“I'm Loving My Life!”

Make-up trainer Berry Lim Kwee Chuan, 31, never gave two hoots about her large size. ‘Exercise’ was an alien word to her until she had to hike up a mountain in Iceland. That, along with the death of her grandmother from diabetes, led her to her fitness journey. Over the last year, the 154cm lass has steadily shed 26kg and is loving her new shape.

- V. Durga

Tell us about yourself

“In the past, I thought there was no reason to lose weight. I had a good career teaching make-up (my students love me because of my artwork, and not my size); I was happily married with a husband who didn’t mind my size, I didn’t encounter any red flags in my health, I chilled out with friends to have a good time, I was respected for being a make-up trainer. Basically, I led a comfortable life. But, I was just giving excuses to hide my insecurity. The reality was that inside, I was somebody who wanted to play under the sun, run in the field, enjoy nature by hiking or doing outdoor activity, go to the beach and more. Because of my size, I refused to join in these activities and sports. My weight discouraged me from being active and being overweight made me less energetic and lazy. I preferred to plan activities related to food and drinking, which I found emotional comfort in.”

Did you have any reservations about your body when you were young?

“I was always overweight as a child till adulthood. My weight fluctuated from 60kg to 83kg but it never bothered me.”

What led you to fitness?