An inspirational mum has opened up about how a single photograph changed her life.
Back in 2021, Chantelle Sisco reached her heaviest weight of 162kg, while her wardrobe was full of size 24 clothes.
The Ipswich, Queensland, local said that she has always struggled with her size and has been overweight for most of her life.
But her confidence hit an all time low after the birth of her son, Ace, after she gained 30kg during her pregnancy as a result of overeating and not being as active.
Chantelle’s turning point came after she saw a picture of herself from a friend’s baby shower.
She felt like she could “not even recognise” herself, and it was this moment that shifted something deep inside her to instigate change.
Now two years later, she hasn’t looked back – with the 21-year-old saying she feels happier and healthier than ever before after dropping 67kg and five dress sizes.
“I never had any confidence when I was overweight,” Chantelle told news.com.au.
“I hated being so out of shape. I couldn’t even get up off the floor while holding my son, which really upset me.
“It made me worry about my future, and how I was going to be able to run around with him.
“When I was bigger, I ate whatever I wanted and seemed to be eating all the time. I also got loads of unhealthy takeaways, it was a bad habit.
“When I saw that picture of myself at my friend’s baby shower, I knew I needed to change. I didn’t recognise myself and the person I had become.
“I was embarrassed and insecure, and honestly just sad.”
The mum – of – one recalls how she would be frightened to go to new places, such a restaurants and movie theatres, as she was worried she might not fit in the seats.
Chantelle 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 hit a certain point where I feared going places, because I did not know if chairs they had would fit me.
“I never had a problem with that before, but once I reached my heaviest weight it was a real issue.
“It was scary thinking I wouldn’t be able to sit down because my hips were too wide.
“I also hated the fact I couldn’t wear what I wanted, because it felt like nothing fit me.
“Now there are so many more options for clothes, I feel like I can really be myself.”
Chantelle started with small changes, such as trying to eat a bit healthier and starting to go for short walks around her neighbourhood.
Once she built up confidence, she began going to the gym with her mum Rhoeda, 54, who also happens to be a personal trainer.
She was in good hands, and with support, she started transforming her body.
“I made small swaps at first with my eating,” she explained.
“For example, instead of normal coke I’d have no sugar coke. Instead of a large meal, I’d have a small.
“I was not confident enough to go to the gym, but I began walking around the block. Then I tried going to the gym with my mum.
“She is a huge part of my life, and always wanted me to go with her. She kept me motivated and helped me through the journey.”
Chantelle’s hard work paid off, with the mum now weighing 95kg and in the best shape of her life.
She enjoys eating a balanced diet full of high quality protein and fats, along with healthy carbs and fresh fruits and vegetables.
She is determined to stick to her routine, and is currently working towards her goal of entering a body building competition.
“I feel absolutely amazing, I couldn’t be happier with my body,” Chantelle beamed.
“I am so proud of where I’ve come, and all I want to do is help and inspire others who are on the same path.
“Consistency is the key. Lots of people give up when they’ve had a bad day, which is why so many fail.
“It is important to realise one meal or a treat is not going to derail your progress.
“The key is just to start. Make small changes, don’t overwhelm yourself or go too hard. That is just setting yourself up for failure.
“If I can do it, anyone can.”