Weight loss hinges, not solely on diet, but a litany of shifts in lifestyle and mindset. With perseverance, however, most who set out for change are rewarded with promising results.
A South London woman has transformed her life by losing over 12 stone through bariatric surgery and lifestyle changes.
Christina Ajayi, 52, shed an impressive 12st 5lb after years of struggling with her weight.
The dramatic transformation has given her a "new lease of life" and restored her confidence after reaching nearly 22 stone at her heaviest.
Christina tried several fad diets to lose weight
CHRISTINA AJAYI
Christina has battled with weight issues throughout her life, trying numerous fad diets.
"For as long as I can remember I was always on some kind of fad diet," she shared. "From the water diet to the cabbage diet, Atkins, soup only, Weight Watchers, you name it, I did it."
She was "never slim" growing up, and by the time she had twins in 2008, she had reached a size 18.
In 2012, Christina managed to lose about six stone and dropped to a size 12, maintaining the weight loss for several years. But by 2018 she had "started to emotionally eat" again, turning to food for comfort.
Christina became a "secret binge eater", waiting for her family to sleep before raiding the cupboards.
"I carried on with my day-to-day life as a visual stylist and window dresser for Arcadia," she said.
But her health began to deteriorate, and she was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and osteoarthritis. The 2020 pandemic made matters worse and left Christina in need of steroid injections, which she suspects contributed to further weight gain.
"I soon started to gain weight, hitting nearly 300lb at my highest, and on top of that got very depressed," she recalled. Christina's diet has changed dramatically since her weight loss journey began.
Previously, a typical breakfast included frosted cereal, a fried breakfast with a bagel, or Greggs. However, she now opts for whole-grain bread, porridge, vegan yoghurt, eggs, and fruit.
Her lunch used to consist of pizza, rice, and fast food from McDonald's. Today, she prefers protein-rich meals featuring fish, meat, vegetables, brown rice, bulgur, and quinoa. Her dinners are usually similar.
Christina's snack drawer has also undergone a significant upgrade, now featuring rice cakes, nuts, and fruit instead of the crisps, chocolate cakes, and doughnuts she once habitually reached for.
She advised: "Always have breakfast to start your day and eat little portions, but often. Exercise is a key component to keep the weight off."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Christina's transformation has given her a new lease of life
CHRISTINA AJAYI
The transformation has given Christina a renewed sense of self-worth after reaching her lowest point.
Her weight loss journey has not only improved her physical health but restored her confidence and well-being.
"I lost my self-worth and confidence," she noted. "But now I can honestly walk into shops and not struggle to find my size, which is a great feeling."
"I am very proud of myself as I am living proof that life doesn't end in your 50s, in fact, it is just the beginning."