Nollywood actress and media personality Eniola Badmus has opened up about the emotional toll of her dramatic weight-loss transformation, revealing that despite shedding 87 kilograms over five years, she continues to face body-shaming from critics.
In a heartfelt post shared on her Instagram page, the actress reflected on her remarkable health journey, disclosing that she weighed 170kg five years ago but now weighs 83kg after years of determination, discipline and sacrifice.
According to Badmus, the transformation did not happen overnight but came through consistency, painful setbacks and an unwavering commitment to improving her health.
She described the journey as one of the toughest experiences of her life, saying she is proud of how far she has come despite the emotional and physical challenges.
However, the actress lamented that the same people who mocked her when she was plus-sized are now criticising her for losing weight.
“Five years ago, I weighed 170KG. Today, in 2026, I weigh 83KG. That didn’t happen overnight. It took years of discipline, sacrifice, pain, consistency, tears, setbacks, and choosing my health every single day.
“It has been one of the hardest journeys of my life, and I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come. But here’s what breaks my heart… The same people who body-shamed me when I was plus-size are the same people body-shaming me now that I’ve lost the weight.
“When someone loses almost 90KG, it’s completely normal for the skin to change. Of course, my skin will adjust. I’m doing my best to take care of myself, use collagen, stay healthy, and embrace every stage of this transformation.”
Badmus said the constant criticism hurts, even though she often chooses not to respond.
She urged social media users to be kinder, stressing that words have consequences and that no one deserves to be ridiculed because of their appearance.
The actress also called on women to support one another instead of contributing to online bullying.
“Nobody deserves to be bullied for being plus-size, and nobody deserves to be bullied for losing weight either. I’m proud of my journey. I’m still growing, still healing, and still becoming the best version of myself. You don’t have to love my body, but you can choose to respect it. Be kind. Always.”
Sharing before-and-after photographs, Badmus encouraged plus-sized women to embrace self-love, insisting that the real problem is not being overweight but allowing self-doubt and self-hatred to define one’s life.
The actress has frequently spoken about her transformation over the years. She previously revealed that her weight dropped from 170kg to 90kg, describing the achievement as a testament to God’s grace. She said the change had improved her breathing, sleep, eating habits and overall quality of life.
Despite admitting that she sometimes misses the comfort and familiarity of her former body, Badmus said her new physique represents not just physical change but emotional growth and renewed confidence.
Her dramatic appearance at the 2022 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) sparked widespread reactions and made headlines, with many expressing surprise at her transformation.
She later disclosed that the journey was far from easy and revealed in an interview with City People that she underwent gastric bypass surgery in Turkey to help control her eating habits and support her long-term health goals.
