Throughout her life, Susan had struggled with her weight but was always very body positive. However after a health scare involving a high blood pressure diagnosis, she decided to make some healthy changes to her life.

“At the time I was a very happy, but an exceptionally unfit individual,” says Susan. “I was always lethargic and that no matter how much I slept it was just never enough. My line in the sand was an experience I had at work. I was speaking to a colleague and started feeling dizzy, headachy and couldn't catch my breath – I was only standing and talking, nothing more nothing less. How I was feeling did not match up with what I was doing. I had to excuse myself and sit down for a bit. I hadn't realised I was that unwell until that moment. I was worried I was headed to an early grave.”

In the past, Susan had tried other diets without any long term success.

“I would be good for a few weeks and then go back to old habits,” says Susan. “My issue with other programs was that I could not keep myself accountable and health wasn’t a priority in my life until I hit my mid-30s. So LifeShape came at the right time for me, I liked the holistic approach to a healthy lifestyle with weekly dietitian visits at its core. You build a relationship with your dietitian, where you can be vulnerable, you don't feel judged, and can trust they have your best interests at heart. Our relationship with food is deeply personal, so unless you are able to not feel judged, able to open up and be vulnerable you won't make progress.”

Susan’s fantastic results are reflected in her 30.4kg^ weight loss, and now says she feels fantastic.

“I am amazed at what my body is able to do now if I set my mind to it,” says Susan. “I have more energy, clearer headspace, and I’m less irritable (I've always been a tad bit grumpy). I've seen loved ones motivated and inspired to re-examine lifestyle options and make positive changes too based on my journey. The achievements have been ongoing - I like setting myself mini goals and seeing how I achieve them. I got to the top of Mt Warning for the first time recently. The previous time I only got halfway up because I thought I was going to have a heart attack! I’ve done a Pilates challenge, I’m currently looking at completing a step challenge for charity, and I recently shaved time off my previous two Bridge to Brisbane runs.”

For anyone thinking about doing a program, Susan has this advice.

“Give it a good go,” recommends Susan. “Seek support when needed, there is no shame in asking. Be honest, be vulnerable, and trust the team. And don’t beat yourself up if you have a setback. To stay on track and maintain my new lifestyle I’ll be reminding myself what my goal was: a long, healthy and happy life.”

^Your results may vary. To find out what you can achieve on your LifeShape Program book a no obligation initial assessment with one of our Dietitians.