MASSACHUSETTS, UNITED STATES: Kayla Cordio / mediadrumworld.com

By Rebecca Drew

THIS YOUNG woman dropped more than five-and-a-half stone in less than 18-months after she was diagnosed with dangerous type two diabetes caused by just a year of binge eating.

 

MASSACHUSETTS, UNITED STATES: Kayla Cordio / mediadrumworld.com

Certified personal trainer, Kayla Cordio (24) from Leominster, Massachusetts, United States piled on the pounds after attending alcohol fuelled parties which resulted in her eating carb-laden meals whilst at university.

At a routine doctor’s appointment, Kayla was told that she had put on 4st 4lb in the space of one year and had high cholesterol and type two diabetes which required medication to control. She weighed 16st 7lb and was UK size 22 at her heaviest but is now an impressive 10st 12lb and a slim UK size 10.

 

MASSACHUSETTS, UNITED STATES: Kayla Cordio / mediadrumworld.com

“It was my last year of college and I was in my first serious relationship, the guy I was with lived in a party house where every social event revolved around alcohol,” said Kayla.

“That combined with horrible eating habits and living a sedentary lifestyle lead to me gaining four-stone in one year.

 

MASSACHUSETTS, UNITED STATES: Kayla Cordio / mediadrumworld.com

“I honestly didn’t really think I had a weight problem, I knew I had gained a little bit but I didn’t feel any different about myself than I did before gaining all of the weight.

“I went to the doctors for a routine check-up and he told me I had developed type two diabetes and needed to be put on medication to lower my glucose levels, I was also told I had high cholesterol as well as a few other health issues.”

 

MASSACHUSETTS, UNITED STATES: Kayla Cordio / mediadrumworld.com

Before her incredible weight loss, Kayla ate meals full of unhealthy carbohydrates such as pizzas and bagels but she now focusses on tracking macronutrients and works out six days a week.

“I was so out of shape that just taking a shower or walking up a flight of stairs would leave me out of breath,” she explained.

 

MASSACHUSETTS, UNITED STATES: Kayla Cordio / mediadrumworld.com

“Now, I work out six days a week incorporating weight training, cardio, and high-intensity-interval training that my fitness trainer puts together for me each month.

“Other than being healthy, I gained so much more confidence and have not only learned how to step out of my comfort zone, but to think positively about myself.

 

MASSACHUSETTS, UNITED STATES: Kayla Cordio / mediadrumworld.com

“I am so much more goal driven, disciplined and finally able to speak up for myself instead of being a ‘people pleaser’.

“The hardest part for me was being able to balance weight loss and a healthy lifestyle with occasional indulging and enjoying life.

 

 

MASSACHUSETTS, UNITED STATES: Kayla Cordio / mediadrumworld.com

“Also, conquering my mind to push through workouts and completely change my life around was much harder than any of the physical workouts.”

Kayla wants to encourage others to reach their goals no matter what their starting point is.

 

MASSACHUSETTS, UNITED STATES: Kayla Cordio / mediadrumworld.com

“It’s going to be hard, you’re going to make mistakes and have setbacks, but you have to keep pushing through, because eventually it gets easier because of the physical and mental strength you will gain,” she said.

“No matter where you’re starting, you can achieve your goals. I couldn’t walk up a flight of stairs two years ago, now I am a personal trainer.”