Watching loved ones pass away from preventable diseases and attending regular funerals has spurred a Busselton Aboriginal couple to turn their lives around.
Alfie and Oceania Stack have lost more than 65 kilograms between them and now want to inspire the community with their healthy lifestyle.
“Our turning point was both coming from Aboriginal families with people passing away weekly, fortnightly, monthly from health related issues such as obesity and diabetes that can be prevented,” Oceania said.
“It was when we went to our doctors and they told us we were both in the obese range and if we didn’t change our lifestyle we would be at risk of a heart attack by the time we were 30.”
“You wake up one day and think enough is enough." - Oceania Stack
Since commencing a regime, which includes a nutritional supplement, balanced diet and exercise, Oceania has gone from a size 18 to a size 12 and Alfie from a 5XL to XL.
Ms Stack said the pair noticed results within a week.
“We got this energy shift and it was like a dark cloud that hovered over us for so long had gone,” she said.
The parents of four children started their journey three and a half years ago.
She said their rock bottom was a heartbreaking moment when they couldn’t run alongside their children.
“You wake up one day and think enough is enough,” she said.
“It is enough to snap you out of your habits and know this life your living is not right.”
Prior to their health change, they ate takeaway three times a week, were constantly tired and never felt satisfied.
They suffered daily headaches, bloating and back pain from the excess weight.
“We were so embarrassed by our appearance we hardly went out, we swam fully clothed and didn’t associate with the outside world,” she said.
“Now, we have amazing energy every day and it's not even about the weight anymore, it's how amazing we feel every single day and how we would never want to be back in the life we were living.”
Oceania said she hoped their story would encourage others to change their lives.
“It just takes a decision to change your life,” she said.
“Are you happy with what stares back at you in the mirror? I wasn't and I was ashamed.
“We are happier and healthier than we were in our teens.”
