How to lose weight: Queensland mum Chantelle Sisco’s 70kg loss after ‘embarrassing’ photograph

Back in 2021, Chantelle Sisco weighed her heaviest 162kg, and her wardrobe was packed with size 24 clothes.

The Ipswich, Queensland, native said she had struggled with her figure and had been overweight for most of her life.

But after the birth of her son Ace, her confidence plummeted to an all-time low as she gained 30kg during pregnancy due to overeating and lack of exercise.

Chantelle's turning point came after she saw a photo of herself at a friend's baby shower.

She felt like she “didn’t even recognize herself,” and it was at that moment that something deep inside of her shifted, prompting her to make a change.

Now, two years later, she hasn't looked back – the 21-year-old says she feels happier and healthier than ever after losing 67kg and wearing five sizes.

“When I was overweight, I never had any confidence,” Chantel told news.com.au.

“I hate being so out of shape. I can’t even get up off the floor with my son in my arms and it frustrates me.

“It made me worry about my future and how I was going to run around with him.

“When I was older, I ate whatever I wanted and seemed to be eating all the time. I also ate a lot of unhealthy takeaways, which was a bad habit.

“When I saw a picture of myself at a friend's baby shower, I knew I needed to change. I didn't recognize myself and the person I had become.

“I felt awkward and insecure and honestly just sad.”

One mother recalled being afraid to go to new places, such as restaurants and movie theaters, because she feared she might not get a seat.

Chantelle also felt that when she grew up, she would never be able to fully express herself and her sense of style, as it was difficult to find trendy clothes in her size.

“I got to a point where I was afraid to go somewhere because I didn't know if their chair would fit me.

“I've never had this problem before, but once I hit my heaviest weight, it was a real problem.

“The thought of not being able to sit down because my hips are so wide scares me.

“I also hate that I can't wear the clothes I want because I don't think any of them fit me.

“Now that there are more choices of clothes, I feel that I can really be myself.”

Chantelle started with small changes, like trying to eat a little healthier and starting to go for walks around her neighborhood.

Once she built up her confidence, she started hitting the gym with her mom, Rhoeda, 54, who also happens to be a personal trainer.

She was well cared for, and with support, she began to transform her body.

“I started out with a few small changes to my diet,” she explains.

“For example, instead of regular Coke, I don't have sugar-sweetened Coke. Instead of having a big meal, I'd rather have a small meal.

“I didn't feel confident enough to go to the gym, but I started walking up and down the block. Then I tried going to the gym with my mum.

“She was a huge part of my life and always wanted me to go with her. She kept me motivated and helped me through this journey.”

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

She likes a balanced diet that's high in high-quality protein and fat, along with healthy carbohydrates and fresh fruits and vegetables.

She is determined to stick to her routine and is currently working towards her goal of competing in bodybuilding competitions.

“I feel great, I can't be happier with my body,” Chantelle says with a laugh.

“I'm proud of what I've achieved and all I want to do is help and inspire others on the same path.

“Consistency is key. A lot of people give up after a bad day, which is why so many people fail.

“It's important to realize that one meal or treat won't kill your progress.

“The key is just to start. Make small changes and don't overwhelm yourself or try too hard. That's just setting you up for failure.

“If I can do it, anyone can.”