Brief Introduction of Simone Anderson
Simone Anderson is a prominent social media influencer, entrepreneur, and author from New Zealand who gained international recognition for her remarkable weight loss journey. She initially rose to fame by documenting her transformation, losing 92 kilograms (approximately 203 pounds) after undergoing gastric sleeve surgery. Anderson leveraged her newfound platform to build a career as a digital creator, sharing content related to health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle with hundreds of thousands of followers. Her candid and often raw documentation of her journey, including the challenges of loose skin and subsequent removal surgeries, resonated with a global audience. Beyond her online presence, Anderson has authored books, launched a successful size-inclusive activewear brand, and established herself as a motivational speaker. Her story has been featured in numerous international media outlets, making her one of New Zealand’s most well-known social media personalities.
Simone Anderson Overview
| Full Name | Simone Anderson Forsyth (formerly Pretscherer) |
| Date of Birth | December 20, 1990 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 35 |
| Birthplace | Auckland, New Zealand |
| Profession | Social Media Influencer, Entrepreneur, Author, Makeup Artist |
| Husband/Wife | Trent Forsyth |
| Family | Husband – Trent Forsyth; Sons – Asher and Ryder |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Not publicly available |
| Net Worth | Not publicly available |
Early Life and Education of Simone Anderson
Simone Anderson was born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand. From a young age, she was active and participated in various sports. However, a ski accident at the age of 13, which resulted in a broken arm and six months in a cast, led to a decrease in her physical activity and a shift in her eating habits. During her teenage years, she has shared that she developed an unhealthy relationship with food, often comfort eating. By the time she finished high school, her weight had significantly increased. Information regarding the specific high school she attended or any tertiary education she pursued is not publicly available. Prior to her career as a social media influencer, Anderson worked as a freelance hair and makeup artist, indicating she received training and qualifications in this field. In interviews, she has spoken about her supportive family, including her parents, who instilled in her a strong work ethic. Her mother, a pastry chef, and her grandmother, an incredible cook, fostered her love for food and cooking from a young age.
Simone Anderson’s Career
Simone Anderson’s career is a modern-day example of leveraging personal experience into a multi-faceted brand. Her journey into the public eye began in 2014 when, at the age of 23 and weighing 169kg, she decided to make a significant lifestyle change. To keep herself accountable, she started a Facebook page and Instagram account titled “Simone’s Journey to Health,” where she documented her progress. This journey included undergoing vertical gastric sleeve surgery, adopting a healthier diet, and committing to regular exercise. Her authentic and transparent documentation of her weight loss, including sharing photos of the resulting loose skin, went viral and garnered international media attention. This led to interviews with major outlets like The Huffington Post and an appearance on Tyra Banks’ talk show, The FABLife, in 2015.
This exposure catapulted her into the world of professional social media influencing. With a rapidly growing following, she began collaborating with brands and sharing content related to fitness, fashion, beauty, and daily life. Her profession is multifaceted, describing herself as a social media sensation, published author, writer, blogger, health guru, speaker, and make-up artist.
In 2018, Anderson became a published author with her autobiography, Journey to Health, which detailed her weight loss story and the lessons she learned. The book was well-received and further solidified her position as an inspirational figure. She followed this with a cookbook titled So Delish in 2020, sharing her favorite healthy recipes.
Expanding her entrepreneurial ventures, Anderson launched her own size-inclusive activewear brand, Embrace Active, in 2020. The brand was born from her own struggles to find quality activewear that fit her body when she was a size 26. Embrace Active aims to empower women of all shapes and sizes. Her husband, Trent Forsyth, is also a director of the company. In addition to her activewear line, Anderson is involved with other business ventures, including a cleaning and organizational brand.
Throughout her career, Anderson has maintained a strong connection with her audience through her willingness to share both the highs and lows of her life. She is also a public speaker and MC, sharing her story to motivate and encourage others.
Simone Anderson Personal Life & Family
Simone Anderson is married to Trent Forsyth. Forsyth is a sales manager and is also listed as a director for several companies, including Simone’s activewear brand, Embrace Active. The couple got married in November 2020 in an Auckland vineyard. Their wedding was initially planned for March 2020 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Simone and Trent have two sons. Their first son, Asher, was born in July 2021. Their second son, Ryder, was born in 2023. Anderson frequently shares aspects of her family life with her followers on her social media platforms, including milestones and everyday moments with her children. The family resides in Auckland, New Zealand, in a home they have personalized since purchasing it as a new build. They also have a French bulldog named Maddox.
Anderson has spoken about the importance of her family and the supportive upbringing her parents provided. She maintains a close relationship with her mother and grandmother, who she credits with inspiring her passion for cooking. Her lifestyle involves a commitment to health and fitness, including daily high-intensity training. She has also spoken about the importance of daily rituals for her mental well-being, such as meditation, journaling, and practicing gratitude.
Awards and Achievements of Simone Anderson
- Information not disclosed.
Simone Anderson Net Worth and Income
The exact net worth of Simone Anderson is not publicly available. As a prominent social media influencer in New Zealand with hundreds of thousands of followers, her income is derived from multiple sources. These include brand collaborations and sponsored posts on her social media channels, her work as an author with the publication of her books Journey to Health and So Delish, and her entrepreneurial ventures, most notably her activewear brand, Embrace Active. Additionally, she earns income from public speaking engagements and as an MC. While some reports speculate on the earnings of influencers in New Zealand, no reliable, published figures for Simone Anderson’s net worth in 2025 exist.
Legacy and Influence
Simone Anderson’s legacy is primarily centered around her impact on the health, wellness, and body positivity communities in New Zealand and internationally. By publicly sharing her significant weight loss journey, she became a relatable and inspirational figure for many who were struggling with their own health and body image. Her willingness to be vulnerable and show the less glamorous sides of weight loss, such as her struggles with loose skin, was a significant departure from the often-curated perfection seen on social media and resonated deeply with her audience.
Her influence extends to the business world through the creation of her size-inclusive activewear brand, Embrace Active. By catering to a wide range of body types, she has contributed to the growing movement for more diversity and inclusivity in the fashion and fitness industries. Through her books and public speaking, she continues to motivate others to take control of their health and well-being. Anderson is considered one of New Zealand’s first full-time social media influencers and has played a role in shaping the landscape of influencer marketing in the country. Her career demonstrates the power of authentic storytelling in building a strong personal brand and a loyal online community.
Interesting Facts about Simone Anderson
- Before her weight loss journey, she weighed 169 kilograms (approximately 372 pounds).
- She lost 92 kilograms (approximately 203 pounds) in her transformation.
- Her story went viral after she posted a photo showing the loose skin that resulted from her significant weight loss, a move that was praised for its honesty.
- She has appeared on international television, including an interview with Tyra Banks on the US talk show The FABLife.
- She is a qualified makeup artist.
- Her mother is a pastry chef, and her grandmother was also an avid cook, which influenced her own passion for food.
- She launched a size-inclusive activewear brand called Embrace Active, inspired by her own difficulties finding workout clothes.
Controversies
Simone Anderson has been the subject of several controversies during her career as a social media influencer. A significant controversy arose around her selling of gifted clothing and accessories through a private Facebook group, with the promise that all proceeds would be donated to charity, specifically Women’s Refuge. It was later reported that donations had not been received by the charity under her public name. Anderson clarified that the donations were made under her legal name, Pretscherer, and that the charity later confirmed receipt of the funds. However, the timeline and transparency of these donations were questioned by some of her followers and other public figures. The Commerce Commission received a complaint regarding the matter but ultimately decided not to investigate.
Anderson has also faced scrutiny from the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) on multiple occasions for not clearly labeling sponsored content as advertising in her Instagram posts. This has led to several complaints being upheld against her, contributing to a broader conversation in New Zealand about the responsibilities of social media influencers in disclosing paid partnerships.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram (@simone_anderson) – Over 406,400 followers
- Twitter – No active public account found
- YouTube (@SimoneAndersonJourneyToHealth) – 23,300 subscribers
- Facebook (Simone’s Journey to Health) – Over 274,000 followers
Final Words about Simone Anderson
Simone Anderson continues to be a prominent figure in New Zealand’s social media landscape. Having successfully transitioned from a personal weight loss blog to a multi-faceted career as an influencer, author, and entrepreneur, she remains a significant voice in the health and wellness space. Her journey has inspired many, though it has not been without its share of public scrutiny. Currently, Anderson focuses on her businesses, including her activewear line Embrace Active, and sharing her life as a wife and mother to two young sons. Her future plans appear to be centered on continuing to grow her brands and connecting with her audience through content that blends her personal experiences with her professional endeavors. Her story serves as a testament to the power of social media to create careers and influence public conversation, while also highlighting the responsibilities and challenges that come with a public online life.
