Katie was fat-shamed by her husband on TV, now she's lost 28kg
Katie Johnston, who appeared on the 2025 season of the popular reality dating show, was left heartbroken when her 'husband', Tim Gromie, declared on their wedding day that his preference is 'petite blondes' and said he had 'no spark' or attraction to his new 'wife'.
Australia rallied behind Johnston, claiming the 37-year-old 'deserved better' than being horrifically 'body-shamed' by her partner.
Now Johnston, an award-winning social enterprise CEO from Queensland, has revealed she's overhauled her lifestyle after a terrifying diagnosis sparked a health journey that has seen her lose nearly 30kgs in 12 weeks.
'For the first time in my self-love journey, I've turned my attention to my physical health – not for approval, but for me,' she wrote on Instagram.
'Today, I am officially healthy. Here's to the next chapter – living life at my highest, happiest, healthiest self.'
The reality TV contestant, who previously opened up about gaining weight while living with the trauma of being sexually assaulted at age 20, explained that her decision to change her lifestyle came after undergoing a medical test that uses low-energy X-rays to measure bone mineral density (BMD).
After undergoing the routine DEXA scan, it revealed she had dangerously high levels of visceral fat — the kind that wraps around your organs and silently shortens your life expectancy.
As a result, she underwent a massive health overhaul, and now says her most recent DEXA scan showed 'I'm free from dangerous visceral fat, strong in both muscle and bone, and thriving instead of just surviving'.
Alongside medical support, Johnston – who has gone from a size 18 to a 12 – said she was weight training 3 times a week and walking every day, while also eating 'high protein nutrient-dense meals'.
Fans have been quick to praise the TV star for her efforts, with some cheekily noting 'I bet Tim will be kicking himself now'.
'I ALWAYS thought you were a beautiful person inside AND out. But holy sh*t Katie, you are glowing,' one wrote.
'Looking amazing! Keep up the good work,' agreed another.
As one noted: 'Incredible Katie! You have worked hard both inside and out. That smile is so deserved.'
Others flooded the comments sections of her social media pages to simply write, 'wow'.
'You where a beauty anyway, but well done,' one stated.
'Tim punching the air right now,' mused someone else.
'Oh wow!!!!! Stunning then, stunning now!!!' added another.
Johnstone has since responded to her fans, who declared they were 'blown away' by her efforts, and revealed she too is chuffed with how far she has come.
'I've made myself so bloody proud. Not for the way I look (which is [flame emoji] haha) but for how hard I've worked to get back to good health, well actually to good holistic health for the first time,' she wrote.
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