Perm mother sheds 40 kg in 1.5 years, shares journey

Perm resident Maria Lipatova weighed over 100 kilograms (220 pounds) two years ago, as previously reported. The young mother decided to make a radical change. After a year and eight months of training at the gym, she lost 40 kilograms (88 pounds).

Maria Lipatova told 59.RU that after maternity leave, she stopped paying attention to her diet, often just snacking at her store job and «eating haphazardly.» Maria«s weight increased to 100 kilograms (220 pounds) at a height of 160 centimeters (5 feet 3 inches). In 2023, the Perm resident decided to take control and joined a fitness gym. First, the trainer told her it was time to change her diet and adopt strict self-discipline.

«Actually, in that period at first it was psychologically somewhat difficult,» Maria said. «I had cravings, but I restrained myself. If you give in, you»re only harming yourself. Soon, I started cooking separately for myself. My child and husband eat one thing, I eat another.«

In 2023, Maria traveled to Yekaterinburg for the Russian Bodybuilding Championship. The Perm resident was amazed when she saw slim and toned women on stage.

In November 2024, Maria herself decided to try bodybuilding. For the next five months, she had intensive strength training. In April 2025, Maria participated in the Perm regional bodybuilding competitions and won — taking third place. Her weight for the competitions was 55 kilograms (121 pounds).