A TikTok star shares her weight loss journey from 95KG to 69KG (2024)

A woman has revealed how she is feeling better than ever after overcoming a difficult relationship with food that she had struggled with since childhood.

TikTok star Daniella Hemsley, 21, from Birmingham, explained she turned to food for comfort when her parents separated when she was 12 years old and found herself in a dark place during her teenage years, eventually quitting school.

However, at the age of 15, Daniella decided she wanted to start living a healthier lifestyle and said she feels more confident than ever after shedding 4st.

Daniella explained: 'My parents separated when I was 12 - it was during my transition to high school from primary school - and it really affected me.

'I felt very alone and turned to food for comfort as it was my escape. I would just eat and get bigger.

'I'd be eating up to 8,000 calories in one sitting: a whole pack of biscuits, six bags of crisps, a whole chocolate bar, and ice cream. I'd eat beyond being full and then would be in agony due to eating so much.

'I stopped looking after myself. I didn't shower or wash my hair, I wore baggy clothes to hide myself and I was really unhappy, but it was a vicious cycle. I would hate myself and then feel bad and eat more.

'I stopped going to school as my mental health deteriorated and I didn't have any friends either. I had no life, and I didn't look after myself.

'I didn't know what to do, everything I watched on television would make me cry, the people looked so happy, and I wanted that. I was in a dark hole.

'However one day something just clicked - both of my sisters are very slim and never struggled with weight or eating - but something inside me said enough is enough and I did something about it.

'Six months later I joined a gym, not knowing anything other than the treadmill. I learnt some exercises from one of the personal trainers who offered to help me, and at that point I really got into it and started lifting weights.'

At 16 years old, Daniella started bodybuilding and then went back to school in year 9, before going on to pass all her exams.

She continued: 'I really got into my fitness and by this point I'd lost 4st, I was doing research into fitness and nutrition and started bodybuilding at 16, working out and focusing on what I was eating.

'I'd also started to go back to school in year nine and then I managed to get all A's in my exams.

'When I met my boyfriend in 2021, he helped me to finally develop a good relationship with food and I stopped counting my calories. Fitness changed my life and so has the gym!'

Daniella states she's become a new person, and her new-found confidence has helped her launch a successful social media platform, which she's made into a career.

She added: 'I developed a fashion sense, and the gym increased my confidence levels. I started looking after myself and taking pride in my appearance.

'I started wearing makeup which made a big difference, as well as getting highlights and hair extensions, and now I'm a completely different person.

'I vlog and TikTok for a living and I'm living the dream, all because of my weight loss journey. I wouldn't be where I am today and wouldn't have made those steps.

'When I lost all the weight it left me with a lot of excess skin, especially around my boobs, so in 2019 I got a great augmentation.

'I don't believe in diets, ensure you have a healthy lifestyle and just listen to your body.

'I now opt for low fat or fat free products. I drink plant-based milk and eat a lot of lean foods, as well as eating smaller portions.

'I'm now a qualified personal trainer and I was going to pursue a career as a PT but since having a social media platform, I try to use it to inspire people on there.

'My boyfriend has helped me a lot and has massively helped with my relationship with food. He's helped me change my mindset and now I want to help others.'