As inspirational influencers go, Sophia Thiel is right up there among the very best. In 2012, she started a fitness journey that saw her weight plummet from 80kg to just 50kg.
On the surface, it looked like the German star had found a love for bodybuilding and all things active, and she built a brand off what seemed to be an incredible transformation.
A thriving career in the spotlight followed, with Sophia appearing on multiple German TV shows, releasing her own magazine on weight loss, and scaling a huge presence on social media.
In 2019, it all came to a grinding halt—Sophia disappeared from the spotlight for two years. Suddenly, it just didn’t work anymore.
Then, in 2021, came the fightback, spearheaded by the release of her book Come Back Stronger. Sophia now speaks openly and courageously about the eating disorder that drove her initial weight loss.
Even today, she admits there are still moments of relapse and binge eating. But at a far healthier weight, Sophia says she no longer sees her body as better or worse.
In her own words, this is her healing era. No more transformations or before-and-after videos, just the journey of acceptance and self-betterment.
Here is everything you need to know about the incredible Sophia Thiel.
Sophia Thiel Height
Sophia Thiel is 1.72m tall, or 5’8″ for those who prefer imperial measurements.
Sophia Thiel Weight
Sophia’s internal battle with the number on the scale has been well documented, and it’s one she has fought since her youth.
“I hardly ate anymore, I sometimes fainted because of it and even had to repeat a class because my grades were so bad,” she said in an interview with the Berliner Morgenpost newspaper.
“I always thought my body was an asshole; I had to beat it.”
It’s well documented that Sophia’s weight dropped to 50kg as she burst into the limelight at age 17. Her rippling abs and overall toned physique made her one of Germany’s best-known fitness influencers almost overnight.
As we now know, that success came at a huge price. Sophia described losing herself to ‘control mania,’ and although she appeared to be thriving, the reality was far different.
“Christmas, New Year’s Eve, the turn of the year, all the holidays, sitting together and eating—those were the most difficult times of the year for me for almost ten years. I regularly lost control completely,” the 29-year-old told Bild.
After a two-year hiatus, Sophia returned as a far healthier, happier person. In 2022, she brought her fans with her for a fitness check-up and bravely revealed how much she weighed.
At that time, Sophia Thiel’s weight was 88.6 kilograms, with the doctor confirming she had an above-average fat-to-muscle ratio.
Sophia Thiel let’s dance
Earlier this year, Sophia traded weights and gym clothes for the sparkle and glamour of the ballroom as she appeared on the 17th season of Germany’s Let’s Dance.
She was partnered with Alexandru Ionel, and although the pair didn’t go all the way, they delivered some memorable performances, including one particularly energetic dance where they both sported eye-catching leopard-print lycra. Who said bodybuilders can’t dance?
Sophia Thiel Instagram
Sophia Thiel regularly updates her fans on Instagram, where she has amassed a huge following of 1.4 million. Her posts include all the standard influencer content: giveaways, meal vlogs, and the occasional cheeky brand deal.
However, Sophia also uses her platform to speak openly about her relationship with her body and mental health, inspiring others who may be going through a similar ordeal.
Sophia Thiel Partner
Sophia Thiel confirmed her split from ex-partner Raphael Birchner in 2023 after a three-and-a-half-year relationship. Raphael was heavily featured on Sophia’s social media channels as the pair documented the renovation of their dream apartment in Berlin.
Speaking to the German outlet Bild, Sophia revealed the reason behind the breakup.
“I had the feeling that we simply had too different ideas about the future and what was important to us in life,” she said.
“We saw ourselves at different points in life in 10, 15 years. I see myself more in the country, in nature, with a bit of peace and quiet—and if I’m lucky, with my own family.”
Sophia Thiel Baby
Unfortunately, Sophia Thiel’s dreams for her own family haven’t come to fruition just yet. But at 29, there’s still plenty of time for her to start the little clan she always wanted with Raphael.
Sophia Thiel Net worth
According to several publications in Germany, Sophia Thiel has an estimated net worth of 4 million euros, with around 4,500 euros being generated through YouTube and affiliate links each month.
What we know for certain is that Sophia has multiple streams of revenue. Her books, Instagram collaborations, fitness programs, and merchandise all bolster her wealth, while her appearance on Let’s Dance will have also earned her a sizeable amount.