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Dubai-based Indian loses 30kgs in seven months

Dubai - This is how she did it.

At the lowest point in her life, 23-year-old Indian national Karishni Damania weighed 91.1kgs and suffered from hypothyroidism and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Karishni is UAE's youngest career counsellor with GEMS Modern Academy, has a thriving career in the education sector, and is a dancer.
However, her weight was holding her back. After deciding enough is enough, Karishni began leading a healthier lifestyle, and in just seven months, she has lost an incredible 30kgs. A resident of UAE for five years, Karishni has no intentions of slowing down and is participating in the Dubai Fitness Challenge with great enthusiasm.
"I love junk food, and it took me a long while to get apart from that. Also, with my PCOS and hypothyroidism, it was challenging for me to lose weight because my hormones are all over the place," she told Khaleej Times. Her weight gain was gradual, and when she realised she could not take a few steps to dance, she decided to work hard on her weight loss.
Being a counsellor, Karishni said she spends much time on the desk. "I spend much time sitting, because of which I was looking double my age. The teachers at school thought I was married with kids, and that was a pretty low point in my life. That is when I realised I need to do something with my life," she said.
Without help from a personal trainer, Karishni decided to make changes to her diet and commit to regular exercise. While the beginning was tough, she now works out religiously for two hours every day. "I tried the keto and the GM diets, nothing worked. I picked a diet that works for me, and I eat my last meal at 5.30 pm. After which, I work out for 2 hours religiously," she said. Her exercise includes a combination of circuit training, cardio, and weights.
"I enjoy working out now. I live in JLT, and there are many fitness activities in the area that helps. I go to Kite Beach and go to the circuit factory in Dubai Marina," she added. Commenting on the benefit of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, Karishni said, "It takes 21 to form a habit. If you can do something consistently for 30 days, it becomes permanent. If I can do it, anyone can."
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com