Transformation: Mpumie wins her fight with food with help from Herbex

Jazz singer Mpumie Twala loved food, but her love affair eventually turned into a toxic relationship.

“I wasn’t physically active either at that time. As a result, I continued to gain weight until I was a size 18 and weighed 115kg. I was just 34 years old.

Mpumie lost her zest for life and became depressed. “I was not a happy person. I realised I was huge when my clothes could no longer fit me.

Can’t out-train a bad diet

It was September 2006 when Mpumie resolved to regain control of her life. She started her weight-loss drive by joining a Planet Fitness club.

“It was an uphill battle because I was so unfit at the time. And despite attending the gym regularly, nothing happened to my weight problem. I still loved food too much and had not addressed my poor eating habits.”

As a result, Mpumie didn’t make any progress between 2006 and 2008, but she never gave up!

READ MORE: Fundiswa lost 24kg in 9 months with Herbex!

Help from Herbex

“In June 2008, I made a decision to find a product that would help me to eat less.”

Mpumie selected Herbex Booster Eat-Less Drops, which helped her reduce her food intake.

A month later she bought Herbex Age-Group Weight-Loss Tablets for women aged 20-40 years to add extra impetus to her weight-loss efforts.

“I lost 1kg that month, even though I was only going to the gym once or twice a week because it was winter.”

Nevertheless, Mpumie acknowledged her achievement and vowed to continue. “I felt great after losing that first kilo and I went on to lose 30kg more between July 2008 and April 2009.”

By 2012, Mpumie had lost a staggering 45kg. “I weighed 71kg and people started to notice and comment on my weight loss. I felt good and the compliments encouraged me to continue to reach my ideal weight.”

Mpumie kept using the Herbex Age Group Weight-Loss Tablets and has managed to maintain her new weight.

READ MORE: Charissa Jacobs is half the person she used to be thanks to Herbex

Dark clouds lift

“Excess body weight is like a dark cloud that limits your potential in life. Since losing all that weight, those dark clouds have lifted. I am a more positive and happier person and I’ve managed to win the battle against my depression. I now love every part of my body and feel beautiful and very sexy.”

Her weight-loss success also imbued Mpumie with new-found assuredness in her abilities.

“It has given me the confidence to reach other goals in life. And this self-belief has benefited my singing. When I was on stage before, I never used to dance, but now I can dance and enjoy my performances because I feel light and free to express myself.”

Age-defying socialite

Mpumie’s weight loss also transformed her social life.

“I was not comfortable going out with friends when I was overweight, but now I enjoy every moment. I am also happy and bubbly when I’m out, which helps me meet new people, many of whom tell me that I am beautiful. Most don’t believe me when I tell them my age – at times, I had to produce my ID or driver’s licence to prove it. And I even attracted guys, like sugar attracts bees,” quips Mpumie.

The transformed Mpumie has also enjoyed a new lease on family life. “I now play with my niece, swimming in public places with no worries because I am no longer ashamed of myself. My mother also loves the new me. My family have really assisted me and supported my weight-loss venture.”

And Mpumie uses her renewed energy to get involved and help the less fortunate. “Because I have learned to take care of myself, I can now help to take care of others.”