Aussie tennis great Jelena Dokic has addressed public commentary surrounding her recent weight loss, insisting she dropped the kilos for health reasons.
The Nine commentator, 41, shared a post on Instagram on Monday comparing her current appearance with how she looked back in 2023, when she was 20kg heavier.
In the caption, she stressed that she was happy in both pictures, adding that weight loss was not the goal but simply a 'byproduct' of adopting healthier habits.
'The most important thing is that I am happy and proud in both pics regardless of my weight and that I am kind always,' she began.
Aussie tennis great Jelena Dokic has once again flaunted her impressive weight loss. Pictured left in January 2023 and right in 2024
'This is about HEALTH and not SIZE,' she continued. 'So many questions about me getting healthier, which has seen me lose weight. Weight loss was not a priority; it's just a byproduct of looking after my health.'
Addressing those who accused her of crash-dieting, Dokic went on to clarify: 'I didn't lose weight quickly. I lost 20 kilos in just under 10 months. Nothing fast.'
Dokic explained she had lost the weight because of 'a family history of diabetes' and the fact she had recently been diagnosed with high blood pressure.
She also revealed exactly how she did it.
'I stopped eating late at night especially things like burgers, pizza, fries and desserts because they made me feel so sluggish when I would wake up especially for early morning work and flights. So I don't eat heavy meals at night anymore and I don't eat after 7pm,' wrote Dokic.
'I eat more salads and soups for my meals now like a chicken caesar salad or tomato soup with multigrain bread. This type of meal does not make me feel sluggish and I am full.
She also revealed exactly how she lost the impressive amount of weight
'I drink more water now and I have cut back on soda, even diet soda.
'It’s small changes over time and while I still have my cheeseburger and fries days it’s just a lot less and I definitely don’t eat junk food when I am working and travelling.'
'It’s small changes over time and while I still have my cheeseburger and fries days, it’s just a lot less and I definitely don’t eat junk food when I am working and travelling. That’s it,' she concluded.
Dokic previously hit back at her trolls after she copped vile abuse on social media
It comes after Dokic hit back at trolls after she was criticised for losing weight.
She took to social media last week to reveal people had shamed her for supposedly succumbing to 'diet culture' and 'not representing the plus size people anymore'.
'It's not good if you gain weight and it's not good if you lose weight. It's not good if you are a size 0, 10 or 18 it seems,' Dokic said in a lengthy Instagram post.
The former Australian tennis star has long been vocal on a number of issues
'So you all know I am very open and honest. Whether I gain weight, lose weight, depressed, feel great, go through the good or the bad. I am always honest about both sides.
'So I thought I would just quickly address my recent weight loss because a few people have written to me and also commented. I have lost 20 kilos from my heaviest weight last year.
'I had some health issues but also I just wanted to get healthier and fitter and when I turned 40 last year I really started to think about my family history of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart problems.
'Also, my work has increased dramatically and I needed to be fitter both physically and mentally and have more energy.
'I didn't have enough energy especially mentally to keep up. I needed to eat healthier to achieve that.
'So, I didn't focus on weight so much but just making better choices to feel my best. With that, the weight started coming off.'
Despite leading a healthier lifestyle, Dokic said she was still being judged by strangers online.
Dokic says she will always be body-positive after she was criticised for no longer representing plus size people. Dokic pictured during her days as a professional tennis star (right)
Pictured: Dokic's post slamming her critics last week
'Now since a few people have already jumped on the judgement and shame train for my weight loss and said that I have succumbed to the 'diet culture' and don't represent the plus size people anymore please don't even go there,' she continued.
'Getting healthier and doing what is best for me has nothing to do with it and I have always and always will stand up for both size 0 or size 20 people and especially women.
'It was always about not judging, shaming and bullying people no matter what their weight and size is and instead highlighting that kindness is what matters not our size.
'So, while I have lost 20 kilos it changes nothing.'
Dokic insisted that she will always be opposed to body shaming and will 'always be proud of myself and not hide or be embarrassed no matter what size I am.'
'And I will always be against body shaming and against valuing people based on their size and weight no matter if I gain or lose some kilos and dress sizes.
'Always against body shaming no matter what.'
