Shauntil Cox’s Incredible Weight Loss Journey
Shauntil Cox, a 36-year-old resident of Porter, Texas, has embarked on an awe-inspiring weight loss journey, shedding nearly 70 pounds since she began her fitness regimen in February. What makes her story even more remarkable is that Cox has been battling polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) since the age of 17, a condition that often leads to hormone imbalances and weight gain. A recent car accident left her with excruciating back pain, exacerbating her struggles. Her weight peaked at approximately 256 pounds, pushing her to a breaking point where she was unable to walk due to the severe pain.
The Unbearable Pain That Sparked a Transformation
Shauntil Cox’s life-altering journey began when she was about to leave for church one day and was suddenly overwhelmed by excruciating back pain. She hoped it would pass if she lay down, but instead, her legs gave way, causing her to collapse to the ground.
“I could barely breathe. The pain was so horrendous. It was awful,” Cox recalled, describing the moment her life took an unexpected turn. She cried out for her husband, Randall, for help, telling him, “I can’t walk. I can’t move my legs at all.”
Just a couple of years earlier, in 2019, the couple had suffered a severe car accident when a driver ran a red light at 50 mph, resulting in major neck and back injuries for both of them. At the time, Cox worried that her husband might not be able to lift her from the floor. Her weight, which had been steadily increasing, only made matters worse.
“How is he going to help get me up?” Cox pondered. “It didn’t help that I was 256 pounds.”
Randall managed to assist her in rolling to the bed, where she remained for three days until doctors prescribed steroids to alleviate inflammation in her back. On the fourth day, Cox was able to use a walker, gradually regaining her mobility. However, the entire experience had left her deeply shaken.
“It was really scary,” she admitted, recognizing the physical and emotional toll the ordeal had taken on her and her husband.
The Struggle with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Cox had been grappling with weight issues since 2004 when she was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) at the age of 17. PCOS is a condition characterized by the formation of small cysts in the ovaries and an excess of androgens (male hormones). At the time of her diagnosis, Cox was an active high school athlete, competing in track and tennis, and showed no overt PCOS symptoms.
Over the years, however, her weight fluctuated due to hormone medications. During her three pregnancies, her weight would drop, only to rise again afterward. She also began to experience common PCOS symptoms, including irregular periods, miscarriages, hair loss, and facial hair growth.
A Vision for Change
In 2018, while attending a Fit 4 Christ workout, Cox had a revelation. The ministry is dedicated to achieving and maintaining healthy lifestyles, and she felt a strong sense of purpose.
“The Lord told me that I was going to be fit,” Cox remembered. “I looked in the mirror and saw myself healthy. He clearly placed it in my heart.”
Determined to make a lasting change, she consulted a doctor and began taking progesterone and spironolactone, a medication that helps regulate androgens. Cox also started incorporating exercise into her routine. Initially, she followed YouTube workouts at home, but her injuries from the car accident necessitated the guidance of a personal trainer.
Finding Support in Fitness
Desiree Isaacks, her sister, had recently become a member of Planet Fitness in New Caney, which piqued Cox’s interest due to the gym‘s additional amenities such as tanning beds and massage chairs. She signed up and began her fitness journey.
At her first session with personal trainer Deano Troost, 21, in February, Cox shared her medical history, including her PCOS and back injuries. Troost was patient and attentive, offering guidance and support tailored to her specific needs.
“He was so patient,” Cox recalled. “He listened to everything. He had confidence that we were going to do this. And he was going to be with me every step of the way.”
Troost aimed to make fitness accessible and enjoyable for Cox, offering her a choice of workout plans and emphasizing the importance of a healthy diet.
“The best thing we can do is have a healthy diet,” he advised. He encouraged small changes, such as incorporating more fruits and vegetables, to establish sustainable habits rather than strict dieting.
Cox’s dedication paid off. She diligently followed her fitness plan, making notes and adhering to her training regimen. After a month, she was ready for more challenging workouts and began to see significant results. By May, she had already shed 50 pounds.
