Meet Australia’s real-life Biggest Losers, in the running for Slimmer Of The Year

IF YOU’RE looking for some healthy inspiration, look no further than Kayla, Grantly, Tina, Tracey and Zee, who together have lost an incredible 230 kilograms. So how did they do it?

Meet Australia’s real-life Biggest Losers

THESE are Australia’s real-life Biggest Losers.

Kayla, Grantly, Tina, Tracey and Zee come from all walks of life and from every corner of Australia — but together, they’ve lost an incredible 230 kilograms.

Their transformations have proved so inspirational, they’ve all been nominated as ‘Slimmer of the Year’ finalists in Weight Watcher’s 2014 Healthy Life Awards — and once you see how far they’ve come, you’ll know exactly why.

Given obesity in Australia is at an all-time high, we though a little fitspo wouldn’t go astray. Here’s how they did it:

KAYLA GILCHRIST, VIC
Starting weight: 113kg. Current weight: 70kg. Weight loss: 43kg

“Having always been triple digits on the scales, my goal was to be in the double digits in time for my sister’s wedding where I was maid of honour,” 22-year-old Kayla tells news.com.au. “I am now well in the double digits, having lost 43kg!”

Kayla’s found that getting into the rhythm of regular exercise has been the biggest lifestyle change — but she now loves it.

“I do more of it and I am not embarrassed for people to see me doing it — I actually enjoy it now! I also turn exercise into a social activity, rather than catching up for a cake and coffee, I catch up with friends for a walk.

“The other change would be my eating habits. Nowadays I manage my portions much better and I am eating lots of different types of food. I never liked tuna before but now I love it. I’m definitely eating a lot more vegetables, and a lot of different types, and low fat yoghurt, which I use as a treat or as dessert. I’ve also changed my snacking habits, so instead of snacking on chips I choose air-popped popcorn and nuts.”

GRANTLY APLIN, NSW
Starting weight: 162kg. Current weight: 85kg. Weight loss: 77kg

Grantly has his wife to thank for his transformation — she signed him up for Weight Watchers after being told they had to lose weight if they wanted to adopt children.

“I didn’t think I had a problem,” says Grant. “At the time we were childless and looking to adopt, and following advise from the adoption agency that we’d increase our chances of success if we lost weight, we took the plunge together. I now do all sorts of exercise, be it walking with my wife or with friends, to sessions at the gym. I’ve learnt the value of breakfast, and how important it is to your health and to weight loss.

“Our goal was always to be a family, and I’m so happy to say that since starting our weight loss journey with Weight Watchers, my wife received the wonderful news that she was pregnant! We’re now 9 weeks away from becoming a family, and we couldn’t be happier.”

TINA KERMODE, SA
Starting weight: 89kg. Current weight: 59kg. Weight loss: 30kg

All Tina wanted was to feel confident enough to take her four children to the beach, but since shedding over 30 per cent of her body weight, she’s never felt better.

“Originally I just wanted to shake off the pregnancy weight that I had gained and go back to being a size 8,” she says. “As motivation for myself, I would find my favourite old pair of skinny jeans, stick them in front of the treadmill and run. Fitting into those skinny jeans became my new goal — which I met!”

Good ol’ fashioned diet and exercise helped Tina to meet that goal. “I’ve made so many simple yet positive changes, such as including good quality food in my life a lot more,” she says. “But mostly, I’ve become very mindful — I now think before I act — with food, exercise and generally the way I take care of and treat myself.

“A while ago I set myself a challenge to try a new or different vegetable a week, so I’d be doing the groceries and putting something in my trolley that I’d never had — lots of Asian greens!”

TRACEY MITCHELL, QLD
Starting weight: 116kg. Current weight: 64kg. Weight loss: 52kg

This time last year, Tracey was depressed, in an abusive relationship, and tipped the scales at 116 kilograms. At the prompting of a friend, Tracey joined Weight Watchers, and now is the healthiest she’s been since high school.

“There have been so many big changes, like health, fitness, exercise and confidence, but number one would be me becoming a ‘yes’ person — my weight no longer holds me back and I live life to the fullest,” the 42-year-old says.

“I’ve discovered I love fruit and vegetables and have developed a passion for cooking and experimenting in the kitchen. Being a Slimmer of the Year finalist has literally been a dream come true.”

ZEE CONNELL, WA
Starting weight: 93kg. Current weight: 65kg. Weight loss: 28kg

34-year-old Zee had two goals in mind when she decided to lose weight: “To stop feeling pain in my knees and feet due to me being overweight,” and “to become the healthy person I am today.”

The first “occurred quite quickly” meaning she could continue travelling without being affected by pain or altitude sickness. To date, Zee has shed almost 30 per cent of her body weight.

“I’ve become very organised and now find I am always planning ahead, especially when it comes to food and exercise: meal plans, regular routines — it’s been life changing,” she says.

The Weight Watchers Slimmer of the Year winner will be announced on the 3rd of November.