Woman sheds eight stone after seeing ‘staggering’ weight on scales for first time

A remarkable transformation story has emerged as a woman from Salford, Olivia Malone, shared her journey of losing eight stone after a shocking revelation about her weight. Olivia, 26, reflected on her unhealthy eating habits during her student years in Huddersfield and postgraduate studies in Salford, where she often indulged in meal deals, takeaways, and social drinking. The turning point came when a friend gifted her scales, and Olivia discovered she weighed 17 stone 7lbs. This eye-opening moment prompted Olivia to embark on a health and fitness journey, moving away from fad diets towards a focus on nutritional education, influenced by fitness personalities on Instagram.

The onset of the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020 marked a significant shift in Olivia’s mindset, as she took on a physically demanding job and committed to a healthier lifestyle. The result was a dramatic weight loss, going from a size 24 to a size 10, shedding a total of eight stone. Olivia shared her journey with the Manchester Evening News, revealing how she took the initiative to educate herself on nutrition, track her calorie intake, and embrace regular exercise. Swapping high-calorie foods for healthier alternatives and making homemade “fakeaways” allowed Olivia to sustain her weight loss and develop a positive relationship with food.

Olivia’s dedication to her health and fitness goals extended beyond just losing weight; she took on physical challenges like the Couch to 5K app and completed her first half marathon in 2023. With a newfound love for exercise, Olivia made it a priority to work out five nights a week, incorporating running, weight training, and cardio into her routine. Despite having a sedentary office job, Olivia remained active by taking daily walks and ensuring physical activity was a staple in her daily life.

The supportive reactions from Olivia’s friends and family, coupled with her inspiring before-and-after photos shared on social media, have motivated others to seek her advice on health and fitness. Olivia’s journey serves as a testament to the power of education, dedication, and perseverance in achieving significant lifestyle changes and exemplifies how transforming unhealthy habits can lead to a happier, healthier life.