LISTEN: Roodepoort woman shares how she lost over 60kg
Carli van Niekerk was diagnosed as morbidly obese at the age of 34.
According to South African government statistics in 2022, roughly 31% of men and 68% of women in the country are obese.
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There are serious issues connected to obesity such as diabetes and heart disease.
Often, when one reaches a certain point, it can be difficult to find the motivation and strength to take action.
Carli van Niekerk saw herself staring down a path that she did not like.
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In her 20s and early 30s, her weight became a 130kg burden that she had been carrying around for years.
Everything changed for Carli in 2011 when she was watching her two sons play with her husband. She felt that she was missing out and not living the life she was meant to.
She tried anything and everything.
Yo-yo dieting became a downward spiral. Every tablet that comes on the market you try because you think this will be the one that works. There's no quick fix. It doesn't have to be this negative experience.
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Carli's journey has been long, hard, and incredibly inspirational.
She was on the verge of becoming diabetic, and now, in 2024, she has run the Comrades Marathon, an ultramarathon of 88km, twice!
Take a listen as she talks to Martin Bester and the team about what kickstarted her healthy journey, her advice for anyone looking to make the same changes, and how she managed to finally lose the weight.
Tune in to the 'Breakfast with Martin Bester', weekdays from 06:00 - 09:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.
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Main image: Supplied