had healthy self-esteem. But I knew I deserved to feel better, and I was ready to work toward that.
How did you manage to stay disciplined during the lockdown?
Initially, I started with portion control and intermittent fasting. Over time, I incorporated cardio by running around the estate and added resistance bands and strength training to the mix.
Although I hadn’t even gone to the gym yet, I stayed consistent. More importantly, I kept showing up for myself. That made all the difference.
Did you completely cut out junk food and sweets?
Not at all. I still enjoyed shawarma, meat pies, and ice cream. The difference, however, was in how I consumed them. I practiced moderation.
Often, I’d share my portions with people at home, which helped me enjoy what I loved without overdoing it. It was never about deprivation, just discipline.
How did your family respond to your decision to lose weight?
At first, they didn’t think I’d stick with it. They kept reassuring me that I looked good just the way I was. While I appreciated their concern, deep down, I didn’t feel good about myself.
Despite their well-meaning words, I knew I needed to keep going. I didn’t want to feel that way anymore.
Were there any interesting reactions to your weight loss?
Absolutely. Some people genuinely believed I was sick. I kept getting questions like, “Are you okay?” or “Did something happen?”
Meanwhile, others refused to believe I lost the weight naturally. When I told them I didn’t use slimming teas or pills, their expressions said they thought I was lying. Sadly, many people find it hard to believe that consistent effort, not shortcuts, can lead to real results.
Have you ever tried slimming teas or weight loss pills? Did they work?
Yes, I’ve tried them. But no, they didn’t work. Some made me urinate constantly, others gave me diarrhea.
One so-called “diet coffee” just made me sleepy. While a few may have slightly reduced my appetite, the overall experience wasn’t worth it.
Looking back, I know now that they were just distractions from the real work.
Are you where you want to be right now with your body?
Not quite yet. I’ve gained back a few kg, but I’m actively working to shed them again.
Thankfully, I’m not rushing. I’ve come to understand that what I’m building is a lifestyle, not a temporary fix. I no longer want to stress my body or harm myself just to meet a goal faster.
When the weight comes back, how do you keep going?
To be honest, I take it one day at a time. I’ve accepted that this is a lifelong journey, not something that ends after a few months.
Gaining a little weight back doesn’t mean I’ve failed. I’ve learned to pause, adjust, and keep moving forward without beating myself up.
What’s your biggest lesson from this journey so far?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that there’s no shortcut. It isn’t about teas, pills, or miracle drinks. It’s about showing up consistently, eating better, moving more, and choosing yourself over and over again. I want to do it right, not fast.
Anna’s story is about much more than weight loss. It’s about choice. It’s about reclaiming health. And most of all, it’s about doing it without shame, without shortcuts, and entirely on her own terms.
Here, we believe your body belongs to you and only you. No one gets to define what it should look like. But if you choose to change it, let that change come from care, not punishment. Let it come from love, not fear. Let it be on your terms, at your pace, in your own voice.
If Anna’s story resonated with you or reminded you of your own, and you want to share your story, Click this link. We can’t wait to hear from you!
