Athlete's Inspiring Weight Loss: A Journey Back to Health and Sport

A Transformative Journey: From Grief to Greatness

Life can present unexpected challenges, and for many, these can lead to significant shifts in physical and mental well-being. Kaitlin Hicks, a 29-year-old teaching assistant from North Yorkshire, experienced this firsthand. After a series of profound bereavements, including the loss of her beloved family dogs, her horse, and her cherished grandmother, Kaitlin found herself turning to food for comfort. This period of intense grief led to a substantial weight gain, culminating in a peak weight of 27st 7.5lbs (174.9kg). At her heaviest, Kaitlin faced serious health concerns, including being placed on an NHS waiting list for sleep apnoea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Her husband's fear that she might "choke and die" in her sleep was a stark wake-up call, prompting Kaitlin to embark on a life-altering weight loss journey.

The Turning Point: Recognizing the Need for Change

Kaitlin, who stands at 5ft 8in, has always identified as a naturally athletic and muscular woman. Her past achievements include competing at a high level in athletics, particularly in shot put, where she was a consistent top performer in the UK. However, her relationship with food and her weight had been a lifelong struggle. The emotional toll of losing her family pets, her horse, and her grandmother Barbara in close succession during 2021, which she describes as the "worst year" of her life, sent her into a downward spiral. Moving into her own home with her husband Aiden in March 2022, Kaitlin found that the increased privacy and independence, combined with her grief, made it easier to indulge in comfort eating. This led to a significant increase in her intake of high-calorie foods, including large pizzas, sharing-size chocolate bars, and multiple tubs of ice cream, often consumed after already having substantial meals.

The Impact of Unchecked Eating Habits

Kaitlin's "biggest weakness" was undoubtedly sweet treats, but her dietary habits extended to large portions of carbohydrates and frequent takeaways. She recounts consuming entire tubs of Ben & Jerry's ice cream and large sharing bars of chocolate almost nightly. Without the consistent exercise she once engaged in, these surplus calories were not being burned off, and the consequences began to manifest in her health. The most alarming symptom was the onset of sleep apnoea, where her breathing would stop and start during sleep, often accompanied by a "guttural choke" that would jolt her awake. This not only affected her sleep quality but also instilled deep fear in her husband, who would lie awake watching her, worried about her safety. The realization that her weight had become so severe that it was impacting her body's basic ability to breathe properly was a profound and sobering moment for Kaitlin.

Reclaiming Health and Performance: The Path to Recovery

In 2023, at her lowest point, Kaitlin was grappling with these serious health issues. Around the same time, her coach approached her about the possibility of training for the Highland Games. Although she hadn't engaged in sports for months, this suggestion sparked a realization: her lifestyle needed a drastic change. While she had previously tried to project confidence as a plus-sized woman, deep down, she was unhappy with how she looked and felt. Witnessing a friend compete internationally reignited her passion for sport and her desire to return to her athletic roots. From September 2024, Kaitlin committed to a new path.

Strategic Interventions for Weight Loss

Kaitlin's approach to weight loss was multi-faceted and strategic. She began by meticulously tracking her food intake, calories, and portion sizes using the nutrition-tracking app MyFitnessPal. She describes being "religious" with the app, logging "every single thing that touched my lips." This heightened awareness of her dietary habits was crucial in retraining her brain to view food primarily as fuel rather than solely for comfort. In addition to dietary changes, Kaitlin temporarily incorporated a prescribed GLP-1 medication, Mounjaro, as part of her wider health plan. While she eventually stopped this medication, its initial use, combined with her renewed focus on diet and training, was instrumental in kickstarting her weight loss. This period also saw her return to regular exercise, which was vital for burning calories and improving her overall fitness.

The Fruits of Her Labor: A New Chapter in Sport and Life

The results of Kaitlin's dedication have been nothing short of remarkable. She has shed a third of her body weight, now weighing 18st (114.3kg) and fitting into a dress size 18. More importantly, she has regained her health and returned to the world of sport with renewed vigor. Her agility, fitness, and overall athletic capabilities have significantly improved, allowing her to pursue her dream of becoming an international athlete once more. She now represents her country in the Highland Games, competing in disciplines such as the caber toss, hammer throw, and stone put. In 2025, she achieved a seventh-place finish at the IHGF World Amateur Highland Games Championships and has since received invitations to compete at the European and World Championships. Her primary goal is to reach 16st (101.6kg), with the possibility of considering surgery for loose skin in the future. However, the most profound change is internal: Kaitlin feels "unbelievably better." She sleeps soundly, experiences greater happiness, possesses more patience, and finds immense enjoyment in her training and life. The days of struggling with her weight and feeling sad are behind her, replaced by a sense of accomplishment and a joy for living.

Key Takeaways for Your Own Journey

• Embrace Tracking: Tools like MyFitnessPal can provide crucial insights into your eating habits and help you make informed choices.
• Seek Professional Guidance: Consulting with healthcare providers and coaches can offer personalized strategies and support, including exploring options like GLP-1 medications when appropriate.
• Prioritize Sleep Health: Conditions like sleep apnoea can be serious indicators of underlying health issues; don't ignore them.
• Reintroduce Movement Gradually: Returning to sport or exercise, even after a break, can be incredibly rewarding and beneficial for both physical and mental health.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and appreciate every step forward, from needing less assistance to enjoying activities you once couldn't.

A New Perspective on Life

Kaitlin's story is a powerful testament to the human capacity for resilience and transformation. Her journey highlights the critical link between emotional well-being, physical health, and the pursuit of one's passions. By confronting her grief, seeking help, and committing to a healthier lifestyle, Kaitlin has not only lost a significant amount of weight but has also rediscovered her strength, her athleticism, and a profound sense of joy. Her current health and fitness at 18 stone are a testament to her dedication, proving that a healthy lifestyle is achievable and deeply rewarding, regardless of the challenges faced. She hopes her experience will inspire others to embark on their own journeys towards a healthier, happier life.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What was the primary catalyst for Kaitlin's weight loss journey?

   The primary catalyst was a serious health concern: being placed on an NHS waiting list for sleep apnoea, coupled with her husband's fear that she might "choke and die" in her sleep due to her weight. This stark realization prompted her to seek significant lifestyle changes.

2. How did Kaitlin manage her diet during her weight loss?

   Kaitlin meticulously tracked her food intake, calories, and portion sizes using the MyFitnessPal app. She approached this with great discipline, logging everything she consumed to gain awareness and retrain her relationship with food, viewing it as fuel.

3. What role did GLP-1 medication play in Kaitlin's journey?

   Kaitlin temporarily incorporated a prescribed GLP-1 medication, Mounjaro, as part of her wider health plan. While she eventually stopped this medication, it was instrumental in kickstarting her weight loss journey, which she then maintained through diet and training.

4. What are Kaitlin's current athletic pursuits?

   Kaitlin has returned to competitive sport and now represents her country in the Highland Games. She competes in disciplines such as the caber toss, hammer throw, and stone put, and has achieved significant success, including a seventh-place finish at the World Amateur Highland Games Championships.

5. Beyond weight loss, what are the most significant improvements Kaitlin has experienced?

   Kaitlin reports feeling "unbelievably better" overall. Key improvements include sleeping much better, increased happiness, greater patience with others, and a profound enjoyment of her training and life. She feels fitter and healthier than ever before.