Woman sheds a whopping 72 kilos naturally–What’s her secret?

Fast food outlets at every corner and vending machines at every workplace have made convenience food almost inescapable.

But this easy access to junk food combined with sedentary lifestyles make it too easy to pile on the kilos. And that's exactly what happened to Victoria's very own, Olga Babatzani.


Burgers, pizzas, pasta dishes, pies, and sausage rolls–if it was fast, convenient, and big, she was all for it. Olga tipped the scales at 148kg, a burden she hid behind size 22 clothes.


junk food_pexels_9eb604c9-a2e2-4f50-b0fa-876c14b8e5e0.jpeg
If the food was fast, convenient, and big, Olga was all for it. Image source: Image by Polina Tankilevitch from pexels.


'I was getting bigger and bigger and was struggling physically and emotionally,' she confessed, expressing the distress felt by many struggling with weight issues.

'Coming from a Greek family,' she continued, 'the expectation is to settle down and marry. That hadn’t happened, and I believed that my appearance and weight was one of my biggest barriers.'

And so began Olga's struggle with shame and self-esteem. She felt trapped and her weight started affecting almost every aspect of her life.


As she was approaching her 40s, she resolved to turn the tide.

'I had reached my mid-to-late-30s and needed to do something with myself,' she said. Reflecting on her past attempts at weight loss, she acknowledged the challenge. After a few weeks, old habits would creep back in, but this time around, she was decided–there was simply no going back.

To ensure the shift in her lifestyle stuck this time, Olga took up an 800-calorie-a-day diet. She began a well-considered meal plan, educating herself about food that fuelled the body right.

Please note: The average recommended calorie intake is 2000 calories for women and 2500 for men.


This initial phase was tough, but as Olga continued her march towards a healthier lifestyle, things started to brighten. Week by week, as she stepped on the scale, her confidence seemed to grow just a smidgen.

The pivotal change in Olga's journey was the initiation of a newfound love for routine exercise. It began with forcing herself out of bed for a walk which eventually blossomed into genuine enjoyment.

Embracing this healthier lifestyle, by her 40th birthday, Olga had shed a remarkable 72.1kg. Now, rather than skipping breakfast or filling up on chocolates in between meals, she enjoys a healthy breakfast with Weetbix, light snacking on fruits, and well-balanced, nutritious meals throughout the day. ‘I drink approximately two litres of water a day,’ she added.


d41f1e0eb281b4b31745297ebb06e2ae4428cf6a.jpg
Olga had shed a remarkable 72.1kg by her 40th birthday. Image source: 7News.


The extraordinary transformation didn't stop at her physical health; the effects extended to her mental well-being too. Confidence replaced shame as she walked into stores, knowing they stocked her new size of 12/14.

Her weight loss ushered in a sense of self-love, confidence and independence. Olga reminds everyone: 'Whilst I may not have found a life partner, I have discovered an independent, confident, and loving woman within. And I now recognise that this is, and always has been, the ultimate goal.'

Olga's inspiring journey serves as a reminder that it's never too late to start. Embrace that inner energy and drive, channel it into positive actions, and make that goal happen. Don't ever underestimate the power of a healthy lifestyle. You never know the height at which it can elevate your life until you give it a go.


Here are some benefits of weight loss:

There are numerous benefits to losing weight.

For starters, shedding a sizeable number of kilos can dramatically increase your energy levels. When we cut excessive weight, our bodies feel lighter and more agile.

Losing weight also helps control various health conditions, including Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease. It also significantly reduces your risk of certain types of cancer and improves your mobility.

The psychological and emotional positive effects of weight loss are also invaluable. Better body image leads to increased self-esteem and confidence, which can drastically improve mental well-being.

Weight loss is a challenging journey but the rewards are priceless. But remember dear members, this isn't only about losing weight–it's also about feeling better physically, mentally, and showing the world that age is just a number when it comes to achieving personal goals.

That said, remember to consult with your doctor before starting any new fitness routines or diets.

Key Takeaways
  • Olga Babatzani, a Victorian local who tipped the scales at 148kg, transformed her life and body by losing 72.1kg.
  • She began doing daily walks and started sticking strictly to her 800-calorie-a-day diet and avoiding fast foods.
  • Babatzani began to see results on the scales and in her physical appearance which boosted her confidence.
  • Having altered her diet and integrated exercise into her routine, she revealed that aside from the health benefits, her mental well-being significantly improved.

Here’s another story on weight loss from a Sydney woman that may inspire you! What do you think about Olga’s fitness journey? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
 
Sponsored
Good on you, im a procrastinating individual.
So I make things harder for myself also my struggles with weight also mental health issues ,but I must disagree that yes losing weight may help with self-esteem, but not with mental health .JW
I would have thought self esteem is part of mental wellness?
 
  • Like
Reactions: juno28
Some people can't help it , I'm thinking it was the food she grew up on. Also people put weight on for different reasons , illness, depression ect

I've learnt not to judge someone , I could never understand how someone could not control their mind and how anyone could suffer depression and not get themselves out of it until I became one of those who suffered depression and couldn't get my mind straight.
We just don't know why or understand why until we go or have gone through it
Well stated.
Some years ago l went on a diet with shakes & exercise & lost weight but then several operations later, problems & the like, the loss of close friends & now, though the desire to lose weight is there the mind is not willing.
When l told my GP several years ago l was on a see food diet, he said, 'sea food is good for you'. I then explained, no see food & eat it.
The cardiologist recently told me l need to lose weight off my stomach & he will give me two years to do this, which is when he will review me again. (I have 2 partial blockages). You will be o.k. he said, but added, 'if you get chest pains get medical help'. Even this hasn't swayed me, yet.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Suzanne rose
Well stated.
Some years ago l went on a diet with shakes & exercise & lost weight but then several operations later, problems & the like, the loss of close friends & now, though the desire to lose weight is there the mind is not willing.
When l told my GP several years ago l was on a see food diet, he said, 'sea food is good for you'. I then explained, no see food & eat it.
The cardiologist recently told me l need to lose weight off my stomach & he will give me two years to do this, which is when he will review me again. (I have 2 partial blockages). You will be o.k. he said, but added, 'if you get chest pains get medical help'. Even this hasn't swayed me, yet.
I lose weight then go through bouts of heavy depression and will either not eat and lose more weight or eat heaps and put weight on.

With my stomach after surgery gone wrong I've gone back to not dealing with meat and other foods so had gone back to milkshakes with icecream and yoghurt all with full cream milk , this would fill me but now my cholesterol is high and now it's diet shakes with skim milk.

Yesterday was a bad depression day and actually ate 2 meat pies which I was surprised I handled and a whole block of chocolate

Funny how foods can control our moods or is it moods control our food
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ezzy
I lose weight then go through bouts of heavy depression and will either not eat and lose more weight or eat heaps and put weight on.

With my stomach after surgery gone wrong I've gone back to not dealing with meat and other foods so had gone back to milkshakes with icecream and yoghurt all with full cream milk , this would fill me but now my cholesterol is high and now it's diet shakes with skim milk.

Yesterday was a bad depression day and actually ate 2 meat pies which I was surprised I handled and a whole block of chocolate

Funny how foods can control our moods or is it moods control our food
I know exactly what you are saying & visa versa. I think it is moods that control our food intake. A bad example is after 10.30 pm when everyone is in bed for me, who hits the bed around 2.00 am.
 
They do say that , so many people have said they used to see someone around Eastern Sydney that looked exactly like my husband .
We saw a lady in Tasmanian who was an exact likeness to a lady at our Church. With her permission a photo was taken & shown to the people at church. Without telling them who that was they wanted to know when we'd taken the photo of our friend here. Everything was similar, facial features, hairstyle, reading glasses & age.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Suzanne rose
I
I would have thought self esteem is part of mental wellness?
N my case, if I don't make myself do things in a positive way .I can get totally depressed as I've got complex PTSD ,with anxiety also depression .
So unless I can stay onto a light heartened thought pattern ,I can cave into that depressive thought pattern.
As Im an overthinker this makes me procrastinate .
 
I know exactly what you are saying & visa versa. I think it is moods that control our food intake. A bad example is after 10.30 pm when everyone is in bed for me, who hits the bed around 2.00 am.
I agree most definitely,.
Im a night eater if I don't specifically have a meal at appointed hr regularly, tend to eat if im watching TV or late at night staying up till all hrs at night.then sleep half the day ,missing out on proper sleep
makes my time clock out of wack.
. Which is alo part n parcel to over eating and thinking abilities become warped out of line with realities of a healthy lifestyle.
JW
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ezzy

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else
  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×