Losing weight proved to be an eye-opening experience for Tiffany Buckins of Gladesville

THE old, obese Tiffany Buckins is a stranger to the new, slim Tiffany.

Tiffany Buckins doesn’t even remember the woman she used to be before losing weight. Working out at Vision PT Fitness with trainer Patrick Laba Sarkis. Pictures: Virginia Young

THE old, obese Tiffany Buckins is a stranger to the new, slim Tiffany.

The Gladesville interior designer, now 25 kilos lighter than she once was, said: “The old Tiffany was unhappy with what she saw in the mirror, and with life in general.

“I can’t even really remember her. I have no idea who she was.”

Her own experience has opened her eyes to the health problems associated with being overweight, both in her native America and in her adopted country Australia.

“Portion sizes here are getting bigger and bigger, and fast food is getting cheaper and cheaper,” she said.

“It’s becoming more convenient and cheaper to eat unhealthy.”

Tiffany Buckins of Gladesville before and after losing 25 kilos.

She encourages others to adopt a healthy lifestyle, saying: “I have never felt better.”

She doesn’t pretend it’s easy. Her own journey was a roller coaster, but she said: “It starts with yourself. You have to take responsibility for what you have done to your body.”

She also found it easier to succeed with like-minded people around her so she joined Vision Personal Training at Gladesville.

“It’s a social thing, too. There’s a great team spirit and camaraderie that really helps.”

She had already lost the bulk of her weight before joining a year ago. But in that time she has changed dress size from 10 to six because she has succeeded in her goals of toning up muscles and losing body fat.

Her husband has joined, too, losing a whopping 21 kilos to 81 kilos in less than a year.

She exercises six days a week and eats “a lot” but makes sure she eats healthy food.

Tiffany now exercises six days a week.

Nicolas Le Rouco, owner of the Vision Personal Training studio on Victoria Rd, Gladesville, said: “It is very normal for our members to inspire their husbands, wives or kids on their journey and as a result the entire family improves their health.

“It is quite scary to know that obesity, diabetes and heart disease are still on the rise and more common now among our kids. But I still believe we can make a difference.”

He said personal training sessions combined with emotional and nutritional support, educational sessions and exercise ensured his members were set up for long term success.

“We believe in long term results and a complete lifestyle change.”

Originally published as Losing weight proved to be an eye-opening experience for Tiffany Buckins of Gladesville