Mind Over Matter

A victim of fat-shaming discovers the secret to self-confidence.

- Cindy Kuzma

THE WAKE-UP

Being big was all I knew. I spent the first few weeks of my life in hospital, because I weighed 5kg when I was born, and doctors had to dislocate my shoulder to get me out. Over the next 30-odd years, I grew accustomed to my yo-yo’ing weight – and the fat-shaming and cruel taunts that came with it.

My best friend died when I was 21, and I became depressed. I used food as an emotional crutch, and long working hours as an excuse not to exercise. Then, in my early 30s, I was retrenched, which only worsened my psychological state.