I do 60 mins weight training sessions 4 to 5 times a week in the evenings after work

Black woman's before and after transformtion picture

Arlette: 2014- 250.8lbs v 2017- 140.8lbs

In 2017, Arlette (@arlette_fitover40) shared this 110lb weight-loss transformation that reflected years of discipline, resilience, and determination. At the time, her focus was on achieving a goal she had chased for over a decade.

In 2022, she shared something even more powerful; the lessons she learned afterward. She spoke openly about losing too much weight, the mental and social cost of sustaining very low calories, and why she would never pursue that version of success again.

Today, Arlette’s journey continues with a new definition of health: strength, balance, nourishment, enjoyment, and a lifestyle she can sustain long-term. This is not a story about staying the same, it’s a story about evolving.

What was my motivation? What inspired me?

As most of you who know me or have followed me in social media the past few years, you have seen how my life has changed the last 2 to 3 years. It seems like yesterday when I uploaded the pictures of me volunteering for the Dublin Jameson Festival in March 2015. I had actually reached 114KG / 250.8 Lbs and lost 2 kg that week as I was so depressed. The next day I could barely eat after I had jumped on the scale. Until that day I thought I was fine, since I was competing in weightlifting and was training 3 to 4 times a week in the gym. I was under the impression I could get away with everything as long as I could lift weights my health wouldn’t be at jeopardy. The truth is that I was out of breath while taking upstairs. Something as simple as putting on my shoes was an issue.

I had to put my feet up a chair to be able to put my shoes on. I was walking quite a bit but would get out of breath if I had to increase the paste or run after the bus if I was late. My knees and back used to hurt a lot. I thought it was related to lifting weight but the more I started losing weight the more realize how being overweight had an effect on my all body.

My story is a bit different as I had been working out on and off the past 10 years and even worked as a personal trainer from 2007 to 2009 in Educogyms. In 2010, I decided to change direction and went back working in an office which contributed to a massive weight gain. Plus, I was in a great relationship and was feeling comfortable. I didn’t feel under pressure to lose weight, my ex-boyfriend loved me the way I was.

My life changed in 2014, I broke up with my ex, then lost my full time job then my nice apartment in Sandyford. In September 2014 I was heart broken and had to start all over again. I decided to make the best of the situation and took a digital marketing course. Studying full time while still training in powerlifting helped me a lot go through the break up. Breaking up with my ex and losing my job at Microsoft are the best thing which have ever happened to me. I was eager to succeed and get my life back on track. Once I was sorted with my new place in Greystones, settled down in the course, and a part time job as digital marketing consultant, I could finally focus on my health.

This is when my journey begin in March 2015. For the past 14 years I was struggling with my weight and wanted desperately to go under 80 kg/ 176 LBS body weight.

How did I change your eating habits? What did I stop or start eating?

First I tried to understand myself and my relationship with food. I realized that I was eating food fro comfort when I felt bad about myself and also I was over eating in the evening because I was eating too little during the day. I started to change my eating habits by doing the following:

Eating more regular meals during the day

When I feel bad about myself I go for a walk on the beach and breathe fresh air. Meditation first thing in the morning helped me feeling better about myself and work on what’s going on in my mind first before focusing on the physical only

I stopped eating the following: take away, pastries, white pasta, white bread and white rice.

I started to substitute foods which I like with healthier options. For instance I loved the traditional fish and chips. Instead of buying the unhealthy fish and ships in a take away shop, I would cook at home a healthier version of it. I also love pizzas and muffins, and would cook a healthier version of it at home. I found out there are tons of healthy recipes online to choose from. That way I never felt like i was starving myself or missing anything.

I started eating more frequently and more vegetables, salads, fruits, lean proteins.

What did my workout routines look like?

From July 2014 to December 2016:

I do 60 mins weight training sessions 4 to 5 times a week in the evenings after work and 30 to 60 mins cardio session 2 to 3 times a week. It could be running, walking and recently roller skating. I also do very long walks up to 4 hours, 2 week-ends a month. I live along the beach and love to walk from the beach to the city centre.

Since January 2017:

I have been training towards a body building competition so the intensity in term of training is much higher and my nutrition as a result is a lot different.

I do 6 weight training sessions a day either mornings or evening and 6 cardio sessions from 45 to 60 mins 6 days a week too. I wouldn’t do as much all my life. Since it’s my first year competing and I started with a high bodyfat percentage, U have to work very hard until I meet stage standard. Once I do couple of competitions I won’t have to prep as long.

What was my starting weight? What is my current weight?

Starting weight : 250.8 lbs ( 114kg) , current weight 140.8 LBS ( 64 kg)

What is my height?

5ft 6

How long did your transformation take?

3 years

Is weight loss surgery part of my journey?

This story is a powerful reminder that real change comes from real people, real struggles, and real life. We want to sincerely thank Arlette and every community member who shares their journey; for the courage and honesty it takes to open up. By submitting personal stories like this, you help enlighten, inspire, and empower others who may be facing similar challenges. These are not perfect transformations or overnight successes, but lived experiences that show what is truly possible with patience, resilience, and self-belief. We hope Arlette’s journey encourages you to trust your own process and remember that you are not alone.