Jelena Dokic reveals what led to her weight gain before 20kg loss

Tennis star Jelena Dokic has revealed what led to her weight gain before she was taunted by trolls, sparking her dramatic transformation.

Tennis star Jelena Dokic has revealed what led to the weight gain that saw her become the target of cruel trolls – eventually resulting in her dramatic health transformation.

Dokic, who now works as a commentator after being the world number four in the sport, revealed in an interview with Australian Women’s Weekly that she reached her breaking point in 2023.

Her busy schedule meant that she was constantly on the go so she was opting for “pick me up” foods, which led to weight gain, high blood pressure and cholesterol.

“I pushed myself to the limit,” she revealed in her cover interview with the publication for their September issue.

Jelena Dokic is in September Australian Women's Weekly. Picture: Australian Women's Weekly

“I have an extremely unpredictable, hectic lifestyle. Sometimes my days are nights, and my nights are days. I’m up at 3am for flights, going to bed at 3am after commentary.

“I love working – I’m a workaholic, I’d say – took on every single opportunity because I love what I do, but I had no time.”

All the while, the 41-year-old was being trolled for her appearance so decided to take control of her health, which as a result saw her drop 20kg.

Now she will launch the Australian Women’s Weekly Health Summit in Sydney.

But Dokic, who has faced criticism no matter what size she was, was quickly trolled once again and posted a comment that said; “It’s not good if you gain weight and it’s not good if you lose weight”.

The former tennis star said between turning 40 and her own creeping health issues, she started to really think about her family history of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart problems.

Hundreds of people flooded her comment section to ask how she lost the weight, and as always, she was incredibly candid.

She talked about her health journey and trolling. Picture: Australian Women's Weekly

She posted a before and after photo of herself, saying “the most important thing” was that she was happy in both pictures regardless of her weight.

“This is about health and not size. So many questions about me getting healthier, which has seen me lose weight,” she said.

“Weight loss was not a priority. It’s just a by-product of looking after my health.”

Dokic said over 10 months she lost 20kg, saying it was small changes over time that helped her sustain her health goals.

A before and after of Dokic. Picture: Instagram

“I stopped eating late at night especially things like burgers, pizza, fries and desserts because they made me feel so sluggish when I would wake up especially for early morning work and flights,” she said.

“So I don’t eat heavy meals at night anymore and I don’t eat after 7pm.”

She said she eats more salads and soups as they don’t make her feel sluggish, she also drinks more water and cuts back on all soft drink — including diet soft drinks.

Dokic also started using a meal replacement shake once a day.

The issue is on sale on August 8. Picture: Australian Women's Weekly

“It’s small changes over time and while I still have my cheeseburger and fries days it’s just a lot less and I definitely don’t eat junk food when I am working and travelling,” she said.

“Just consistency and small changes overtime. I have also exercised more. Little changes for a healthier lifestyle.

“Remember it’s not one size fits all and do what is best for you. Everyone is different.”

More of Dokic’s story is available in the September issue of the Australian Woman’s Weekly, on sale August 8. Tickets to the Australian Women’s Weekly Health Summit can be purchased at www.womensweekly.com.au

Originally published as Jelena Dokic reveals what led to her weight gain before 20kg loss