How to lose weight: Queensland mom Chantel Sisco lost 70kg after ’embarrassing’ photo

An inspirational mom talks about how one photo changed her life.

Back in 2021, Chantel Sisco reached her maximum weight of 162kg and her wardrobe was full of size 24 clothes.

The Ipswich, Queensland resident said she has always struggled with her size and has been overweight for most of her life.

But her self-confidence plummeted after the birth of her son Ace, after she gained 30 kg during pregnancy as a result of overeating and inactivity.

ChantelThe turning point came after she saw her friend’s baby shower photo of herself.

It seemed to her that she “didn’t even recognize” herself, and it was at that moment that something deep inside her moved to provoke a change.

Now, two years later, she’s not looking back: The 21-year-old says she’s feeling happier and healthier than ever after shedding 67kg and five clothing sizes.

“I never had confidence when I was overweight,” Shantel told news.com.au.

“I hated being so out of shape. I couldn’t even get up off the floor holding my son in my arms, which made me very upset.

“It made me worry about my future and how I can run with him.

“When I was bigger, I ate whatever I wanted and seemed to eat all the time. I also got a lot of unhealthy takeaway food, it was a bad habit.

“When I saw myself at my friend’s baby shower, I knew I needed to change. I didn’t recognize myself or the person I had become.

“I was confused and insecure and, frankly, just sad.”

The mother of one recalls how she was afraid to go to new places like restaurants and cinemas because she was worried she might not fit in the seats.

Chantel also feels that when she was bigger, she was never able to fully express herself and her sense of style, as it was difficult to find stylish clothes in her size.

“I got to a point where I was afraid to go anywhere because I didn’t know if the chairs they had would fit me.

“Before, I never had a problem with this, but once I reached my maximum weight, it became a real problem.

“It was scary to think that I wouldn’t be able to sit up because my hips were too wide.

“I also hated the fact that I couldn’t wear what I wanted because nothing seemed to fit me.

“There are so many clothing options now that I feel like I can really be myself.”

Chantelle started with small changes, like eating a little healthier and taking short walks around her neighborhood.

Once she gained her confidence, she started hitting the gym with her 54-year-old mom, Rhoda, who is also a personal trainer.

She fell into good hands and with support began to transform her body.

“At first I changed my food a bit,” she explained.

“For example, instead of regular cola, I wouldn’t have sugar cola. Instead of a big meal, I would eat a small one.

“I didn’t have enough confidence to go to the gym, but I started walking around the block. Then I tried going to the gym with my mom.

“She is a huge part of my life and she always wanted me to go with her. She kept me motivated and helped me on my journey.”

Chantelle’s hard work has paid off, now mom weighs 95kg and is in the best shape of her life.

She enjoys a balanced diet rich in high quality proteins and fats, healthy carbohydrates and fresh fruits and vegetables.

She is determined to stick to her routine and is currently working towards her goal of entering a bodybuilding competition.

“I feel absolutely amazing, I am very pleased with my body,” Shantel beamed.

“I am so proud of what I have come to and all I want to do is help and inspire others who are on the same path.

“Consistency is the key. Many people give up when they have a bad day, which is why so many people fail.

“It is important to understand that one meal or treat will not stop your progress.

“The main thing is to just start. Make small changes, don’t overwhelm yourself or overdo it. It’s just setting yourself up for failure.

“If I can do it, then anyone can.”

Originally published as “I didn’t recognize myself”: the photo that provoked incredible weight loss