When Christina Jordan got married in March 2001, she was 19 years old and weighed 19st 5lbs. It was the best day of her life, but looking back on the photographs nearly two decades later, 40-year-old Christina couldn’t help but feel like she was looking at someone else.
Having lost 9st 8lbs, she hated the pictures. The dress she wore was chosen merely because it fit her, rather than because it was what she wanted. So, to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary, Christina decided to renew her vows to her husband Derek, 41.
Christina says, “I’d already married the man of my dreams – now I wanted to tie the knot in the wedding dress of my dreams. When I first got married, the only gown I could fit into was a UK size 28, but the princess cut wasn’t really my style. The day was magical, but my dress was tight, and I felt very insecure. I was over 7st heavier than Derek, but he didn’t care about my size, he loved me for me.”
Christina, who is 5ft 7, had always struggled with her weight and was picked on at school. She’d wear black clothing and shunned colourful outfits. But meeting Derek helped her to find happiness. She says, “Derek and I met when we were 17 and 18 through a family friend. We had an instant connection. He was kind, funny and a complete gentleman. I was shy, and as I was bigger than everyone else at school, boys didn’t pay much attention to me. But Derek helped me to see that I was beautiful, no matter my size. We were teenage sweethearts, and when he proposed, I was over the moon. Although we were very young, getting married felt right.”
Over the years, the couple had three sons, now 18, 16, and 11, and although Christina would try to lose weight, nothing seemed to work. She says, “I tried every diet going, but I was in a constant cycle of bingeing and starving myself. One doctor put me on a 400-calorie-a-day diet, and my personal trainer fired me because I was gaining weight. Nothing was working, and the stress of dieting made me pile on even more pounds.”
It was the events after a health scare that made Christina realise that she needed to take urgent action. She explains, “One day my vision went, I felt dizzy, and I fell down the stairs. I knew that something was seriously wrong. The doctor told me I had type 2 diabetes, which runs in my family. I was also diagnosed with thyroid problems, autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, which were all linked to my weight.
“To take my mind off the stress, Derek suggested we take a family holiday to Disneyland. While we were queuing to go on a ride, I noticed that I exceeded the weight limit, but I ignored it and got on anyway.
“Trying to strap myself in, the seatbelt wouldn’t fit and I started panicking. I was told I was too big for the ride. I was in tears. I knew that things had to change. I was missing out on the boys’ childhood, and I feared not being around to see them grow up.
“I took things into my own hands and began a course in nutrition. The first real change was my mindset – I began to focus on my health, rather than getting skinny. I actually started eating more often, but my choices were healthier, and I cut out sugar and gluten. At first, it was really difficult. Pizza and carbs were my biggest temptation. The struggle opened my eyes – I hadn’t realised how much food was controlling me.
“In the first month, I lost two-and-a-half stone, which really spurred me on. Every night, I’d go for a walk, and soon I was swimming and bike riding regularly too. We live near some beautiful mountains, so hiking became one of my favourite activities – I now go three times a week, with Derek or friends.”
CHECK OUT the most jaw-dropping celebrity weight transformations
CLOSER Celebrity weight transformations - slider and stacked
1 of 70Jonathan Tapper, 2015
Gogglebox's Jonathan Tapper was previously 21st 3lbs, but he slimmed down to 18st 8lbs after being diagnosed with diabetes in 2015.
2 of 70Jonathan Tapper, 2019
The Channel 4 star dropped 3 stone in 12 weeks and the North Londoner reckons he was consuming over 3,000 calories a day. He has now reduced his intake to 1,800 daily in order to keep the weight off, ensuring that he exercises too.
3 of 70Susanna Reid, 2017
Susanna previously admitted on Good Morning Britain that she lost weight due to health issues. She explained: "It was a combination of factors, but a doctor said I was at the top end of my BMI."He said it might benefit me if I lost a little weight."
4 of 70Susanna Reid, 2019
She pretty much looks the exact same but has confessed she's cut the booze and snacking. Piers Morgan has also said she's "never been happier".
5 of 70Tommy Mallet, 2018
Tommy has long been our number one boy hun on TOWIE. He transformed himself from cuddly sweetheart...
6 of 70Tommy Mallet, 2019
...to ripped DEMI GOD. Tommy credited his new physique to an intense daily exercise regime and healthy eating plan.
7 of 70Jenna Jameson, 2015
American former adult film star Jenna Jameson stormed British TV screens on Celebrity Big Brother in 2015.
8 of 70Jenna Jameson, 2018
She put on some pounds following the birth of her children and astonished fans when she shared incredible before and after pictures, revealing she'd dropped 80lb.
9 of 70Tyne Lexi, May 2018
Love Island 2017 cast mate Tyne put on two stone after appearing in the looking-for-love show. She still looked simply stunning, mind.
10 of 70Tyne Lexi, July 2018
Tyne shed inches using a combination of Shake it Slim meal replacements and some pretty hardcore work out routines. Go, Lexi!
11 of 70Gary Barlow, 1996
The Take That frontman shared this photo in February 2018 to remind himself how far he's come in his weight loss journey. Gary went up to around 16st after Take That split in 1996.
12 of 70Gary Barlow, 2017
These days, Gary eats healthily and takes part in yoga every week. He now weighs less than 12st.
13 of 70Josie Gibson, 2010
When Josie won Big Brother in 2010, she was a size 20 dress size and reportedly weighed 16st 17lb.
14 of 70Josie Gibson, 2012
Josie famously went through a huge weight loss transformation in 2012, dropping to a size 8 and reportedly weighing 10st 2lb.
15 of 70Mariah Carey, 2017
Mariah Carey stepped out in August 2017 with her boyfriend Brian Tanaka in New York.
16 of 70Mariah Carey, 2017
Just three months later in October, she looked dramatically different - and was reported to have undergone liposuction.
17 of 70Lisa Riley, 2012
Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley was known for her size 28 frame, but fans were pleasantly surprised by her sprightliness while on Strictly Come Dancing in 2012.
18 of 70Lisa Riley, 2018
Lisa went under a huge lifestyle overhaul, losing a whopping 12 stone and dropping from a size 28 to a 12 before having her excess skin removed in 2017.
19 of 70Dawn French, 2005
Everyone's favourite comedienne Dawn French previously weighed around 19st.
20 of 70Dawn French, 2018
But in 2016, Dawn lost an incredible seven and a half stone - here's how she did it.
21 of 70Scarlett Moffatt, 2015
Gogglebox favourite Scarlett Moffatt was well-loved for her bubbly personality, but had issues with her weight.
22 of 70Scarlett Moffatt, 2016
A year later, Scarlett underwent a huge weight loss - dropping from a size 18 to an 8. Read all about it here.
23 of 70Kelly Brook, 2010
Model and presenter Kelly Brook has always had perfect hour glass curves, but she shrunk to a size 8 in 2010 when she became the face of Ultimo and appeared in American Playboy magazine.
24 of 70Kelly Brook, 2018
Approaching her 40s as a happy and healthy size 12, Kelly has spoken about how she's just not bothered about staying a size 8 anymore. But she recently shared how putting weight on her famous big boobs might be causing a bit of a health issue.
25 of 70Katie Hopkins, 2014
Controversial Katie Hopkins was a regular runner who gained a whopping 3st 5lb in just three months and weighed 12st. But Katie has always said there are 'no excuses' for people being overweight - so what happened?!
26 of 70Katie Hopkins, 2015
It turned out Katie's rapid weight gain was for a documentary to prove how easy it is for her to lose weight - which she did in just a few months. But we can't help but think it was all a bit of a, errr, pointless exercise?
27 of 70Tom Kerridge, 2013
TV chef Tom Kerridge weighed a dangerous 30st which he says was due to a lifestyle of late night drinking and overeating.
28 of 70Tom Kerridge, 2016
After a complete lifestyle overhaul, Tom shredded a staggering 12st - which is basically the same weight as another grown adult. Impressive work, Tom!
29 of 70Brooke Vincent, 2017
Corrie actress Brooke Vincent was already a petite size 10 but she wanted to give up smoking and get fit for Dancing on Ice.
30 of 70Brooke Vincent, 2017
And she did it! Brooke lost a dress size and showed off her seriously toned tum on Instagram. She also managed to kick her smoking habit. Yay!
31 of 70Holly Willoughby, 2015
Morning TV star Holly Willoughby has always had enviable curves and was a size 12 up until fairly recently.
32 of 70Holly Willoughby, 2017
She looked noticeably slimmer in 2017 when Loose Women star Nadia Sawalha commented on it accidentally on live TV. Holly's secret to staying in shape is said to be a healthy lifestyle of pilates, kickboxing and a high vegetable diet.
33 of 70Lauren Goodger, 2017
Former TOWIE star Lauren Goodger has always battled with her yo-yo weight.
34 of 70Lauren Goodger, 2018
Following a tough 21 day juice cleanse at a retreat earlier this year, Lauren lost 1.4st.
35 of 70Khloe Kardashian, 2012
Khloe owns the kind of curves that can only belong to a Kardashian! She is the tallest sister in the fam at 5ft 9in and she reportedly weighed just over 11st in 2012.
36 of 70Khloe Kardashian, 2017
Fast forward five years and Khloe shredded 30 pounds through a strict exercise regime and diet. She has spoken about how her split from Lamar Odom triggered her decision to hit the gym.
37 of 70Jennifer Hudson, 2007
Singing sensation and The Voice judge Jennifer Hudson was a size 16 when she first came to our attention as the American Idol winner in 2007.
38 of 70Jennifer Hudson, 2018
As her career grew her body shrunk after joining Weight Watchers and taking control of her diet. Jennifer dropped five dress sizes and today is a size 6.
39 of 70Johnny Vegas, February 2017
Johnny Vegas was long known for his fuller figure as well as his funny way with words, and that relationship with a tea loving monkey.
40 of 70Johnny Vegas, July 2018
Johnny unveiled his trim new look on Instagram after dropping a whopping three stone through following a healthy eating and fitness plan.
41 of 70Christina Aguilera, 2012
In 2012 Xtina's womanly curves weighed 10 stone 7lb on her 5ft 1 frame and she wore a size 16.
42 of 70Christina Aguilera, 2016
The pop megastar dropped two stones by 2016 thanks to cutting out bad foods and being very strict with booze. But we're glad to see she's still rocking those curves!
43 of 70Cheryl, 2015
Nation's sweetheart Cheryl Tweedy has always been super slim but she sparked concerns with her fragile frame during X Factor filming in 2015.
44 of 70Cheryl, 2018
Cheryl quickly lost the pregnancy weight after giving birth to baby Bear in 2017. She was looking slim but strong at the Brit Awards 2018.
45 of 70Melissa McCarthy, 2014
The hilarious Melissa McCarthy weighed just under 19st in 2014 after her brilliant performance in Bridesmaids.
46 of 70Melissa McCarthy, 2017
5ft 2 Melissa lost an amazing 75 pounds through a very strict diet and exercise regime. She looks happier (and even more amazing!) than ever.
47 of 70Rebel Wilson, 2010
Actress Rebel Wilson defied the typical Hollywood body when she starred in Bridesmaids with fellow actress Melinda McCarthey.
48 of 70Rebel Wilson, 2017
In 2016 Rebel looked great after losing eight pounds at a fitness retreat in Malibu. By 2017 she'd lost an incredible 33 pounds.
49 of 70Jonah Hill, 2007
Jonah Hill has always been the 'cuddly' character in films like Knocked Up, Forgetting Sarah Marshall and 21 Jump Street.
50 of 70Jonah Hill, 2018
What a difference a year makes. He said he lost the weight and toned up by cutting out beer, seeking a nutritionist and getting tips from 21 Jump Street co-star Channing Tatum.
51 of 70Chris Pratt, 2010
Chris Pratt has always been a total cutie...
52 of 70Chris Pratt, 2018
But he transformed into an absolute hunk after losing 60 pounds and training for Guardians of the Galaxy.
53 of 70Chanelle Hayes, April 2018
Big Brother star Chanelle Hayes is infamous for her changing frame. In 2018 she documented her weight loss following the birth of her second son Frankie.
54 of 70Chanelle Hayes, July 2018
Chanelle told her followers: "I am absolutely BUZZING at my progress so far. Slow and steady is definitely winning the race..."
55 of 70Alan Halsall, circa July 2017
Alan Halsall, who plays Tyrone Dobbs in Coronation Street, has always had fans but he upped his game from cute and cuddly to all out FITLORD in 2018.
56 of 70Alan Halsall, July 2018
The charming actor posted a svelte looking snap to his Instagram account and fans went wild for his new look.
57 of 70Scott Maslen
Jack Branning actor Scott Maslen has always been a bit of a heartthrob on the Square.
58 of 70Scott Maslen
But we never knew THIS was hiding under those suits. The star admitted to being addicted to working out recently on his Instagram.
59 of 70Courtney Green
TOWIE star Courtney Green has always looked fab and we first saw her on our TV screen back in 2016.
60 of 70Courtney Green
Following her split with Myles Barnett she showed him and her thousands of Instagram followers what he's missing. Go girl!
61 of 70Catherine Tyldesley
Corrie's Catherine Tyldesley has been very open about her weight loss transformation and regularly documents her workouts at the gym on Instagram.
62 of 70Catherine Tyldesley
After leaving Coronation Street, the actress decided to take a 12 week transformation challenge and she looks amazing!
63 of 70James Hooton
He's played innocent and lovely Sam Dingle since 1995 but fans couldn't believe it when he shared a topless photo in 2018...
64 of 70James Hooton
So that's what Sam Dingle looks like underneath that infamous green jacket. The Emmerdale actor looks AMAZING.
65 of 70Paddy McGuinness
At 6 ft 1, Paddy McGuinness has always been the kinda guy you just want a big old bear hug from!
66 of 70Paddy McGuinness
Over recent years, the Take Me Out presenter has been influenced by his fitness fanatic wife Christine to hit the gym in their Cheshire home. He dropped from 14 stn to 13 stn 9 lb in 2018, saying he's happy with his size.
67 of 70Gemma Collins
Gemma has always been mega-glam, but her weight has fluctuated over the years and she'd admitted that she often feels self conscious around her ultra slim TOWIE co stars.
68 of 70Gemma Collins
After a vigorous few months training for Dancing on Ice, the GC earned a legion of new fans, but lost a whopping two stone!
69 of 70Emma Chawner, 2007
During Emma's first audition she told the judges she "couldn't do anymore" singing and after they told her she couldn't sing, her parents went on to confront them all. The dramz.
70 of 70Emma Chawner, 2019
Fast forward 12 years since her first audition and Emma revealed after swapping junk food for a healthy lifestyle she dropped 12 stone in just two years.
READ MORE real life news
Booze horror: 'I looked 9 months pregnant... but I was hours from death'
'I went to bed with back ache - hours later I was fighting for my life'
A year on, Christina had lost 7st 1lb, and within nine days of that milestone, she found out she was pregnant with her third child. She says, “This pregnancy was completely different to my previous two – I didn’t experience any sickness and had so much more energy. I even went hiking the morning of the day he was born!
“My next target was to lose a further 2st 4lbs, then build muscle. I did everything one step at a time, moving onto weight training when I felt ready. Amazingly, all my health problems cleared up too, and I’m no longer diabetic. My confidence soared, and I had a new lease of life.”
Now a certified master nutritionist, Christina wanted to use her knowledge and experience to help others. So she founded her own company, Fit Body Weight Loss, which provides personalised health, fitness and weight-loss plans. She says, “I felt able to advise others. Because of my struggles, I’m more sensitive to other people trying to lose weight – we wouldn’t speak to other people in such a nasty way, yet we do it to ourselves. First, we have to learn that we’re beautiful no matter what we weigh.”
A decade on and Christina is maintaining her weight at 9st 11lbs. But in 2021, there was still something at the back of her mind. She says, “Looking at our wedding photos left me feeling sad – I felt like a different woman to the one I was all those years ago, and with our 20th wedding anniversary approaching, I knew that a vow renewal would be the perfect way to celebrate how far I’d come.”
The couple – who live in Arizona, USA – chose to celebrate in an intimate ceremony, just the two of them. Christina says, “The day was beautiful. I love him even more today than I did all those years ago – which I wouldn’t have thought was possible!
“Wearing my fitted gown was empowering, especially as it was custom-made and I’d helped design it. It felt like a celebration of my hard work to be able to show off my body. I felt like I could really shine, because I wasn’t pre-occupied with feeling self-conscious in my dress. I felt a million dollars.
“I lost 9st and married my husband again – and I am so glad I did. I have the photographs displayed all over my house. I was happy on my first wedding day in 2001, but I was even happier on our 20th anniversary, because I’m finally comfortable in who I am. It certainly hasn’t been an easy journey, but I am so proud of how far I’ve come.”
Half My Size by Christina Jordan is available on Amazon, or you can purchase a signed copy from Christina’s website, fitbodyweightloss.com
Read more in the latest issue of Closer magazine – OUT NOW.