Fat To Fit: How US Woman Went From 6XL Pants To Losing 420 Pounds

Fitness is about enjoying the process and not just focusing on the results. While results are extremely important, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to give up your favourite foods to achieve your goals. Catherine Shanklin of Oklahoma City weighed 420 pounds and wore size 6XL pants. She was being treated for several medical problems, including polycystic ovaries, high blood pressure and diabetes for which doctors repeatedly warned Catherine that she would die if she didn’t lose weight.

“At 420 pounds, I was unable to do so many simple things, like tying my shoe and getting out of breath. Doctors told me I needed gastric bypass surgery, but I kept telling myself, I can do this on my own”.

After being warned multiple times that she needed a gastric bypass, the working childcare worker decided to lose 260 pounds naturally. But Catherine’s journey isn’t over yet – she is now awaiting a skin resection to remove the 20 pounds of excess skin from her body but health complications have led her to postpone surgery for invasive vein removal procedures.

She described her relationship with food as her “second soulmate” because it became the solution to all her feelings. When she felt low, she would eat a pizza, getting caught in a vicious cycle. Catherine had a breakthrough when she realised she could lose weight alongside her husband.

She immediately signed up for a gym and started walking and running, working out alongside her husband so they could support each other.

Walking is a great way to get more exercise into your day. It’s easy to start, it’s low-impact and low-intensity, meaning it’s doable every day. A study published in the Journal of Women’s Health found that 30 minutes of extra walking per day led to a significant drop in blood pressure and waist circumference. Grab your best running shoes and get out into the great outdoors.

Catherine said, “It’s not about being the skinniest or the strongest person. It’s about being healthy and being happy with yourself. It doesn’t matter if you weigh 400 or 500 pounds: just get out there. It’s not going to happen overnight, but if you take those little steps, you’re bound to fall.