Welcome to My Weekly Blog
This blog discusses topics such as trauma, weight gain, bullying, and sexual assault.
If these themes are distressing for you, please prioritise your wellbeing.
You are not alone — and you don’t have to process this on your own.
If at any point you feel overwhelmed, consider pausing and accessing support from a trusted professional or the resources at the bottom of this page.
Today’s Topic: How Trauma Can Lead to Weight Gain
And why someone like me — the most brutally rejected bride on MAFS — is offering advice on it.
Why take it?
Because this isn’t just theory. I’ve lived it.
I also have a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioural Science (Psychology), which I pursued to better understand what had happened to me — and how I could help others. Over ten years ago, I became a qualified life coach, and I’ve slowly pulled myself out of survival mode — physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Now, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned so you can start loving yourself fully too.
Each week, I’ll be sharing the tips and tools that helped me along the way.
Why I’m Opening Up
I’ve carried trauma for most of my life — from bullying and sexual assault to losing my business during COVID. These experiences left scars I couldn’t see, but I could feel.
My body became a form of protection.
Food became my escape.
I wasn’t feeding hunger — I was feeding pain.
Eventually, I realised I wasn’t truly living — I was just existing.
I started rebuilding, not through extreme diets or gym routines, but through compassion.
I let go of the idea that I had to shrink to be worthy. I wanted to feel at home in my body.
I wanted peace.
Watching myself back on Married At First Sight, I saw how far I’d come emotionally — but I hadn’t caught up physically. I didn’t judge that version of me.
I loved her.
But it was time for change.
Trauma Shows Up Differently for Everyone
For me, it showed up as weight.
For others, it’s overworking, people-pleasing, or emotional shutdown.
Whatever form it takes, trauma often disconnects us from our bodies.
Healing is how we reconnect.
5 Gentle Signs Trauma May Be Affecting Your Weight — and What You Can Do
1. You eat to cope, not to nourish
Food becomes comfort when emotions feel too big.
Try this:
Don’t remove comfort — replace it.
Build a soothing “emotional toolkit”: a walk, a warm bath, journaling, or calling a friend.
When you feel the urge to eat emotionally, pause and ask:
“What do I really need right now — comfort, connection, or calm?”
Then respond in a way that truly serves you.
2. You doubt your worth
Self-sabotage often comes from the belief that you don’t deserve joy or success.
Try this:
Start small.
Say no to something that drains you.
Make your bed.
Cook a meal that fuels you.
Let these become quiet acts of self-worth.
I used to repeat to myself:
“I am not too far gone. I am just beginning again.”
3. You feel safer in a bigger body
Sometimes weight becomes a shield after trauma.
Try this:
Remind yourself that safety can now come from boundaries, not body armour.
Support your nervous system through breathwork, trauma-informed yoga, or walking.
Build trust with your body slowly.
You’re allowed to feel safe and strong in a healthier body too.
4. You never learned healthy habits
If no one taught you how to care for your health — it’s not your fault.
Try this:
You’re not failing — you’re learning.
Start with one new habit: a morning walk, more water, a nourishing breakfast.
Treat yourself like a beginner, not a burden.
Follow educators who teach with kindness and understanding.
5. You expect perfection
One “bad” day does not undo your entire journey.
Try this:
Shift your focus from perfection to progress.
Track how often you bounce back, not how often you fall.
Speak to yourself like your best friend would:
“That wasn’t ideal, but I’m proud of myself for continuing.”
Consistency doesn’t mean never slipping — it means always choosing to start again, kindly.
One Small Shift That Helped Me
Before I went on MAFS, I trialled weight loss medication — but I stopped after a few weeks due to nausea and fatigue.
Recently, I started again to support my goal of reducing visceral fat around my organs and improving my health. But the side effects returned.
That’s when I began using a new protein shake called glo_up_1 by Nuut, designed specifically to support people on weight loss medication.
It helped reduce nausea, gave me energy, and created a new sense of routine and stability.
For me, it wasn’t just about weight loss — it was about feeling steady, nourished, and strong.
It’s just launched and available in limited supply. I’ve even asked them to offer a special discount for my readers, which you can find through the link here. 😊
Next Steps
If you’re just starting out, be kind to yourself.
You don’t have to change everything overnight.
One supportive habit a day is enough.
Follow me here every week for the next 12 weeks as I continue to share tools, stories, and strategies from my healing journey — so that you can feel stronger in yours.
With love,
Katie xx
💛 Support Resources
- Lifeline Australia – 24/7 Crisis Support
📞 Call: 13 11 14
🌐 www.lifeline.org.au
For anyone experiencing emotional distress, anxiety, or needing immediate support. - Blue Knot Foundation – Support for Adult Survivors of Childhood Trauma
📞 Call: 1300 657 380 (9am–5pm AEST, Mon–Sun)
🌐 www.blueknot.org.au
Offers trauma-informed resources, counselling, and referrals. - Butterfly Foundation – Body Image & Eating Disorders Support
📞 Call: 1800 33 4673
🌐 www.butterfly.org.au
Specialised support for anyone experiencing challenges with body image, eating habits, or disordered eating patterns.
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