A woman has shared her strategy for losing over 30 kilograms (approximately 66 pounds) and reducing her clothing size from a 20 to a 10 in six months, attributing her success to a consistent calorie deficit rather than fad diets or weight loss injections.
Teagan Hopwood, 31, from Canterbury, Kent, said she prioritized a calorie deficit, initially consuming around 2,200 calories daily and gradually reducing that to approximately 1,700 calories as she lost weight. She noted that this approach allowed her to continue enjoying favorite foods, including occasional takeaways from Pizza Hut and homemade burgers.
Hopwood, who weighed 16 stone 4 pounds (nearly 104 kg) after pregnancy, said her weight gain was exacerbated by large portion sizes and evening snacking on chocolate. She described her turning point as being unable to fit into her shorts during a heatwave in the summer of 2022, which motivated her to overhaul her lifestyle.
She adopted the 80/20 rule, focusing on homemade meals 80% of the time and allowing for indulgences 20% of the time. Hopwood also increased her physical activity, incorporating two high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions and home weight training workouts. After reaching her goal weight, she continued strength training four times a week to build muscle and alter her body composition, contributing to a toned appearance.
Hopwood expressed skepticism about weight loss jabs like Mounjaro, stating her belief that individuals should attempt to lose weight through personal effort first. She noted that while she has nothing against people using injections for medical reasons, she disapproves of their use solely to avoid the effort of lifestyle change, highlighting the risk of regaining weight after discontinuing such treatments.
She documented her journey on TikTok, sharing workout routines and meal ideas. Hopwood emphasized the importance of mindset and consistency over rapid weight loss, stating that her progress was steady and sustainable. She also advised against comparing oneself to others, focusing instead on personal consistency. Hopwood mentioned that weight loss was not always linear, with some weeks showing no change and others significant drops. To account for daily fluctuations, she weighed herself daily to calculate a weekly average.
Her transformation has led to increased confidence and a more active lifestyle. Hopwood shared that she now loves her body, including stretch marks and loose skin, and feels more confident than ever. She also noted that her daughter is inspired by her focus on strength. Hopwood stated that her approach involves meal planning on Sundays, incorporating a balance of healthy meals and occasional treats, such as a Greek yogurt-based dessert with various toppings, provided it fits within her daily calorie goals.