ABOUT ME
My transformation is proof that no matter where you start, you can realise your dreams.
Cosmetic nurse prescriber | philanthropist & charity trustee | entrepreneur
BIRTH OF BODY BY CATHY
The seeds for Body by Cathy were planted more than 15 years ago when I started battling my own weight issues, they've grown as I've kept the weight off and they've blossomed as I've gotten stronger—all while I was running my successful beauty company, Skin by Cathy. Now, as I share my journey, I hope to inspire others to get fit and dramatically change their lives and their bodies. My story isn’t just about weight-loss, it’s about believing in yourself no matter what, setting goals, doing what terrifies you, celebrating success and embracing every inch of your body—both inside and out. Those beliefs are what drive my business, Body by Cathy, and every decision I make. Explore my world.
MY JOURNEY
Bullying, undiagnosed dyslexia and low self-esteem fused together, forming a bond that riddled me with shame. Unaware of the cause and feeling helpless to change, I ate my way to a UK size 24, which became a vicious circle as every pound made me feel even more powerless.
When I finally decided I had enough of being fat, and I knew I had to change or risk disease, I didn't know how to start. I was too ashamed and embarrassed to join a gym or even walk outside. I didn’t have a support network or someone to advise me. Instead, I read a lot and tested popular programmes (you know the ones you see late at night or in fashion magazines that promise miracles—I tried them all). Of course I failed many times, always reverting back to binging and punishing.
UNDERSTANDING THE EMOTIONAL LINK
“Fat me is still in the back of my head at times, but I know how to overcome those thoughts and accept myself.”
Shrinking to a UK size 8, and staying there for the past 10 years was not easy. I made a lot of mistakes in my quest to get fit and I often went to extremes, risking my health, but that was because I didn't understand nutrition and I didn't know the link between my weight and my emotions. When I became aware of my emotional connection to my weight, I became empowered and began to take control of my life. Coaching is core to our Get Fit programmes because I know it would have benefited me when I was trying to lose weight.
As I shed the weight, I shed the shame and emotional baggage I’d been hiding under. I was lucky because I've always been a fighter and I knew that if I could lose the weight, I could be happy and I could love my body. Now, I wear my stretchmarks as a badge of honour because they remind me that I am strong and I can accomplish anything. Learn more.
CATHY MARTIN IS AN AESTHETIC NURSE PRESCRIBER (RN, INP), REGISTERED WITH NMC. cathy is also a weight loss management consultant and nutrition coach.
winner uk Health and fitness entrepreneur of the year 2021.
WHY I CREATED
BODY BY CATHY
WHY I CREATED BODY BY CATHY
The overwhelming response I received after I first shared my story inspired me to share more. So I did. People from all over the world sent messages to me, telling me thank you, that they too, had suffered from bullying, dyslexia and other problems and they too, turned to eating to hide their pain.
For years, I kept my story and my journey private, not out of shame (at least not by the time I bought my first size 8 dress and it fit), but because I didn't think anyone would be interested to hear it. I was wrong. I was so wrong that in response to demand, I also offer motivational speaking to share my story and inspire others to start their transformations.
“I am certain my journey would have been easier with support, proper advice and realistic goals. I got there in the end and I’ve kept the weight off, but it was a tough journey to manage on my own.”
NOT JUST A FAT GIRL'S STORY
My story isn't just a fat one, it's one about overcoming adversity (no matter what form it takes), believing in myself, fighting stereotypes and connecting with other people. When people ask why I continue exercising and why I ask for fruit instead of cake at parties, they don't understand that being healthy is a conscious choice. After I reach each goal, I set a new one. I never stop because I know how good it feels to succeed.
FOR ME, IT’S PERSONAL
A nameless, faceless computer doesn’t fit with health and wellness, yet that’s much of what you see if you dare to Google. You need some passion, some excitement and especially empathy when talking about something as serious as health and wellness. That's what we bring.
My starting point is personal experience (read this article about Cathy to learn more), boosted with advanced degrees in nutrition and weight-loss, completed with sophisticated nutrition and exercise programmes, and secured with coaching at our core—all designed to help you reach your goals.
WHY BODY BY CATHY IS DIFFERENT
MY PHILOSOPHY
My philosophy is simple: Learn what proper nutrition is, learn how to listen to your body, start moving, feel better. Simple.
Life is a balancing act with much of our energy spent trying to find it and hold on. What you don’t need are rigid diet rules or unrealistic weight goals.
Our approach to wellness is about balance, control and celebration. When you eat well, stress is reduced and you feel more energetic, restoring balance. When you know what your body needs for fuel, you gain control of how your body responds. When you reach your goals, you celebrate by proving to yourself that you can accomplish anything (which, of course, you can).
SUPPORT
Throughout your transformation you are supported by Cathy, fitness and wellness coaches and an entire community of people on their own journey. Together, we help you get fit, increase your energy, feel better, look better, sleep better, fight disease and illness, gain confidence and live a happier, more productive life. We know those statements sound bold, but when you give your body the proper tools to function, those statements become real and you reap the rewards. WHY YOU SHOULD START CHANGING YOUR LIFE TODAY
TAKE CONTROL
Take control of your life. You're not the first person to finally address that nagging feeling inside, knowing you must change something in your life, worried you will fail. It doesn’t matter if you’re finally deciding to lose weight or thinking of competing, I've been where you are. It's terrifying. The only difference is that when I stood where you are now, there was no one to help me. Your journey will be different. For your journey, no matter what facet of your body you’re changing, I will be your coach, your cheerleader, your counsellor and even your guard (if needed). I will help you reach your goals and share in your joy when you do. Start today.
“I’ve been where you are now. I ate my way to a UK size 24. Now I’m a UK size 8 and getting stronger every day. I’ll show you all of my secrets and teach you to love your body too.”
CHANGE YOUR LIFE STARTING TODAY
COMMUNITY AND CHARITY
I believe in giving back and supporting those who have helped me on my journey and those who are in need. I believe education is the great equaliser, helping children dream, teaching them a world of opportunity within reach and inspiring invention. It’s with this vision, my family and I created The Martin Reach. The charity began with projects in Africa, but like the children we help, we're reaching for the entire world. Learn more about our recent projects.
Education reverses poverty, creating routes to opportunity, happiness and prosperity. Education is also the great equalizer, levelling the field between those who have and those who don’t. By teaching the power of discovery, innovation and achievement, education changes the world. Learn more about The Martin Reach.