After losing weight, she noticed a strange line on her stomach; the doctor's response left her in shock.

“Don’t say nonsense, you’re not overweight at all!” her parents and grandparents reassured Valeria Doda. However, during her middle school years, she started to feel self-conscious about her looks, particularly feeling much larger compared to her slender peers.

- It used to be customary for the whole class to weigh themselves. I always went last so no one would notice, - recalls 26-year-old Valeria. – I struggled with extra weight since childhood. My parents didn’t really monitor my diet; I ate whatever I wanted, and in large amounts. Mayonnaise, butter, pastries… My parents and grandparents loved to indulge me with various treats. And there was an unspoken rule at the table: “Don’t get up until you finish your food.”

87 kilograms

After finishing school, Valeria enrolled in college and started working as a manicure master. Then, she experienced her first love. In 2022, the couple began preparing for their wedding.

- I dreamed of looking great in my wedding dress. I decided to lose weight, but I went about it all wrong. I starved myself and took special pills. In two months, I lost 15 kilograms, but I felt terrible. I was constantly weak, dizzy, and dehydrated…

Valeria currently weighs 53 kilograms. Photo: from the personal archive of the publication's heroine

After the wedding, Valeria stopped monitoring her weight and counting calories. Her physical activity was nearly nonexistent: she had a sedentary job and instead of walking, she often drove her car. Occasionally, Valeria only visited the pool to take care of her back health. Eventually, she didn’t even realize how the scales tipped to 87 kilograms, despite her height of 160 centimeters.

- At the end of 2023, I noticed pain under my shoulder blade. I consulted a doctor who prescribed massage. But upon seeing me, the specialist said: “I can’t help you. With your critical weight, it will all be pointless.” I felt so hurt! That’s when I decided to make a change…

“Girl, your abs are showing!”

First, Valeria sought advice from an endocrinologist, got tested, and revised her eating habits.

- I used to eat late at night, and during the day, besides my main meals, I would constantly drink tea with chocolate or pastries. I cut that out! I also changed my portion sizes, started eating half as much, and moved dinner to 7 PM. No later! Honestly, it was tough at first. I even went to bed earlier to avoid temptations. But over time, I realized that I much preferred feeling a slight hunger and a sense of lightness in my stomach.

In addition to swimming workouts, Valeria also bought a treadmill where she walked 10,000 steps a day. And when using the treadmill became boring, she would go out for a walk in the fresh air. The results came quickly.

In addition to swimming workouts, Valeria also bought a treadmill where she walked 10,000 steps a day. Photo: from the personal archive of the publication's heroine

- After two months, I noticed my clothes fitting much looser than before. One day, I saw a line forming on my stomach and got scared, thinking it was diastasis (the separation of abdominal muscles with stretching connective tissue between them – ed.). I went to the doctor, and he said: “Girl, that’s your abs showing!” I had never seen that on my body before (laughs).

Thus, over 10 months, Valeria lost 27 kilograms. Six months ago, she switched to a healthy diet, cutting out fatty, starchy, and sugary foods, and began to carefully examine product ingredients and count calories.

- I used to think that meals prepared according to healthy eating principles were tasteless. But one day I decided to try making a healthy breakfast, and I loved it. Now I realize that the simpler the dish, the tastier it is! I love making spinach waffles and omelets. Over time, I started preparing lunches, dinners, and even desserts. I lost another seven kilograms. By the way, my skin didn’t sag during this process. Lymphatic drainage and anti-cellulite massages helped.

From size 56 to size 42

Valeria currently weighs 53 kilograms. She visits the gym several times a week, but now to strengthen her muscles. She also revamped her wardrobe: replacing oversized sweatshirts and t-shirts in sizes 54-56 with form-fitting tops and dresses in size 42.

- My clients were the first to notice the changes in me. They said I was getting smaller each time they saw me. Many women followed my example and decided to lose weight too. And the acquaintances I hadn’t seen in a long time don’t even recognize me when we meet on the street! I have to introduce myself all over again (laughs).

Valeria admits that, in addition to her external transformation, she has changed internally as well. Photo: from the personal archive of the publication's heroine

Valeria acknowledges that, besides her external changes, she has also transformed internally. She has gained self-confidence and improved her self-esteem.

- I look at my photos and videos from before. I used to look like a little pig, - Valeria shares. – My husband and I divorced. I realized that while I used to overlook things, I now won’t let anyone mistreat me. Now I dream of traveling and expressing myself more. My excess weight used to hold me back from doing that. I also plan to take up dancing to become even more feminine and graceful!