Jaimie: Hey friends, it’s Jaimie Abbott here—and today’s episode is going to be deeply personal, honest, and let’s face it, probably a little bit fiery. But I promise you—it’s worth listening to every minute.
This is a story I haven’t shared in full before. It’s my transformation story. Not just a body transformation, but a business, mindset, and identity transformation.
If you’re new here, welcome. I’m Jaimie—a public speaking coach, PR trainer, business mentor, and speaker. But beyond that, I’m a mum, a former politician, a business owner, and a veteran. I deployed to Afghanistan with the Royal Australian Air Force. I’ve worked for the UN in Jamaica, run for state and federal parliament, served on council, and built multiple businesses. I’ve stood behind microphones, sat in boardrooms, chaired high-stakes meetings, and handled live TV with breaking news.
And yet—nothing prepared me for the scrutiny, gossip, and judgment that came with losing 50 kilos.
I’ve lived so many lives. I’ve spoken to the media after natural disasters. I’ve been a spokesperson for defence, a candidate dealing with the cut-throat world of politics, and a coach mentoring hundreds of others to step into their confidence.
But when I finally got healthy—physically, mentally, emotionally—that’s when the claws came out.
People who used to support me? Silent. Women I thought were in my corner? Distant. People I didn’t even know? Suddenly invested in how I lost weight and whether I “cheated.”
And let’s talk about that post.
I shared a photo of me in a bold, fitted dress. I felt amazing. Strong. For the first time in years, I wasn’t covering up my body or apologising for how I looked. I’d worked so hard for that moment.
The hate? Oh, it came. Women saying it was unprofessional. That I was “showing off.” That I had “changed.” But do you know what else that post got?
Over 50,000 impressions. And 70+ new people joined my email list in a single day.
So this is my story. And I’m going to tell it my way.
I’ve been overweight for most of my life. But that didn’t stop me. I was still successful, still speaking on stages, still singing, still running for office. I wasn’t waiting to be thin to live fully.
But that doesn’t mean it didn’t weigh me down—literally and emotionally.
I lost 30 kilos multiple times in my life. As a teenager, I did it through crash diets—like whisky and milk for breakfast (don’t ask). I did it again in my 20s with Weight Watchers, while I was a TV newsreader in Tamworth.
Each time I lost weight, the compliments would pour in. But so did the pressure. And every time I gained it back, I felt like I’d failed again. That cycle is exhausting.
Fast forward to 2021, post-COVID, post-baby number two—I was 128 kilos. I was working nonstop, running my business, but I was struggling. My body hurt. I was tired. I couldn’t keep up with my kids.
Then, I met someone who shared that she’d had gastric sleeve surgery. I looked into it, and true to my nature, I didn’t muck around. I booked the surgery. I did the pre-op diet. I went all in.
By March 2022, I had lost 28 kilos. I reached 100 kilos.
But then... I plateaued.
For two years, I hovered at 100kg. And you know what? Life was still good. I was living in Jamaica, working for the United Nations. I was active. Confident. Happy. But I knew I could feel even better.
Then in July 2024, I saw someone I knew online who had lost weight. I messaged her the way people now message me. And she told me one word: Monjaro.
I didn’t hesitate. I booked in with an online weight loss clinic and had it in my hands in 24 hours. That first injection changed everything.
The food noise—gone. I was no longer obsessed with eating or thinking about food constantly. I finally had peace.
I lost 3 kilos the first week, then 2, then 1 kilo consistently every week. By December, I had lost another 22 kilos. I was 78kg and a size 12. For someone who had been a size 22—this was massive.
At the same time, I found my love of strength training. A physio introduced me to deadlifts, and I was hooked.
Transcend Health became my training ground. Small classes. Epic support. I wasn’t just lighter—I was stronger.
Squats. Hip thrusts. Presses. I started sculpting my body in a way I never thought possible. My confidence skyrocketed.
Strength training was never about weight loss for me. It became about feeling powerful.
Then something shifted. I went back to networking events—and people who’d never spoken to me before suddenly wanted to talk.
At first, it made me angry. “Oh, NOW I’m worth your time?”
But then I realised—it’s not always personal. It’s human nature. People are drawn to those who visibly take care of themselves.
And instead of feeling bitter, I chose to own it. If my transformation made me more magnetic—great. That’s not a flaw. That’s a result of years of work.
And guess what else changed? My business exploded.
More speaking gigs. More MC opportunities. More press. More visibility.
PR Club grew rapidly—especially with female clients. I work with men too, but the women? They’re on fire. Driven. Brave. Ready.
I’ve had women tell me: “You’ve inspired me to show up unapologetically.”
And that means more to me than any before-and-after photo ever could.
But here’s the truth not enough people talk about.
Some of the nastiest comments I received were from other women. And that... hurt.
When I was overweight, I was “real.” “Relatable.” “Grounded.”
Now that I’m slimmer? I’ve been called “fake.” “Arrogant.” “Obsessed with herself.”
People have accused me of “losing my identity.” As if identity should be tied to struggle.
But I haven’t changed. I’ve just stopped hiding.
And if that makes people uncomfortable? That’s their discomfort to sit with, not mine.
I’m sharing all of this because I’m tired of whispers.
I’ve had people gossip about how I lost weight. Assume I did it the “wrong” way. Judge me without ever asking.
So I’m saying it here. Out loud. Clearly. For everyone to hear.
Yes, I had gastric sleeve surgery. Yes, I use Monjaro. Yes, I strength train. Yes, I fuel my body with protein. Yes, I still have goals. Yes, I feel the best I’ve ever felt.
And no—I’m not sorry.
If this episode struck something in you—please know: you’re allowed to evolve.
You’re allowed to stop shrinking for the comfort of others.
You’re allowed to get healthy.
You’re allowed to glow up.
You’re allowed to be proud.
So here’s to every woman who’s quietly wanted more.
More strength. More peace. More confidence. More visibility.
You don’t have to stay small to be accepted. You don’t have to cover up to be respected. You get to choose who you become—and you don’t owe anyone an apology.
Until next time— Lift heavy. Speak loudly. And own your glow-up.
