The Weight of Change — Oluwatosin | Proof Of Life, Episode 18.
Oluwatosin shed 48 kg—not just in body, but in doubt, fear, and limits. Her journey is proof that discipline can rewrite a life.
Transformation isn’t just about numbers on a scale; it’s about the battles you fight in silence. For Oluwatosin, that meant stepping into the gym in 2022, shedding over 48 kg, and finding strength in places she didn’t know existed.
Beyond weight loss, she’s stitching dreams together—literally—through her business, while navigating family, age, and the everyday chaos of Nigeria.
Enjoy.
You’ve been on an impressive weight loss journey since 2022, losing over 45 kg. What first pushed you to start this transformation?
What really pushed me was health-related. I was diagnosed with PCOS and also developed high blood pressure in 2022. My periods were irregular—I could go months without one, and when it finally came, it could last up to two months or more. I lost some weight in 2022 but gained it all back because I was dieting wrongly. So, in 2023, I decided to restart properly and stay consistent.
Every fitness story has its battles—what’s been the toughest moment in your journey, and how did you keep yourself going?
The toughest moment was losing my relationship because of how I looked, and also losing friends along the way. For reasons I couldn’t explain, things just didn’t work out. Another big challenge was regaining double the weight I had already lost—I had to start all over again.
A lot of people are uncomfortable in their bodies but struggle to take the first step. What’s your advice to anyone in that position?
My advice is simple: no one is coming to save you. The more you procrastinate, the harder it gets. Start now. You can do it.
Outside the gym, you run a stitches business. How do you balance entrepreneurship with your personal goals, and what are your hopes for the business?
Honestly, it hasn’t been easy combining a weight loss journey with sewing. But self-determination is key. Once you’re determined and put your mind to it, it stops feeling like a struggle. At the beginning, it was tough—managing workouts, counting calories, sewing clothes, sending out orders, and still dealing with relationship issues. But now, I’ve adjusted. I got myself into this, so I had to fix it.
You’ve said turning 28 feels like a milestone. How has age shaped your perspective on life, choices, and the pressure to “have it figured out”?
Age is just a number, but I’ve learned that the older you get, the heavier the responsibilities become. My biggest lesson is: don’t be jobless. With the way this country is, you could easily hit 40 and have nothing to show for it. Keep doing something. Keep pushing. Don’t give up. As long as there’s life, there’s hope.
You live in Ibadan—what’s one thing you love about life there, and one thing you wish was different?
Ibadan is very peaceful. I was born and raised here, and honestly, I don’t mind living here forever. Everyone wants to move abroad, but maybe if I travel one day, I’ll decide. For now, I love Ibadan’s calmness. The only things I’d change are the bad roads and maybe the “short people anger issues” here 😂.
Who or what role does family and friendship play in your life, especially on days when things feel heavy?
Friendship hasn’t always been easy for me. I tend to give too much, get little in return, and end up hurt. But I still have a few good friends who’ve been constants: Jumai, who’s been my friend for nine years, Ify, whom I met at the gym in 2021, and Hiswhage, whom I met at the gym this year and who’s been solid.
Family, though, is everything. They are always there for me, and I love them deeply.
With the way this country is, you could easily hit 40 and have nothing to show for it.
Looking back so far, what’s your favourite memory—the one you hold close and replay often?
My favorite memory has to be when my dad chased away my first love, reported him to security, and then beat the hell out of me. I was in SS3 😂😂.
You’re a fan of horror movies. What’s the appeal for you, and which one would you say is your all-time favourite?
I love the suspense and the thrill of wondering what the next scene will bring—it keeps me on edge, and I find it so interesting. My best so far would be Outside.
What’s your current music rotation like? Who are the artists or songs carrying you through this season of your life?
I love Sam Smith’s How Do You Sleep. I also love Simi and Shoday. I don’t have a single favorite right now—I just listen to whatever lifts my spirit.
Nigeria’s economic situation has been tough on young people. How has it shaped your day-to-day life, dreams, and outlook for the future?
Omo, the situation of the country is not good at all. Even men no dey toast women again—responsibilities choke. But I believe we will all be fine.☺️
Finally, drop one random thought that’s been living rent-free in your head lately—funny, serious, or somewhere in between.
We will all die. Be nice.
What’s on my mind?
My mind keeps drifting to children who peaked early in life—those 6- to 8-year-olds capable of exceptional achievements in areas like public speaking, painting, or singing, all under the weight of intense expectations. Without proper support, these gifted children can lose their way and develop self-doubt. As a child who participated and won debates and quizzes in primary school, I feel that this creates a void—a sense that you're not doing enough or reaching your full potential.
These thoughts are increased by the constant sharing of children's accomplishments online by parents. Everyone aims to nurture the next superstar, but without the right infrastructure of care and support for when setbacks happen, there's a risk of raising a child who rises quickly and falls just as fast.
What I am excited for.
What a month! My friends and I spent the last few weeks on an incredible creative adventure. We launched "ON GOD", a new single from Boyvybe, and used our SOHR infrastructure to bring it to life. It's been a whirlwind journey filled with everything from creating fun characters to overcoming production snags. Doing interesting things, eh!
In just 18 days, we've created over 300 pieces of content, including more than 30 vox-pop videos. We even danced in the streets with a choir and met a man who had twins after 11 years of marriag
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Ready to see what we've been up to? Check out the song here and our content collection here.
Substack Asuana! Eka ye Obong!