Lakshmi Rao was diagnosed with Hypertension & diabetes 25 years ago. But she did not let it dominate her life and managed it by including physical activity in her daily routine. But over the years her lifestyle had become sedentary, which resulted in weight gain. Her illness required her to take insulin twice a day, which also contributed to her obesity. It was in 2020 when her granddaughter made her promise that the next time she came back to Australia she will have to be fit to play with her. This motivated Lakshmi to make her health and fitness her priority.

Lakshmi had seen a few HealthifyMe transformation stories on social media and embarked on a transformation journey of her own! 

Name: Lakshmi Rao

Gender: Female

Age: 65

Profession: Professor

Before HealthifyMe 

I am 65 years old and have lived in Nagpur all my life. I retired as a faculty member from a leading college. After retirement, I continued to mentor at a teacher training program for architects. I was diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension 25 years ago. I had a pretty hectic lifestyle with a career, family, and other commitments. Despite it all, I was fairly active, which included activities such as walking and cycling. 

Since 2015, I felt rundown. My lifestyle became sedentary, I was low and depressed. This took a toll on my weight and fitness. I was also on insulin twice a day, which added to my obesity. My sugar levels were high, and I was desperate.

The turning point

My 8-year-old granddaughter Norah, who lives in Australia, was getting concerned. I would cook up excuses every time she asked me to play outdoors. When I returned to India in February 2020, she told me I had to get fit and healthy before returning to Australia. That was an eye-opener! I was still feeling low, but also determined to do something!

I used to see HealthifyMe transformation stories on social media. My granddaughter’s words were constantly ringing in my ears. Around February 2020, I downloaded the app instinctively. I saw the calorie tracker and decided to self-monitor. By afternoon, I got a call from HealthifyMe, asking me whether I would be interested in taking it to the next level? Continuing to rely on my instincts, I agreed.

Later, I got a call from Shachi, the amazing sales coach! She was gentle, kind, and cleared all my apprehensions, doubts, and queries. At the end of the long conversation, I said yes without a second thought. My journey with HealthifyMe had begun! 

Coaches at HealthifyMe 

Krati Saxena took over as my diet coach. She was endearing, loving, and extremely gentle and optimistic in her approach. We worked together on reducing my insulin levels. She motivated me to eat right but banned no food. She encouraged and taught me how to balance my food. She was aware of my medical conditions and would give me the perfect advice.

My fitness coach earlier was Snehal Sonwane and then Neha Thakur. Snehal counseled me on how to build my stamina and strength gradually. Her suggested plans worked perfectly during my initial days. Later Neha Thakur took over, and she worked really hard to help me raise my fitness to an appreciable level. She helped me get rid of my fear of climbing down the stairs with suitable exercises. I felt highly motivated to work with her!

Weight loss transformation journey

I lost 10 kgs in ten months. From 83.1 kgs, I am now down to 73.2 kgs. It took its own time. But I had been advised by Shachi that weight loss would be gradual given my long-standing medical conditions.

I would hit a plateau, but both my coaches would tell me not to worry about it. I have yet to lose my visceral fat, which is high because of the insulin intake, but I can feel the inch loss. Though I have never measured them strictly, my clothes tell their own story! 

I was also battling frozen shoulder issues, but Snehal and Neha worked around that too. Both of them were very cautious regarding my workout plans and would constantly check on me. I gradually built up stamina and strength.

Tips/Things that worked well throughout the transformation journey

1. Balancing my diet to include the right amount of carbs, protein, fats, and fiber: I plan my meals at the start of the day and I can choose what I eat to maintain the right balance.

2. Flexibility in my movements and physical activity: From walking less than 500 steps in a day, now, I clock around 7500 to 8000 steps.

3. Regulating my sleep: I would only sleep for 5 hours at night. Now, I sleep for 7.5 to 8 hours. The sleep tracker really helped me with that! 

Favorite features on the HealthifyMe app

I warmed up to the calorie tracker first and then to the workout tracker. In the beginning, I was woefully unfit and my logs on the workout tracker were pathetic. The water tracker made me realize how less was my water intake. Four months into my journey, I started exploring the sleep tracker, and it helped me regulate my sleep.

The most significant change in lifestyle after joining HealthifyMe

Reducing my insulin intake and bringing my blood sugar to appreciable levels! 

Breaking down barriers

I never felt like giving up because I was answerable to my granddaughter! Also, the constant guidance and support provided by the HealthifyMe coaches helped me stick to my goals.

I constantly felt that I should have started this journey with HealthifyMe much earlier!

After HealthifyMe 

Health and fitness cannot be compromised. I realized this very late, despite knowing the consequences of my medical conditions. My granddaughter was thrilled to see my transformation, even though we’ve only met virtually! I am determined to lose more weight before I have to meet my granddaughter in person!  

Reactions from friends and family after the transformation

My son, daughter-in-law, and two granddaughters have been the greatest support. My son and daughter-in-law are fitness conscious people and they had almost given up on trying to tell me to get back to fitness. But after the weight loss, they were the happiest! 

My close friends are happy about my health turnaround and the transformation so far! 

How do I feel now – after achieving my goal

I want to keep going and reach my health & fitness goals with HealthifyMe. 

Inspired by Lakshmi’s weight loss transformation? Our coaches can help you. 

Disclaimer: The results can and may vary for you. Let us help determine the best approach for you to achieve your goal.