https://nypost.com/2022/01/17/im-a-bodybuilder-mom-and-im-unrecognizable-after-losing-112-pounds/ Australian mom Jodie Marquardt lost over 100 pounds and now participates in bodybuilding competitions. It is hard to believe this Australian mom was once overweight as she steps on stage in a slinky bikini showcasing her ripped physique. Jodie Marquardt, 46, was on the brink of Type 2 diabetes weighing 232 pounds at her heaviest which prompted her to start exercising and ditch takeaways. Starting off with daily walks the financial advisor continued to step out of her comfort zone and even stepped on stage in September 2021. Jodie, from Townsville, Australia, now looks ‘ten years younger’ and weighs a healthy 120. She said: “I never thought I would enter a bodybuilding competition in my life. “But after reaching my goal weight which was 154 pounds in nine months by eating fresh wholesome foods, daily walks and gym workouts — I decided to push myself even further. “People say the transformation has taken ten years off my appearance, but more importantly, I feel 10 years younger too. “I have so much more energy and I’m keen to get out of my comfort zone.” Prior to losing weight, Jodie would often find herself eating a large pepperoni pizza and snacking on a family size block of chocolate. She adds: “I used to try and fool people by eating a salad in public and then stuffing my face with junk in private. “I had tried many fad diets before but this time I was serious because my health was on the line. “I decided to take a different approach by changing one habit at a time then moving onto the next area rather than changing everything at once and giving up when it got too hard. “So rather than junk food daily, I cut back to two days per week and it slowly led to zero. “I began walking every day, initially only 1.2 miles, which would leave me a sweaty mess. “I knew the road to better health would be difficult but I was determined to do it.” In November 2019, Jodie had a breast reduction and lift along with skin removal on her stomach. Jodie then came across a bodybuilding competition on social media that motivated her to ‘refine’ her physique. In January 2020, Jodie began preparing for the competition and within months she had chiseled abs. Jodie was close to having Type 2 diabetes at her heaviest. She lost the weight by cutting down on junk food gradually and starting to exercise. She said: “I was curvy and busty before and I wore a J up bra at my heaviest. “It is amazing how much more mobile I am without the bigger bust and stomach – little things, like being able to tie my laces. “It’s a constant delight to be able to move freely and feel comfortable in my own skin. “The training for the competition was intense consisting of an hour of cardio early every morning, followed by two hours of weight training after work for five days a week.” Jodie remains positive despite not placing at the ICN Tropix competition, and plans to compete again. Jodie says that her weight loss makes her feel 10 years younger. She now competes in bodybuilding competitions. She said: “I am very proud of what I have achieved; the best part is the change in mindset. “I tackle things with positivity by stopping and dealing with set backs rather than opening a bag of crisps. “Even on cheat days, I choose healthier dishes such as steak and salad rather than a KFC takeaway. “I hope my story highlights the fact anything is possible. “I am woman in my forties — with a career, family and house to run. “It is not impossible, it just takes consistency. “From 42 to 46, I have transformed my life for the better and other women can too.”
I will say one thing. I don't know how tall she is but say she is about 5 foot 6 inches. She needs to weigh around 130 to135lbs to really look good. She needs some fat to be "ideal". She is just too skinny, all muscle and no fat. This is not ideal. People who gripe that women have to look skinny would not like her to be at this, what is she 120lbs? weight. It is not good for women to have to try and look like they are scarecrows. This is why I believe she went from one extreme to another extreme. My opinion. It is healthier for her to be where she is now compared to where she was before. Hopefully she will not regain all that weight like 95% of people do who lose weight.