Real Life Weight Loss Story (Photos: Uma Naidu)
Uma Naidu did not sprint into the world of fitness. She walked in, literally. In 2021, then 28, and stuck in a body she barely recognised, Uma began with the simplest possible act: walking. “No big plans. No crash diets. Just me, my shoes, and a footpath,” she laughs, recalling the early days of her transformation. “I was not chasing six packs. I just knew I needed to change something. So I walked.”
Fast forward to 2025: she is now an online fitness coach, content creator, and model. But this body was not built in a day. And behind her sculpted jawline and glowing skin is a story packed with discomfort, discipline, and a fair bit of hair fall.
A former journalist, Uma’s life once revolved around deadlines and desk jobs. “I did not even like seeing myself in the mirror,” she says. Obesity had seeped into every corner of her life, physical, emotional and professional. She was also prediabetic, had hypothyroidism, and had irregular periods. “My confidence was in shambles.”
Weighing 130 kg, Uma was not looking to "lose weight" for the gram. She wanted to live.
She walked every day. She said no to junk. Yes to vegetables. She watched transformation videos like someone might binge Netflix thrillers. “I educated myself. I was not a science person, but I learnt why protein matters after I lost half my hair.”
Protein to Her Rescue
One of her biggest hiccups was not eating enough protein. “I thought I was being healthy, but I did not know better.” A trip to the dermatologist and some hard truths later, she made friends with paneer, milk and eggs.
But perhaps tougher than hair fall was navigating friends and family. “Saying no to biryani at gatherings did not win me any popularity contests,” she grins. “But I knew my goal was bigger than a weekend plate of fried snacks.”
What Kept Her Going?
“My mum. She would say, ‘Tie your shoes and go. A start is half done.’ That has stayed with me.”
Discipline > Motivation
From walking to weightlifting, Uma’s journey evolved naturally. After shedding 50 kilograms in two years, she now hovers at a strong 85 kilograms, lifting weights five to six times a week and clocking 10,000 steps a day. “I eat high-protein home-cooked meals. And yes, I still say no to junk.”
There were relapses, of course. “There are days I do not want to move. But I remember who I was and what I have overcome. Motivation fades. Discipline sticks.”
Fat Loss Is Not Rocket Science
As a coach now, Uma’s advice is straightforward: “Start. Stay consistent. Do not overthink.”
- Her cheat sheet for transformation
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Resistance training 3–4 times a week
- 10,000 steps a day
- High-protein, high-fibre meals
- Sleep like it is a part-time job
- Hydrate like you live in the desert
Today, She is Not Just Fit, She is Free
“The confidence I have now? Unmatchable,” Uma says. “I have been fat-shamed all my life. Today, I face cameras and endorse brands. People see me as strong." But it is not about what others see. It is how she feels inside. “My mind is calmer. My energy is up. I like myself." And it all started with a walk.
