EXCLUSIVE MAFS' Katie Johnson reveals how rape ordeal left her hiding behind her weight gain before she turned to weight-loss injections to reclaim her health: 'I was slowly killing myself'
Married At First Sight star Katie Johnson has bravely revealed the dark truth behind her journey to healing.
The 37-year-old fan favourite candidly detailed the trauma of being raped before the age of 21, how it derailed her sense of self, and how it ultimately sparked a radical transformation of mind, body and soul.
In an emotional sit-down interview at the Daily Mail Australia office, the 37-year-old social entrepreneur opened up about the moment her world came crashing down – and how her journey on MAFS triggered a reckoning that helped her begin to take back her power.
Katie revealed she was just three months shy of her 21st birthday when a man she trusted violently raped her.
'I completely froze,' she said, her voice shaking. 'I was pinned down. I couldn't move a muscle or say a word. I couldn't fight for myself. I thought I was strong – but I froze.'
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'I had just launched my second remedial massage business. I had everything going for me, and then – in an instant – it was all gone.'
Katie said she didn't leave her apartment for two weeks following the assault.
When she finally did, it was to visit hospital for a severe urinary tract infection caused by internal damage.
'The nurse said, "It's just a UTI – it's not the end of the world." But I broke down and said, "No – I think I've been raped"' Katie said.
Despite the hospital visit, Katie never underwent a forensic rape kit. She also didn't tell anyone for over a year.
A psychologist told her pressing charges would 'probably look like your fault' due to the lack of evidence – a comment that caused her to spiral further into isolation and self-blame.
'For a long time, I couldn't even use the word "rape." I just called it "the event" because it was too painful to say,' she said.
'I didn't want to be that woman – the one people look at with pity.'
Katie eventually told her family, but by then, she said the psychological damage had already taken root - impacting her career, her mental health, her confidence and especially her relationship with her body.
'I felt like if I stayed small and pretty and bright – I was a target,' Katie said.
'So I got bigger. I hid. I made myself less desirable, less visible. It felt safer to not shine.'
The weight became her protection – a barrier between herself and a world she no longer trusted. And while she outwardly projected confidence and resilience, inside she was still 'fighting for air.'
Even when she appeared on MAFS in 2025, she thought she was 'healed' – until she watched herself back on screen.
'I saw myself being triggered, affected by someone whose opinion shouldn't have mattered,' she said of her match on the show.
'That's when I realised – I still had work to do. My self-esteem wasn't where I thought it was.'
Katie said the wake-up call came not from social pressure or looks – but a scan that revealed her visceral fat levels were dangerously high.
Katie says her weight became her protection – a barrier between herself and a world she no longer trusted. And while she outwardly projected confidence and resilience, inside she was still 'fighting for air'
'My bio-age was older than my actual age. The fat around my organs was a massive red flag,' she said.
'That's when it clicked – I've been carrying this weight like a punishment. But I was slowly killing myself. That terrified me.'
Determined to reclaim her health, Katie made a commitment to not just lose weight, but to truly live.
'This isn't about vanity,' she said firmly. 'It's about survival.'
Katie initially tried weight-loss injections, including Mounjaro, but struggled with fatigue and sickness.
'I didn't feel alive. I was shrinking physically, but I had no energy – no spark,' she said.
She then resumed Mounjaro with a supplement that she says helped with side effects.
'It changed everything,' Katie said.
'I felt energised, excited to work out, and like I was finally living again.'
She's already dropped a dress size – and has two more to go until she hits her target.
'I'm not chasing a number. I'm chasing a feeling – health, strength, and pride in how far I've come.'
Katie's transformation isn't just physical. It's emotional. Spiritual. Empowering.
'I used to sabotage myself. I used to think being at my best was dangerous,' she said.
'Now, I know it's safe to shine. And I have a right to.'
The former MAFS bride now uses her platform to share her journey in raw, unfiltered honesty – helping other women feel less alone in their pain.
'I'm not here to tell anyone what to do. But I want to show them what's possible – when you take back control, when you choose yourself.'
'To anyone who's been through trauma – I see you. I feel you. I've been there,' Katie said.
'It's not your fault. It never was. Be gentle with yourself. Take it slow. Speak kindly to yourself. And remember – healing doesn't have a deadline.'
Katie said she's now focused on continuing her wellness journey, documenting her progress online, and eventually – hiking a mountain and wearing a bikini again.
'I want to see myself and say, "You did that. You survived. You shined. You're finally home in your own body"' she explained.
As for love? That's on the backburner – for now.
'My self-love cup is overflowing,' she smiled. 'And that's all I need.'
If you or someone you know is affected by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
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