Johannesburg, 25 March 2026 | Philicity Reeken, the radiant co-host of Jacaranda FM’s award-winning breakfast show ‘Breakfast With Martin Bester’, has revealed her incredible physical and mental transformation, having lost 35 kilograms over the past year. While the physical change is evident, Reeken is now sharing the deeper, more personal story behind her journey, one defined by a shift from survival to vulnerability.
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Motivated initially by severe health concerns, including damaged knees and chronic inflammation, Philicity Reeken realised that her weight was hindering her mobility and long-term quality of life. However, as the kilograms dropped, she discovered that the journey was as much about the mind as it was about the body.
“I didn’t realise that I was holding on to my weight as a protective measure,” Reeken reveals. “I’ve worked through that now and truly embrace vulnerability. It wasn’t just about physical changes; it was about the mental and emotional process of saying goodbye to that weight and seeing myself in a different body.”
As she opens up about her weight loss journey, Philicity discusses the habits, hurdles, and the vital support system that guided her through this life-changing evolution.
What initially motivated you to begin your weight-loss journey?
My weight-loss journey was motivated by my health and mobility. I have very damaged knees and my weight was hindering my ability to live the life I wanted to. I was also really inflamed and was concerned about things like high blood pressure and other lifestyle-related issues.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced along the way, and how did you overcome them?
Some of my biggest challenges were both physical, mental and emotional. Physically it was relearning and reacquainting myself with whole foods and portion sizes. Mentally it was actually seeing myself in a different body and what that means, and emotionally it was saying goodbye to the weight.
How did your mindset shift throughout the process?
Honestly, my mindset shift was intentional and deliberate in the beginning, but once I entrenched the good habits it became second nature.
What role did support systems, like family, friends, professionals play in your journey?
Oh, this wouldn’t have been possible without Dr Smook and Partners managed by the RXME team. Having access to doctors, my own assigned nurse that I could reach out to at any time, biokineticists, nutritionists and even a psychologist is invaluable. The hardest part of making such a significant change is doing it alone! Support and encouragement from family and friends is vital. They are also great for a little accountability.
Were there any habits or routines that made the biggest difference for you?
Some basic routines or habits that have made changes are honestly the basics we all know. Things like eating breakfast, getting enough protein and fibre, drinking enough water, getting quality sleep and moving my body.
How has this journey impacted other areas of your life beyond physical health?
Well, honestly, I didn’t realise that I was also holding on to my weight as a protective measure. I’ve worked through that and now embrace vulnerability.
What misconceptions about weight loss do you think people often have?
I think people think that getting medical assistance means that you don’t have to put in any work. It is absolutely not the case. This is not a quick fix but a lifestyle overhaul. You need to commit and focus. Realising you are worthy of a healthy life.
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their own health journey?
My advice to anyone starting your journey is to realise your ‘why’. Why are you doing this? Then honestly the small changes all add up to big changes. Celebrate the wins (the scale isn’t always your friend but you’ll feel changes in your clothes). Move, if that means walking, swimming, dancing, just move! If you mess up it’s okay, just don’t keep messing up! If you need help there are people out there who want to and can get you on the right path.
As Philicity continues to embrace her new lifestyle, her story serves as a powerful reminder that health is not a destination, but a continuous commitment to oneself. By stripping away the physical and emotional weight of the past, she has paved the way for a more active, vibrant, and vulnerable future.
Listen to Philicity Reeken on Jacaranda FM’s Breakfast With Martin Bester every weekday between 06:00 and 09:00.
