Conner Rensch, who once tipped the scales at 19st 3lbs, has made a miraculous transformation into a pro bodybuilding champion.
But the first time she ever wore a bikini was on stage at last year’s World Beauty Fitness and Fashion contest – which she ended up winning.
The 26-year-old saw her weight creep up during her childhood and she was shockingly told that she was fat at the tender age of six.
Conner remembered being bullied by other kids at school over her weight, causing her to turn to food as a comfort.
The American beauty said: “My mum says I just loved food and I have such a sweet tooth.
“I was constant eater, I was always hungry and would want to feel very, very full – it comforted me.
“At school both boys and girls bullied me. They would leave me out, call me ugly and fat.
“When I was in 6th grade, a girl on instant messenger told me I should just kill myself.”
By the time she reached 18-years-old, Conner weighed in at more than 19st but couldn’t seem to slim down despite repeated diet attempts.
She felt isolated and depressed but refused to let the bullies win, so she decided to turn her life around by seeking professional help.
Determine to learn everything she could about healthy living, Conner met with a nutritionist and a personal trainer.
She scrapped processed food and began kick-boxing, cardio and weight-lifting which helped her dramatically drop 1st 6lbs in the space of just 21 days.
The incredible weight loss gave her the motivation to continue with her new lifestyle and she’s since become an online inspiration to tens of thousands of people who have followed her fitness journey.
She explained: “The biggest change was emotionally – I was my biggest bully. Now I’ve learned to be kind to myself.
“When I see photos of me before, they make me feel sad in terms of how I felt.
“I dealt with depression and emotionally coped with food. But I am also very proud of that girl.”
Conner, who has 36,000 Instagram fans, showed off her new svelte figure in her first bikini show last June in Colorado, US.
She entered a new division called transformation and scooped the crown thanks to her jaw-dropping 9st 1lbs weight loss.
Conner said: “It took me a while to share my story.
“Posting photos of myself online was scary and I never imagined I would be doing a bikini contest but the most powerful thing during weight loss was I realised anything I put my mind to I can do.”
She added: “It was first time I wore a bikini.
“I showed people that I am proud of what I have done.
“I am so proud of my scars and stretch marks as they tell my story and how far I’ve come.
“It was amazing to get up there and they shared my story as I walked out – it was such a proud moment of me, all my family was there.”
Now the stunning brunette keeps a trim 10st 2lbs figure thanks to a balanced diet and regular exercise.
And she’s just launched her own online coaching service, My Butterfly Journey, to help others get fit and healthy.
But she admitted: “I’m chubby girl stuck in a skinny girl body. I eat healthy 80% of the time and whatever I want the rest.
“I’m the same girl but I am happier and healthier.”
Courtesy of: Daily Star