Philicity Reeken, the charismatic co-host of Breakfast With Martin Bester on Jacaranda FM, is sharing a deeply personal chapter of her life. Over the past year, she has lost 35 kilograms, but the real transformation reaches far beyond her physical appearance. Her journey began with serious health concerns, including knee damage and chronic inflammation, forcing her to confront the impact her weight was having on her mobility and future. What followed was not just a physical shift, but an emotional awakening. As the weight came off, Reeken found herself navigating the mental and emotional layers that came with it. In this Q&A, Philicity opens up about the habits she had to change, the obstacles she faced, and the support system that carried her through. A photo of Philicity Reeken from before her weight loss journey. Picture: Supplied 1. Philicity, what initially motivated you to begin your weight-loss journey? “My weight-loss journey was motivated by my health and mobility. I have very damaged knees and my weight was hindering my ability to live the life I wanted to. I was also really inflamed and was concerned about things like high blood pressure and other lifestyle-related issues,” said Philicity. 2. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced along the way, and how did you overcome them? “Some of my biggest challenges were both physical, mental and emotional. Physically it was relearning and reacquainting myself with whole foods and portion sizes. Mentally it was actually seeing myself in a different body and what that means, and emotionally it was saying goodbye to the weight,” said Philicity. 3. How did your mindset shift throughout the process? “Honestly, my mindset shift was intentional and deliberate in the beginning, but once I entrenched the good habits it became second nature,” said Philicity. Philicity looking confident and healthy in a recent photo following her transformation. Picture: Supplied 4. What role did support systems, like family, friends, professionals play in your journey? “Oh, this would not have been possible without Dr Smook and Partners managed by the RXME team. Having access to doctors, my own assigned nurse that I could reach out to at any time, biokineticists, nutritionists and even a psychologist is invaluable. The hardest part of making such a significant change is doing it alone! Support and encouragement from family and friends is vital. They are also great for a little accountability,” said Philicity. 5. Were there any habits or routines that made the biggest difference for you? “Some basic routines or habits that have made changes are honestly the basics we all know. Things like eating breakfast, getting enough protein and fibre, drinking enough water, getting quality sleep and moving my body,” said Philicity. 6. How has this journey impacted other areas of your life beyond physical health? “Well, honestly, I did not realise that I was also holding on to my weight as a protective measure. I have worked through that and now embrace vulnerability,” said Philicity. Philicity weight loss journey is a testament to what can be achieved with focus, commitment, and determination. Picture: Supplied 7. What misconceptions about weight loss do you think people often have? “I think people think that getting medical assistance means that you do not have to put in any work. It is absolutely not the case. This is not a quick fix but a lifestyle overhaul. You need to commit, focus, and realise you are worthy of a healthy life,” said Philicity. 8. What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their own health journey? “My advice to anyone starting your journey is to realise your ‘why’. Why are you doing this? Then honestly the small changes all add up to big changes. Celebrate the wins (the scale is not always your friend but you will feel changes in your clothes). Move, if that means walking, swimming, dancing, just move! If you mess up it’s okay, just do not keep messing up! If you need help there are people out there who want to and can get you on the right path,” said Philicity. Breakfast With Martin Bester airs weekdays between 06:00 and 09:00 on Jacaranda FM. HAVE YOU READ THIS ONE?: ‘I Love You Forever, Papa’: Greta Norris Breaks Hearts with Tribute to Her Late Grandfather Chuck Norris Post navigation ‘I Love You Forever, Papa’: Greta Norris Breaks Hearts with Tribute to Her Late Grandfather Chuck Norris
