Society needs to learn, not judge
there are no inverted commas when it comes to complimenting me, and that people can see what I have always known, that I am beautiful – period.”
Health When she weighed in at 126kg, Mathebula says she was surprisingly healthy for her weight, and although she says she does not recommend obesity, she says people who are heavier are not automatically unhealthy.
“Yes, most people who are heavy tend to have a full garment of weight-related issues, but honestly, I did not have any of them. Most nurses would actually quip that I had a surprisingly normal blood pressure for a big girl.
“Right now, I can safely say that I am healthy and more active, and do not quickly run out of breath. That is the main difference I have noticed, but I urge everyone to take better care of themselves, regardless of their dress size.”
Food Mathebula says she has a keen awareness of the different types of food and the impact they have on the body.
“I have a different relationship with food now. I am more aware of what I put in my mouth, how many calories it has, and what is healthy and what is not. This has been the most significant change that I would say I have had.
“Previously, I would eat anything I was craving, at any size portion I wanted. But going through the weight-loss programme has taught me things like basting, weighing my food and making healthier changes to my menu. It is definitely a lifestyle change, and I can’t see myself doing it any other way.”
Social benefits Mathebula says she is more aware of how society labels people.
“I was very naïve about how society tends to discriminate against people who have weight issues.
“From the looks one would get while ordering food, to a simple thing such as shopping for clothes, all eyes tend to be on a heavy person, and certain preconceived ideas about them are formed.
“I have become a wallpaper now, I can go about my business without anyone raising an eyebrow.
“I think it is something that people need to be educated about, because although many people do it inadvertently, it does irritate you after a while.
“We need to stop the prejudice because people notice – despite how subtle you think you are.”