In a story of remarkable resilience and transformation, Reesha, a mother of two, has redefined her life after facing significant health challenges and weight struggles. Her journey, marked by both physical and emotional hurdles, underscores the power of determination and the importance of holistic wellness.

Reesha’s turning point occurred on Mount Ngungan. “It was there that I found the beginning of the rest of my life,” she says. That initial climb, tho arduous, ignited a spark, setting her on a path of rigorous fitness and self-discovery.Embarking into fitness in 2017,Reesha was able to reduce her weight from 330 pounds to 165 pounds.

Fuelled by her newfound passion, Reesha embraced competitive running, conquering challenging trails and setting ambitious goals. She dominated Mount Beerwah, shaving her time from 3.5 hours to a blazing 26 minutes. By 2022, she earned the record for completing the fastest known time for ascent and descent of every peak in the Glass House Mountains, an extraordinary feat of endurance and athleticism.

However, her path hasn’t been without hurdles. In 2023, Reesha experienced a setback, suffering a torn hamstring during a competition. This injury led to a diagnosis of relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S), a syndrome increasingly recognized among athletes where energy intake fails to meet the demands of intense physical activity. RED-S can lead to impaired physiological function including but not limited to metabolic rate, menstrual function, bone health, immunity, protein synthesis and cardiovascular health. This forced her to retire from running, which left her devastated.

Facing this forced hiatus, Reesha channelled her savings into skin removal surgery to address the excess skin left from rapid weight loss, a common issue after bariatric weight loss.This decision reflects a commitment to her overall well-being and body image.

Now,two years later,Reesha is carefully returning to running,complementing her training with cycling,logging over 60 miles each week. This balanced approach emphasizes sustainable fitness and long-term health.

“If I hadn’t changed my ways, I’d have eaten myself into an early grave.”

Reesha’s story resonates with many Americans battling weight issues and seeking lifestyle changes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),more than 40% of adults in the U.S. are obese, highlighting the widespread need for effective weight management strategies. Reesha’s story isn’t just an inspiration, but also a guide on the types of challenges others who have similar weight issues may come across.

Woman with her children.
Reesha with her daughter Nevayah and son Archie. (Credit: Supplied)

Reesha’s family remains a central source of support. While she and her husband Adam separated last year, they maintain a close friendship, and he and their children, archie, 13, and Nevayah, 11, are incredibly proud of her achievements.

Today, Mount Ngungan still holds a special meaning for Reesha. “It’ll always hold a special place in my heart,” she explains, “as it’s where I found the beginning of the rest of my life.” Her story serves as a powerful reminder that while the past cannot be undone, the future is ours to shape.

“I’m proof that while you can’t rewrite your past, you *can* alter your future,” Reesha emphasizes. “You just have to take one step at a time!”