If after migrating to NZ, you’ve gained weight, make sure you read this.
I personally gained 8kgs myself after moving here. Luckily, I was able to lose it back—but it’s still an ongoing challenge for me. And I know I’m not alone. Many of us are struggling too.
As part of my advocacy in our community, I want to keep talking about health and wellness.
Being a nurse in the Emergency Department, I’ve seen how serious it can get. I see people come in already suffering from chronic diseases, and sometimes it’s too late. I’ve heard of our kababayan having heart attacks or stroke in their 40s. It’s scary—but it’s also real.
After migrating to New Zealand, life gets more comfortable. We can now afford more of what we want—chocolates, ice cream, buffet every weekend, parties left and right. But if we’re not careful, this lifestyle takes a toll.
That’s why I always say:
Our body is our best asset.
If we’re not healthy, we can’t work.
We can’t provide.
We can’t enjoy the life we dreamed of.
This April 2025, we had our SlimBody Challenge—and I want to proudly share the story of this year’s winner: Jay Reforial.
I met Jay through my friend Joyce during one of our Atomy One Day Seminars in Christchurch last year. Jay shared her journey online and I’m just so proud of her.
She went from size 16 to size 10. Her results are amazing—but more than the size, it’s her mindset and determination that really stood out.
Here’s what Jay said:
“8 weeks ago, I embark on a weight loss challenge called SlimBody Challenge, sponsored by a Korean company called Atomy.
What motivates me to join the challenge is that I wanted to reduce the risk of unhealthy bodily conditions that might lead to debilitating diseases like heart conditions, abnormal blood sugar, high risk cholesterol, joint pain and other inflammatory disease.
In other words, I wanted to be healthy, as I felt that something is not right in my body. I’ve noticed I was feeling bloated and sluggish and at times low in energy. So hence, I embark on this challenge.
Little did I know that I became the winner as I stayed engaged, focused, and remained fix with my goal for six weeks.
What a journey it has been. Thankful for the so many people who was and is part of this journey.
Thanks Crestine Carson, Jacob Park, my partners Joyce Sosoban-Roa, Eva Marie and Elaine Gloriana-Medillo.
Thank you LongRey Quattro Real for all the support.
Indeed, it was a good journey especially I have you all to cheer me up when the going is tough.
Giving thanks to the higher up who sustained me and give me perseverance to keep fighting.
Now I am on the road to a good start of getting healthy and having a good sense of well-being.
Dio Gracias!”
Just a reminder: The SlimBody Challenge is not a magic pill.
But it helps us build momentum. It’s a chance to get back on track—and you can always start.
You don’t have to wait for another SlimBody Challenge.
It only happens once a year—but you can get started now.
How?
By simply making a decision to make a change in your lifestyle.
If you need help, please message me.
I’m here to support you.
—
Crestine Carson
Pinoys in NZ Admin
Helping Filipinos Prosper Faster in New Zealand
