Name: Tyren Naidoo
Age: 26
Home Town: Durban
Height: 1.69m
Occupation: Chiropractic student and BSc Human Life Science graduate
Time Required: 6-8 Months
Then: 92kg
Now: 68kg

The Wake-Up

At school, the kilojoules I consumed far outweighed the energy I expended, because I didn’t engage in any form of physical activity. The extra weight I carried made me question my self-worth; and when I reached my heaviest at varsity, I realised I needed to start valuing myself enough to take care of my health.

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The Shake-Up

It wasn’t about finding a quick fix; I was more concerned with becoming healthy than losing weight, so I decided to change my entire lifestyle. That meant walking on my local trails, and then gradually progressing to running. I made small changes to my diet – like ordering an Americano instead of a cappuccino – and discovered the importance of eating the right food to fuel my running.

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My weight-loss journey wasn’t without its challenges: at first, I found it difficult to stick to a routine, the weight I carried when I ran hurt my joints, and making healthy choices at family gatherings also proved difficult.

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But routine soon gave way to enjoyment, as more and more I began to experience the so-called ‘runner’s high’.

The Reward

Running has not only become the catalyst for my weight loss; it has changed my life in so many other ways. My confidence has improved, I sleep better, and I relish the feeling of exhilaration after each run.

My proudest achievement is my Comrades medal. Growing up, I watched my father achieve 14 of them, and he has inspired me to do the same. When it comes to long-term weight loss, I’ve learned it’s all about finding what makes you happy. Progress comes from setting small, manageable goals.

Inspired by Tyren’s story? Join the club and start your weight-loss journey with the Run It Off Plan below. What are you waiting for?

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