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Real-Life Weight Loss Story: There are times when we are just being ourselves and love the way we are but societal pressure plays a role in ruining our confidence. ‘Oh you’ve gained weight,’ ‘Eat less otherwise nobody would want to be with you,’ such comments coming from our near and dear ones can shatter our confidence levels to the core and we start hating the way we look. This is something that 28-year-old Cherry has been through, but she came out victorious. From struggling with childhood obesity to finally finding a sustainable approach to a healthier life, Cherry’s story is about perseverance, emotional growth, and learning how to deal with setbacks.
"My struggle with morbid obesity has been a long-term affair," Cherry shares that even as a child, she was always heavier than her peers, which made her feel different. This led to early self-consciousness and a persistent feeling that something about her needed to change. But how? "I always felt like I didn’t belong and wished I could make a change, but it felt impossible," she shares.
Cherry’s first attempt to lose weight came when she was in the 4th or 5th grade, driven by her parents' desperation to help her fit into society's expectations. "Someone recommended homoeopathic medicine, which was supposed to help me lose weight," she explains, but the result was a further loss of confidence. The failed attempt solidified her belief that weight loss wasn’t within her reach.
Years passed, and Cherry tried several other weight loss strategies, from short-term gym memberships to consultations with nutritionists. While she lost some weight here and there, she always regained it due to a lack of consistency. However, one breakthrough came in 2018 when she lost 25 kg over eight months, but personal life transitions led to a regain of the weight she had worked so hard to shed.
In 2022, Cherry weighed her heaviest at 120 kg. Determined not to give up this time, she decided to embark on a new journey toward transformation. "What changed was that I finally realized this would be a lifetime effort, and I couldn’t give up on myself anymore," she said.
What Inspired You To Embark On This Journey?Cherry's initial motivation wasn't rooted in body positivity or even health concerns—it was about escaping the shame and judgment associated with her body. "I didn’t feel inspired to change, I just wanted to disappear," she said. The constant shame she felt from others, particularly her family, made her feel like her body was a barrier preventing people from seeing her for who she truly was.
However, over time, her reasons for change began to evolve. While she once wanted to lose weight to please others, her journey eventually became about reclaiming control over her life and health.
How Long Did It Take You To Transform Yourself?
By 2022, Cherry had reached her heaviest weight of 120 kg. Today, her weight fluctuates between 50 and 60 kg, depending on lifestyle factors such as stress and daily habits. “I’m still trying to figure out how to maintain a healthy balance of everything,” she admits. The transformation wasn’t just about numbers on a scale; it was about developing a healthier relationship with her body and learning to sustain a balanced lifestyle.
What Were Some Of The Biggest Challenges You Faced Along The Way?
When asked how long it took to transform herself, Cherry reflects on the full scope of her journey. “I like to believe it took me 28 years to transform,” she says. Each attempt, failure, and success along the way helped her learn more about herself and the patterns that either helped or hindered her progress.
From therapy sessions to failed diets, each experience gave Cherry the wisdom to make better choices. "It wasn’t just these two years from 2022 to 2024 that made me successful," she explains. "It was the cumulative years of trying, failing, and learning what worked for me."
How Did You Stay Motivated Throughout Your Weight Loss Journey?
Motivation, Cherry reveals, was fleeting. “For me, it was only 1 out of 10 days that I felt motivated. Every other day is still a fight,” she admits. The key wasn’t motivation but discipline. Cherry created a system of inner dialogue, reminding herself why staying disciplined was crucial for her health and future.
Despite the struggles, Cherry learned to acknowledge the pain that came with change and resisted the urge to turn to food for comfort. "Sometimes I’d cry it out, but I kept pushing forward," she says. Cherry’s journey wasn’t about perfection but about choosing consistency over giving up.
Can You Tell Us About Your Diet And Exercise Regimen During Your Transformation?
Cherry’s eating habits underwent a complete overhaul during her transformation. “Before, 70 per cent of my plate would be carbohydrates, with little fibre and low protein,” she shares. With the guidance of professionals, she re-learned how to eat balanced meals. Today, her diet is rich in protein (60 per cent) with fewer carbohydrates (10 per cent) and more fibre (30 per cent).
Water consumption also became an important focus for Cherry, something she previously overlooked. "Drinking water became essential for my body’s healing," she says.
As for exercise, Cherry admits she was a late bloomer. Due to health complications early in her journey, she initially focused on nutrition to make changes. However, as her weight began to drop, she incorporated strength training to regain muscle mass and build strength.
Currently, Cherry focuses on walking at least 10,000 steps a day. "I know it’s not enough, but it’s a start," she says, adding that she dreams of becoming a "hard-core gym girl" as she continues to build muscle and tone her body.
Did You Encounter Any Setbacks, And If So, How Did You Overcome Them?
The most significant challenges Cherry faced weren’t just physical but emotional and psychological. “People don’t seem to understand the struggles associated with being obese,” she explains. While some may offer advice, they often fail to acknowledge the deeper emotional battle of living in a body that doesn’t feel like it belongs.
In 2018, Cherry’s nutritionist recommended she seek help from a mental health professional, leading her to discover that she had borderline personality disorder (BPD) and insulin resistance. These revelations explained much of her emotional eating habits and difficulty controlling her weight. "Food was my escape from stress and a coping mechanism," she recalls.
In addition to emotional struggles, Cherry faced pressure from her family to undergo bariatric surgery to speed up her weight loss. She underwent the procedure, but the experience left her feeling disillusioned and angry. "I was pushed into it because it was seen as a quick fix," she shares. Despite this, Cherry now understands that weight loss requires time, patience, and mental resilience.
Post-surgery, Cherry experienced side effects like muscle loss, sagging skin, and hair thinning, which further affected her mental health. She credits her therapist, Tvishi Sharma, for helping her through these challenges. "She saved my life," Cherry says with gratitude.
What Advice Do You Have For Others Who Are Looking To Embark On A Similar Transformation Journey?
For those looking to transform their lives, Cherry’s advice is simple: “Don’t rely on just one person’s advice. We all come from different backgrounds, so what worked for me might not work for you.”
She encourages others to take small steps, focusing on S.M.A.R.T. (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound) goals, and avoid fixating on a particular number on the scale. "Set realistic goals, and it will feel a lot less overwhelming," she advises.
Cherry also recommends educating oneself by reading trusted sources rather than following unverified advice from others. Books like Un-Obese Yourself by Alifya Mohite and How to Do the Work by Nicole LePera were invaluable to Cherry in her journey, and she encourages others to seek out knowledge to better understand their unique challenges.
How Has Your Life Changed Since Achieving Your Weight Loss Goals?
Since achieving her weight loss goals, Cherry feels more capable of tackling life’s challenges. “I feel like I’m more than just a body now,” she reflects. Her weight loss journey also uncovered other issues within her that she is now working to resolve, knowing that weight management will be a lifelong commitment.
Cherry has developed new goals beyond weight loss, realizing that her struggles with weight were part of a much larger personal growth process. "I know now that this journey will keep being rewritten," she said. "It’s a story that will keep evolving as I continue to learn more about myself."