MAFS' Abigail Chahwan reveals horrifying body dysmorphia battle branding it 'crazy'
EXCLUSIVE: Married At First Sight UK star Abigail Chahwan has opened up about her battle with body dysmorphia, and how she's now helping other women gain their confidence
Abigail Chahwan captured the attention of viewers on Married At First Sight UK, where she fell in love with partner, Welshman John Shepherd, 38. Cameras followed their whirlwind romance from the altar onwards, and they’ve quickly become one of the show’s – very rare – success stories.
Away from the small screen, the 35-year-old veterinary nurse from Bournemouth is currently studying to become a personal trainer, hoping to help other women gain their confidence.
It’s a topic Abigail feels strongly about, as from a young age, she battled body dysmorphia – going on extreme diets to lose weight. After discovering bodybuilding, she began restricting her calories to 700 ahead of competitions, sparking concern from loved ones. Here, Abigail opens up about her positive MAFS UK experience, and transforming her relationship with her body for the better.
Hi, Abigail! How have you been since MAFS UK?
Oh, it was the most incredible experience. I’m back working full-time as a veterinary nurse – but I’ve also started training to be a personal trainer. It’s something I’d always wanted to do. Fitness has been a huge part of my life. Having been through so many different experiences regarding weight loss, weight gain and body dysmorphia, I now want to help people in similar situations.
How do you reflect on that difficult time?
When I was bodybuilding, you had to get “stage lean”. That’s for one day, you look your leanest to be on show, but you can’t sustain that – it’s not healthy. I lost my period, because you have no fat on you, you’re exhausted. I remember looking at myself every day thinking, “Oh gosh, I’m not lean enough,” comparing myself to other women. Because it’s six or seven solid months of preparation for that show day, it’s your sole focus. You critique yourself to the very last degree. When I see those pictures now. I’m thinking, “How did I not think I was lean enough?” It’s crazy.
How did you discover you had body dysmorphia?
I come from a Lebanese background and we’re quite image-focused. I grew up thinking you have to look a certain way, be a certain weight. That’s when it started to develop. I was doing extreme dieting and shakes to lose weight, and learning that food was the enemy – that is not the case at all. I’ve developed a better relationship with food now. Food is not the enemy. You want to be able to enjoy it.
How has your relationship with yourself changed?
I’ve always been quite critical of myself, especially my body. Growing up, I’d always find faults within my body and put a lot of pressure [on myself] to look a certain way. But I’ve learnt my peak fitness is not sustainable. I achieved what I did, I should be proud of that, and I appreciate the body that I have now because I have more energy. I can do things, I can enjoy life, and I’m healthier. The relationship I have with my body is much more positive now.
You want to help others now with your PT training…
Yes, I want to help women feel confident to go to the gym themselves. Knowing what to do, how to use pieces of equipment can make them feel confident going in there. That’s why I’m excited that I’ve started this PT journey, because fitness is so important to me, but also helping other women who just need a nudge to be like, “You can do this, we’ve got you.”
MAFS UK has been in the news after a number of contestants came forward with allegations of sexual abuse while filming. What was your experience like?
Mine and John’s experience was a really positive one. That said, I completely recognise that everyone’s experience is different, and it’s so important that all voices are heard.
John moved to Bournemouth and you now live together – is it crazy to think how much has changed since MAFS UK?
I feel like John and I have known each other for a lifetime. It’s been just over a year. If someone had told me all this would happen, I wouldn’t have believed them. I didn’t really think prior to MAFS UK that I’d ever meet someone. Who manages to find their partner on TV?!
It doesn’t happen a lot…
No. And I love love. I just knew, the minute I met John, that it was for life. It sounds crazy, but I do believe in fate. And I think that’s why we both applied to MAFS UK that year and were brought together.
Abigail is studying to be a personal trainer with YOURAcademy (youracademyuk.co.uk)
Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .
