Last week, Luna weighed herself and found she had reached 80 kgs, the heaviest she had ever been. At just 15, she was struggling with obesity and its complications, which had taken a toll on her confidence and self-esteem. In the past few months, her weight had drastically increased by 10 kg. None of her clothes fit her anymore, and she began to feel increasingly self-conscious.

As days went by, her friends and family began to notice, and, some of them started criticising her. Pimples started appearing on her face, and she began experiencing excessive hair loss. Luna felt devastated and discouraged by the hurtful comments.

In her desperation, Luna began searching social media for dieting and weight loss supplements. However, most of the products were intended for adults. Feeling distressed and alone, she ended up ordering a product online by falsely entering her age. Luna didn’t tell her parents what she was going through, she put on a brave face and acted as if everything was fine.

She began using the supplement consistently for over a month and eventually lost 15 kg. Her family and friends were initially pleased and started asking her for tips. But once she revealed how she had lost the weight, their reactions changed. Instead of support, she was met with judgment. They told her it was unhealthy and unstable, warning her that she would have side-effects and she would gain all the weight back

Luna soon began experiencing severe stomach cramps. At times, the pain became so intense that it left her curled up in discomfort. She also started facing other issues: poor digestion, frequent nausea and a constant feeling of fatigue.

One morning, when her mother went to wake her up for school, she found Luna crying and clutching her stomach in pain. Alarmed, her mother immediately called an ambulance and rushed her to the hospital. After a thorough examination, the doctors diagnosed Luna with gallstones and advised immediate surgery, warning that delaying it could be life-threatening. The doctor also told that the stones were the result of some kind of medications that she had been using. Luna felt ashamed and told everything to the doctor.

Her mother was devastated and blamed herself for not paying closer attention and for not noticing the signs. After Luna’s recovery, her parents sat down with her for a heartfelt conversation. They gently encouraged her to always trust them and share whatever she was thinking or going through. They reminded her that, no matter what, they were the ones who would always look after her and do everything in their power to support her.

Her mother then took her to a reputable dietitian, who created a healthy, personalised diet plan based on Luna’s age, medical condition and lifestyle. The dietitian advised Luna to increase her intake of fibre and water, while reducing her consumption of sugar and processed foods.

To support her overall well-being, the dietitian encouraged Luna to become more physically active, suggesting outdoor games, cycling, skipping or any sport she enjoyed.

After two months of consistent effort and proper guidance, Luna successfully shed the extra weight and reached a healthy weight. Motivated to continue her journey, she took up gymnastics and Pilates, which not only helped improve her flexibility and mobility, but also made her feel stronger and more confident. Her skin began to glow again, her hair grew healthier, and, most importantly, she found happiness in her new lifestyle.

Luna had proven to herself and others that anyone can change their life with determination and the right mindset.

To everyone reading this, don’t live your life trying to please others. Do what brings you inner peace and true happiness. You don’t need to follow anyone else’s path, just be yourself. You are beautiful the way you are.

People will always find something to criticise, no matter what you achieve. You are more than a number on a scale. Be the kind of girl who inspires confidence, kindness and strength.

Published in Dawn, Young World, May 24th, 2025