Queen Desiree

Desiree's stats
Start weight	122kg
Current weight	92kg
Weight loss	30kg
Percentage	24.59%

 

 

 

 

 

Low in confidence, bullied and lacking discipline. It’s hard to imagine this was ‘At Home’ winner Desiree M. Vinoya before she began her Biggest Loser Asia experience. The respiratory therapist from The Philippines has come a long way.

After caring for her aging grandparents for years, she finally decided to put herself first. Grit, determination and a lifestyle overhaul have left Desiree 30kg lighter and bursting with confidence and zest for life. We catch up with The Biggest Loser Asia Season 2 ‘At Home’ winner.

How does it feel to win?

I am very surprised! The other contenders changed dramatically so I was not expecting to win at all. I’m very grateful to our Lord and my grandparents for my blessings.

Did you ever think you would be this slim?

I have always found it impossible to visualize myself as a slimmer person. When you have very low confidence it’s hard to imagine yourself with a fitter body. It meant I lacked discipline and always felt depressed, which, in turn, led me to eat everything I saw!

The programs at Fitness First helped boost my self-esteem. And that meant I could face anyone and anything – even The Biggest Loser Asia Season 2 auditions. That’s when my weight loss journey started – and the rest is history!

How long had you been overweight?

My family loves to cook and eat, so I had been overweight since I was a kid. As I grew older, I grew in size as well.

How did that impact upon your life?

Obesity made me so down and I was bullied every time I went out, walked in the streets or used public transport. Eventually I realized that I would have to accept my big size was making me unhealthy. This led me to change my lifestyle and daily activities. What is happening to me right now is just the beginning – a big turning point of my life. It’s not easy, but it is very much fulfilling. I’m loving it!

How did you control your diet outside of the house?

I used my Biggest Loser Club diary to monitor my eating habits and control the food I ate. The online diary helps me more in counting my daily calorie intake. Also, the Biggest Loser Club provides healthy recipes that are tasty but guilt free.

What was your main form of exercise or training?

I did three hours of cardio, including running, using the elliptical trainer and exercise bike, one hour of mind and body, one hour of free weights, and one hour of group exercise. I also exercised outdoors, running 5km and swimming for one hour each week.

Did you find it tough?

Exercising outside of the mansion has been very hard since it takes me an hour to get to the gym and I have to pass lots of tempting food chains. It’s harder to maintain focus on the outside too, but I keep thinking that, in the long run, all the pain and sacrifice will pay off.

How have your eating habits changed?

The online Biggest Loser Club diary helped me keep track of my calorie intake. Also discussing my diary with a nutritionist really helped. She also helped me understand the food labels in the supermarket and advised me to eat foods that are rich in fibre.

Will you be able to maintain these new habits?

I think I will – I’ve already adjusted to them. I do sometimes crave my old favourites but I can still have a little amount once a week.

Do you allow yourself any dietary indulgences or do you have a strict eating regime?

I am strict with what I eat because my nutritionist always checks my diary. It’s painful and stressful for me whenever I’m caught cheating, even if it’s just a little portion of cake or pizza!

What are your new goals and aspirations?

My goal is to shed a further 20kg, to continue my healthy eating habits and increase the intensity of my exercise, as well as to keep running and swimming.

How has losing weight changed your life?

It’s unbelievable! Looking at my photos of before and after the show I can see changes that are not merely physical. My life has turned upside down, and I have gained confidence and respect from others. I hope I have inspired people with low self-worth who are fighting with obesity and proven that it can be done.