Inside the Weight Loss Reality Star’s Journey: Unfiltered Truths and Transformations

Audiences worldwide are finally tuning into the groundbreaking reality series My Fat Story, which has captivated viewers internationally. Created and led by British journalist Katie Hopkins, known for her sharp wit and provocative statements, the show chronicles her personal journey of gaining 55 pounds and then shedding the weight under the scrutiny of the camera.

Anyone who has attempted weight loss understands the rollercoaster of setbacks and frustrations involved. Katie Hopkins firmly believes that the modern obesity epidemic boils down to one simple equation: excessive calorie intake combined with insufficient physical activity. Everything else, she argues, is often just excuses or manipulations. To prove her point, the journalist and columnist, who originally weighed 110 pounds, embarked on a high-calorie diet.

By consuming approximately 6500 calories daily over three months while minimizing movement, Katie gained 55 pounds. She purposefully avoided exercise and walks, and as the weight piled on, she found herself immobilized on the couch, transforming from a multitasking mother of three into a lethargic, constantly tired woman. After this intense binge period, she cut her intake down to 1500 calories per day and resumed regular jogging. Within three weeks, she slimmed down to 134 pounds, eventually returning to her original weight after several more weeks.

The two-part series aired on British television earlier this year, sparking widespread debate. Some viewers criticized Katie for lacking empathy towards those struggling with weight, while others were inspired by her simple mantra: “Eat less, move more,” leading to viral weight loss challenges on social media.

Translated for Russian audiences as "Katie Hopkins: My Weight Story," the show will premiere on TLC Russia on March 18 and 25 at 9:50 PM (Moscow Time). Ahead of the broadcast, Katie Hopkins candidly answered questions for Woman.ru.

Woman.ru: How did the drastic change in your diet affect your wellbeing?

Katie Hopkins: The primary medical issue I faced was liver strain due to constant overconsumption, which caused noticeable swelling day by day. However, once I began losing weight, my liver function returned to normal. Emotionally and physically, it was tough. Eating that much food made me feel nauseous at times, often forcing me to sleep with a basin nearby. Although the experiment required extreme eating to gain weight quickly, it was far from enjoyable. Many women say, 'Wouldn't it be great to eat whatever you want?' but in reality, I dreaded waking up to another day of overeating.

Woman.ru: Did any of the usually forbidden foods bring you joy during your weight gain?

Katie Hopkins: Over the years, I developed a habit of balanced eating without deprivation. During the experiment, I mostly suffered rather than enjoyed food. When you eat excessively, flavors blur, and food loses its appeal. Sweet is sweet, fried is fried, but eating three kilograms of spicy wings is hardly pleasurable.

Woman.ru: You attribute weight gain mainly to laziness. What about other factors like hormonal changes or individual body types?

Katie Hopkins: I honestly believe that laziness is the main obstacle to weight loss. Of course, some cases are health-related, but they are exceptions. Overweight people tend to have many excuses: small children, thyroid issues, lack of success, no gym funds, and more. My experiment aimed to show that while reasons to gain weight exist, excuses to remain overweight are unacceptable.

"Overweight individuals have too many justifications. I can list them: because of small children, thyroid problems, lack of success, no money for gyms, and so forth. I wanted to prove that you may have reasons to gain weight, but there are no excuses to stay that way."

People often say I’m lucky to be slim, but it turns out I’m slim because I don’t overeat and stay active. After three months of binge eating, I became overweight. This simple equation shows what depends on us and what doesn’t.

Woman.ru: Weight is a sensitive topic. Isn’t your blunt approach too harsh?

Katie Hopkins: I understand the reasons behind weight gain, such as grief or job loss leading to overeating. But I emphasize that no excuses are acceptable. The hardest step is admitting the truth—standing naked before a mirror. I urge people to do this even if it’s their worst day. Once you face reality, it becomes easier.

It made me happy to see viewers inspired to say, “Enough, today I start walking and stop overeating.” I’ve received emails from people who lost 13 pounds or more. Weight loss transforms lives completely and positively.

I’m deeply concerned that in the UK, one in ten four-year-olds is already overweight.

"Sympathetic chats and gentle attitudes don’t work. Some people need a kick, and that’s exactly what my show provides."

Woman.ru: How do you see the connection between weight and work performance?

Katie Hopkins: Great question! Viewers remember when I told a very overweight woman on a show that I wouldn’t hire her. Maybe it’s specific to my field, but when you need to run around London, use the subway, and dash between meetings, carrying extra weight limits your efficiency.

Whether we like it or not, people form instant impressions based on appearance. I don’t want business partners distracted by my size instead of my ideas.

Having been overweight myself, I know how slow and difficult daily tasks become. I’m now more convinced than ever that I wouldn’t hire someone with obesity or excess weight.

Woman.ru: How did gaining weight intentionally affect your self-image?

Katie Hopkins: Before this project, I never truly understood how vital fitness and health are to my happiness. When I stopped moving and started overeating, it was one of the worst experiences of my life. I hated feeling fat and worrying about others’ opinions. For the first time, I understood the dread of standing at your front door, not wanting to leave because you feel unattractive and uncomfortable.

"We all know women say 'I have nothing to wear' before going out, but really it means they don’t feel good in anything. I fully understood this when I was overweight."

I genuinely sympathize with those struggling with weight, especially now that I know how simple it can be to lose by just moving more.

Woman.ru: Motivation is often the hardest part of weight loss. What advice can you offer those inspired by your story?

Katie Hopkins: Motivation is crucial. For me, a family wall calendar marked all our activities. I had a bold red line indicating the day I had to stop eating 6500 calories and start losing weight. That moment finally came.

Others may lack such a marker, but I hope even one or two viewers will consider setting their own limit and try to see if they can succeed.

"People say, ‘I’m fat and happy; who are you to interfere?’ I say you can’t be both. Talking to many who lost weight, I hear they lied to themselves about happiness because they lost control."

I challenge people: you can make a change! It’s simple. You don’t need drastic diet changes—just put on sneakers and walk as far as you can. One acquaintance with two small kids lost weight simply by climbing stairs at home and dancing while cooking. Weight loss is easy, but motivation is key, and I hope my show helps with that.

Woman.ru: Many women over 30 fear weight loss due to skin sagging. Did you face this issue?

Katie Hopkins: Fortunately, no, as I wasn’t overweight for long. Taking care of skin elasticity is as important as nutrition. Just like you keep clothes clean and ironed, I regularly use moisturizing creams and vitamins. I also started massages to improve circulation. If you’ve had excess weight for a long time, avoid rapid weight loss and consult a doctor about vitamins and treatments. And remember, cosmetic procedures like lifting remain options. Decide what you fear more—excess weight or skin issues.

Woman.ru: Which took longer: gaining or losing the weight?

Katie Hopkins: Losing weight took longer—almost four months from the moment I started moving and stopped overeating until I felt comfortable in my favorite jeans, you know the ones everyone has.

"Weight loss is tough, but the feeling of shedding pounds is incredible!"

I spent no money on weight loss—just my regular sneakers. I simply put them on, went outside, and ran. When money becomes a barrier, I question it. If someone tries to sell you diet books, pills, or expensive workouts, I wouldn’t trust it. You can lose weight for free.

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