Australian mum loses 10kg in eight weeks on flexible macros plan

An Australian mum has shed 10 kilograms in eight weeks by following a flexible macro‑based plan rather than a restrictive diet, according to her account. Shannen Gunning completed the eight‑week Comeback Challenge from equ, a science‑backed weight‑loss program that centers on personalized calorie and macronutrient targets rather than rigid rules. She says the approach lets her maintain her lifestyle and still see real results.

Gunning, a mother of two and business owner, said she could still eat her usual foods, including pizza and chocolate, and that most days she did not feel she was in a calorie deficit. "When I was 16–20 slogging it out in the gym, eating nothing but chicken, salad and rice, I never would have imagined I could be seeing the same results by eating pizzas, burgers, pasta and chocolate every day," she said. "It's crazy how many people are stuck in the headspace that to lose weight, you have to restrict yourself. It's so much easier to stick to a meal plan when the food is so good. There's so much variety, most of the days it doesn't even feel like I'm in a calorie deficit."

"I love how equ gives me such flexibility when it comes to the meals. I can prep for days in advance – which is amazing when kids have after‑school sports. I'm able to cook the same food for my husband, I just make him double the portion which makes life super easy for me! He loves the food just as much as I do."

Other Aussie women have also shared their success stories from joining equ's eight‑week challenge, praising the program as a reset that fits real life. Vanessa said, "I've lost 23 kilos since joining. I haven't been this happy or healthy since I was in my early 20s." Jacinta added, "I've lost 13 kilos and completely transformed my life. equ gave me the tools to go from unhealthy and unhappy, to fit, confident and balanced – and I've learned I really can have my cake and eat it too." Danielle, who said she was still enjoying chocolate every night, said her clothes fit better and that people have been commenting on her transformation.

Equ was founded by Amal Wakim in 2016 after her own 30 kilogram weight loss journey. Wakim, a mum‑of‑two who also runs a business, created equ after experiences with yo‑yo dieting and restrictive eating. She says the program offers a flexible but proven alternative to traditional diet culture and that its focus on personalized calories and macros has helped thousands of women.

Inside equ's eight‑week challenge, participants receive full access to the equ app, weekly meal plans and more than 9,000 recipes designed to be family‑friendly and macro‑friendly. A challenge‑exclusive eBook and guide are provided, along with motivation and support in a private WhatsApp group with like‑minded women, and entry into a $15,000 prize pool that includes a $10,000 cash prize for the best transformation. Since launching, the program has claimed to help more than 60,000 Australian women achieve weight‑loss goals in a sustainable way, emphasizing results that can be kept over the long term.

Now equ is inviting women to join one last 2025 eight‑week Comeback Challenge, with the next session set to start on October 6. The October challenge is described as the year’s final program and has limited places. Participants will again receive full app access, weekly meal plans, and the other core features mentioned above as they pursue a flexible path to healthier habits and weight management.