Radar | Jun 21,2025
Nov 16 , 2024
By Eden Sahle
For many women, becoming a mother is a transformative experience that reshapes our priorities, self-perception, and connection to our bodies. As I celebrated my daughter’s first birthday this weekend, I felt immense gratitude for the blessings of motherhood. However, family and friends seemed most captivated by a particular transformation I have undergone over the past year: shedding the 30kg I gained during pregnancy.
The journey to regain my strength and energy was not a simple “bounce back.” I initially felt a strong disconnect with my body—each movement seemed weighed down, and I found even routine tasks exhausting. Despite my husband's reassurances, I struggled to recognise myself in the mirror. I was also surrounded by well-meaning narratives of quick post-pregnancy recoveries, which made the experience even more difficult. Studies on postpartum experiences reveal that these physical and emotional struggles are common, and many new mothers find themselves wrestling with similar body-image shifts and unexpected physical changes after childbirth.
My goal was to regain strength and feel comfortable in my skin. With an approach grounded in mindful eating, I balanced my meals, making sure they were satisfying yet aligned with my health goals. A study in Obesity Reviews found that postpartum women who focused on balanced eating and sustainable physical activity had improved health outcomes and experienced fewer setbacks in weight management compared to those following restrictive diets.
As part of my routine, I embraced weight training, jump rope, and ab exercises. Weight training, in particular, not only helped me shed weight but also restored my energy levels. The research underscores that postpartum exercise, especially strength training, can help rebuild muscle and improve metabolism, leading to sustainable weight management and improved mental well-being. The shift was not easy—I usually felt sore and questioned my determination. But with my husband’s encouragement, exercise evolved from a chore to a cherished part of my day.
Friends and family noticed the change, especially as I could carry my daughter effortlessly, even as she grew. Everyday chores also contributed to my energy output. When we paused having house help, I realised the extra movement added up. Research in "The Journal of Physical Activity and Health" confirms that such everyday physical activity can seriously impact weight and overall fitness, especially for those who may not have time for structured workouts.
Some friends asked how I managed to lose weight while still enjoying sweets and hearty meals, wondering if my transformation was as effortless as it appeared. Others speculated if surgery played a role in “bouncing back.” But I have come to learn that weight loss is never a one-size-fits-all journey. Genetics, metabolism, and especially hormones all influence each individual’s experience. For instance, hormones like leptin, which regulate appetite and energy balance, play a critical role. Studies show that conditions like leptin resistance can interfere with weight management, causing the brain to underestimate fullness and drive the body to store more fat.
A close friend of mine, despite a rigorous exercise regimen, struggled with her weight due to a hormonal imbalance. Once she received appropriate treatment to regulate her hormones, she began to see progress. Her experience displayed the complex interplay between biology and weight loss, which is usually overlooked in mainstream discussions about fitness and postpartum recovery.
PUBLISHED ON
Nov 16,2024 [ VOL
25 , NO
1281]
Radar | Jun 21,2025
Fortune News | Jul 11,2021
Radar | Apr 13,2019
Agenda | Sep 30,2023
Advertorials | Mar 18,2023
Fortune News | Jan 26,2019
In-Picture | Apr 26,2026
Radar | Jan 16,2021
Radar | Aug 16,2020
Viewpoints | Apr 09,2022
Photo Gallery | 192031 Views | May 06,2019
Photo Gallery | 181786 Views | Apr 26,2019
Photo Gallery | 178522 Views | Oct 06,2021
My Opinion | 144050 Views | Aug 14,2021
Dec 22 , 2024 . By TIZITA SHEWAFERAW
Charged with transforming colossal state-owned enterprises into modern and competitiv...
Aug 18 , 2024 . By AKSAH ITALO
Although predictable Yonas Zerihun's job in the ride-hailing service is not immune to...
Jul 28 , 2024 . By TIZITA SHEWAFERAW
Unhabitual, perhaps too many, Samuel Gebreyohannes, 38, used to occasionally enjoy a couple of beers at breakfast. However, he recently swit...
Jul 13 , 2024 . By AKSAH ITALO
Investors who rely on tractors, trucks, and field vehicles for commuting, transporting commodities, and f...
Jul 25 , 2026
Ideally, citizens who have paid income tax all year should not have to reach for thei...
Jul 18 , 2026
Pressed in Parliament on jobs and household incomes, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD)...
Jul 11 , 2026
At a market stall, reform arrives without a communique. It comes as a higher transpor...
Jul 4 , 2026
In the goldfields of the Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State, Ethiopia's balance-of-paym...
Jul 25 , 2026 . By BEZAWIT HULUAGER
Global Bank's Board of Directors have overhauled top management, after suspending sev...
Jul 25 , 2026 . By NAHOM AYELE
Judges at the Federal High Court have overturned the National Lottery Administration...
A newly enacted regulation by the Council of Ministers lets eligible producers pledge...
Jul 25 , 2026 . By FITSUM TADESSE
A fuel tanker carrying tens of thousands of litres was confiscated after its driver a...
Loading your updates...