Australian comedian, actress, and beloved media personality Magda Szubanski has always held a unique place in the public eye. Known for her quick wit and brilliant comedic timing, Magda also spent years grappling with public scrutiny surrounding her weight. But between 2012 and 2014, she embarked on a deeply personal transformation one that combined a high-protein low-carb diet (Dukan Diet) with a walking regimen of 50 kilometers per week.
The result? She shed an impressive 36 kilograms (nearly 80 pounds) and gained a new sense of vitality, confidence, and control. Her story, grounded in determination rather than gimmicks, serves as a beacon for those seeking sustainable, real-life weight loss.
Why Magda Decided to Change
Magda Szubanski has been candid about her lifelong struggles with emotional eating and weight fluctuations. In interviews, she often emphasized that her decision to lose weight wasn’t driven by vanity it was about health, longevity, and reclaiming her energy.
After years of yo-yo dieting and fad attempts, she reached a breaking point. In 2012, she made a commitment not to a crash diet, but to a system that would be consistent, manageable, and built around her lifestyle. That system became a powerful combination of Dukan Diet principles and daily walking, with a long-term perspective on health.
The Dukan Diet is a Protein-Powered Approach to Weight Loss
The Dukan Diet, developed by French physician Dr. Pierre Dukan, is a high-protein, low-carbohydrate eating plan designed to trigger rapid fat loss while preserving lean muscle. Magda adopted this plan in its full structure, which includes four phases:
1. Attack Phase
- Lasts 2–7 days
- Involves consuming only lean protein: chicken, turkey, eggs, tofu, and non-fat dairy
- Encourages immediate water loss and metabolic acceleration
2. Cruise Phase
- Adds non-starchy vegetables on alternating days
- Continues until target weight is reached
- Builds fat loss consistency
3. Consolidation Phase
- Reintroduces whole grains, fruit, and dairy gradually
- Aims to prevent rebound weight gain
- Includes one “pure protein” day per week
4. Stabilization Phase
- Long-term maintenance
- Focuses on portion control and weekly protein days
- Allows flexibility with a structured backbone
For Magda, this diet provided clear rules, measurable milestones, and a sense of structure something that allowed her to stay on track without constant second-guessing. Most importantly, the diet eliminated sugar cravings and helped her feel satisfied with smaller portions.
Walking 50 Kilometers a Week:
While many celebrities rely on personal trainers and intense gym sessions, Magda Szubanski kept it simple: she walked. A lot.
Over the course of her transformation, she walked more than 50 kilometers (over 30 miles) every week, breaking it down into daily sessions of 6–10 kilometers depending on the day and her energy level.
Why walking worked:
- It’s low-impact, making it ideal for people with joint issues or high starting weight
- It supports fat burning without spiking hunger
- It’s mentally therapeutic, helping reduce stress and emotional eating triggers
- It fits easily into everyday life no gym required
Magda has said walking helped her clear her mind, especially during tough emotional moments. It wasn’t just exercise it was a form of emotional regulation, replacing unhealthy habits with empowering ones.
Results Beyond the Scale
Losing 36 kilograms was just one part of the change. Magda Szubanski also reported improvements in:
- Mood and mental clarity
- Cardiovascular health
- Energy and physical comfort
- Sleep quality and digestion
- Self-perception and confidence
Perhaps more importantly, her transformation wasn’t rushed. It took over two years, which allowed her to establish true habits, avoid extreme cravings, and mentally adapt to her changing body.
Her journey wasn’t about perfection it was about consistency, small wins, and a mindset of compassion rather than punishment.
Realism, Not Restriction
Magda Szubanski’s transformation is noteworthy not just for the amount of weight she lost, but how she lost it. No trainers barking orders. No liquid diets. No social media detox teas.
Instead, she built her journey on:
- Practical routines (daily walks)
- Accessible nutrition (protein and veggies)
- Forgiveness and flexibility (navigating setbacks without quitting)
- Time (allowing her body to change slowly and sustainably)
She offers an important reminder: you don’t need to be extreme to make extreme progress. You just need to show up every day, even if progress feels invisible at first.
Lessons from Magda’s Journey
Magda Szubanski’s transformation is full of actionable insights for anyone seeking long-term weight loss:
- Structured diets like Dukan can work when followed gradually and responsibly
- Walking is one of the most underrated fat-loss tools sustainable, safe, and mood-boosting
- You don’t need expensive programs discipline and time are your greatest allies
- Emotional resilience is key to sustainable change
- Transformation is not about the mirror it’s about how you feel when you wake up every day.
Thinking About a Gentle, Sustainable Transformation?
Magda’s story proves that sustainable fat loss doesn’t require punishment. With simple tools like structured nutrition and daily movement, you can transform your health at your own pace without pressure, shame, or shortcuts.
At Erdem Hospital, we offer custom health transformation programs for international patients designed around high-protein diets, long-term walking routines, emotional coaching, and metabolic monitoring. Whether you’re starting your journey or rebooting after setbacks, we help you make real progress gently and permanently.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much weight did Magda Szubanski lose?
She lost 36 kilograms (about 80 pounds) between 2012 and 2014.
What diet did she follow?
She followed the Dukan Diet, a four-phase high-protein, low-carb eating plan developed by Dr. Pierre Dukan.
Was exercise part of her plan?
Yes. She walked over 50 kilometers per week, breaking it down into manageable daily walks.
Why did she choose walking over other workouts?
Walking is low-impact, accessible, and sustainable, making it ideal for long-term fat loss without burnout.
Was her approach extreme?
No. It was gradual and steady, which helped her avoid rebound weight gain and maintain her new habits.
Is the Dukan Diet safe for everyone?
While it has worked for many, including Magda, it’s best followed with medical supervision especially during the more restrictive phases.
Where can I get support for a similar weight loss plan?
Erdem Hospital provides structured, doctor-guided weight loss programs including low-carb diet coaching and personalized walking plans for international patients.