I used to have an eating disorder, now I’m a professional bodybuilder

A woman who battled a crippling eating disorder has spoken out about how she freed herself from the clutches of bulimia and transformed from a 110lb girl into a bodybuilding champion. 

In 2001, Pennsylvania native Theresa Ivancik, now 39, felt her life falling apart; she was deep into an eating disorder and was under house arrest for a DUI.

However, she didn’t let any obstacles get in her way. She broke through the barrier and became an International Federation of BodyBuilding and Fitness pro. 

Now, the star athlete has revealed how she pulled herself out from the depths of an eating disorder to bodybuilding glory. 

She transformed from a 110lb girl riddled with an eating disorder (pictured left) to a bodybuilding star (pictured right)

In 2001, Pennsylvania native Theresa Ivancik felt her life falling apart; she was deep into an eating disorder and was under house arrest for a DUI

Throughout her life, Theresa struggled to form a good relationship with food. 

Every day she pushed herself to the brink of exhaustion, working out for four hours a day, doing excessive cardio, weightlifting, and sweating through Tae Bo workouts. 

In 2001, she hit rock bottom. Theresa was placed under house arrest for 155 days for a DUI.

It was at this time that she stumbled upon an old Joe Weider bodybuilding system in her parents’ basement. 

Leafing through an Oxygen magazine, she saw the sculpted bodies of female bodybuilders and envisioned herself on one of the pages.

Landing herself a job at a local gym, she started dipping her toes into bodybuilding, eventually deciding to compete.

Despite the warnings of her coach, Jeff Harlan – who was concerned about Theresa’s eating disorder and how it would affect her in the fiercely competitive world of bodybuilding – she persevered, determined to make a name for herself.

While still under house arrest, she pored over every resource she could find and trained relentlessly for her first competition.

‘I felt like I had nothing to lose,’ Theresa recalled.

However, she didn’t let any obstacles get in her way. She broke through the barrier and became an International Federation of BodyBuilding and Fitness pro

Now, the star athlete (pictured when she struggled with bulimia) has revealed how she pulled herself out from the depths of an eating disorder to bodybuilding glory

Leafing through an Oxygen magazine, she saw the sculpted bodies of female bodybuilders and envisioned herself on one of the pages

She added: ‘It was a tough time in my life, but I knew that if I didn’t take control and do something positive with my time, I’d never forgive myself.’

Theresa began training relentlessly for six days a week and prioritized eating more.   

‘In addition to training six days a week, I also focused on gaining weight – eating more carbs and protein. I gained 59lbs, taking my weight from 120 to 180lbs,’ she explained. 

Although her very first show was a success, it wasn’t until the moment she won her first major title that she felt the adrenaline rush that pushed her to succeed even further. 

When she bagged a major title, her 83-year-old grandfather was at her side. 

Watching his face light up with pride and admiration was a moment that Theresa would never forget, and it fueled her drive to reach bodybuilding stardom.

‘That day profoundly altered his life, bringing out a different side of his personality that I’d never seen before,’ she shared.

She landed a job at a local gym and started tinkering with bodybuilding, eventually deciding to compete

Despite the warnings of her coach, Jeff Harlan – who was concerned about Theresa’s eating disorder  – she persevered, determined to make a name for herself

Theresa (pictured as a child) began training for six days a week and prioritized eating more

‘We were both able to share the stage for our first bodybuilding competition. My grandfather continued to pump and weight train until the end of his life.’

Despite the passing of her beloved grandfather, Theresa continued to pursue her dreams and eventually teamed up with Jeff once again.

With Jeff’s help, Theresa achieved her ultimate goal of becoming an IFBB Professional Female Bodybuilder, winning multiple titles, and competing at the highest levels of the sport.

And the long days spent training eventually lead to romance. 

‘Jeff is still my trainer, but now my boyfriend and fiancé as well,’ Theresa revealed with a laugh. 

‘I got a personal training job with him after he helped me with my certification, which then led to us owning our own gym.

‘My next journey begins here, now with a new goal: to be the best in the world one day.’ 

With Jeff’s help, Theresa achieved her ultimate goal of becoming an IFBB Professional Female Bodybuilder

Since becoming a professional bodybuilder, Theresa has continued to push herself to new heights

Theresa hopes that her story of success and determination will help others struggling to build a healthy relationship with food

Theresa hopes that her story of success and determination will help others struggling to build a healthy relationship with food. 

‘Passion is an unmatched fuel… add being happy to that, and you have a wonderful formula for good health,’ she exclaimed.

Since becoming a professional bodybuilder, Theresa has continued to push herself to new heights.

‘Every day is a new opportunity to push yourself and see what you’re capable of,’ she gushed. 

‘There are always new challenges to overcome and new goals to achieve. That’s what keeps me motivated and hungry for more.’

Now, the bodybuilder is proud to say that her story of dedication to her craft has inspired others to take control of their health.