Road to recovery

The middle school halls were filled with whispers and stares. The girls laughed and taunted her.  Junior Natalie Makhoul’s peers even told her she could not become a cheerleader “because she was fat”. Not only was Makhoul attacked with insults but she was also diagnosed with Pseudotumor cerebral, pre-diabetes and an overeating disorders. But even with the discouraging circumstances, Makhoul overcame these obstacles to better her life.

Pseudotumor cerebral is a neurological disorder that affects the body as if there were a tumor within the brain, and because of this disease, Makhoul risks getting heart and liver diseases as well as losing her vision. She was also diagnosed with pre-diabetes, a precursor to type II diabetes, that occurs when glucose levels in blood are high but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.
“When I was diagnosed with Pseudotumor Cerebral and pre-diabetes, I was also very depressed [and] … gained so much weight [that] I was the heaviest I had ever been,” Makhoul said.

Both disorders are generally treatable, but the patient must change his or her lifestyle by incorporating a healthy diet and exercise. Consequently, Makhoul teamed up with alumnus Tyler Waldman, a trainer at Zo Personal Training, and she began to dedicate one hour to the gym for five to six days a week.

“When I [was] introduced to my trainer, Tyler Waldman, I immediately thought that someone like him couldn’t possibly help me change my life,” Makhoul said. “I was wrong.”

With her support network, Makhoul was able to reach her long and short-term goals; she has lost 65 pounds and has improved her overall health. Yet, Makhoul isn’t done working for her health.

“It’s a constant battle. It becomes exhausting, but I know all in all it is worth it- and forever will be,” Makhoul said. “Sadly, people our age are addicted to drugs, alcohol, and other recreational activities- but me, I’m addicted to the gym, living a healthy life, and trying to help others know that they can make a change too.”