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Get clarity about the ups and downs of weight loss with these 6 truths

Brush up on the truth about weight loss whether you’re stuck in a plateau or just starting your weight loss journey.

James hopped off the scale and high-fived himself in the bathroom mirror, thrilled with how fast his low-carb diet was working. With just 2-months before his annual physical exam, he was super motivated to get his weight down. Just like he did every year .

Yep, James, a professional in his 40s, was a part-time low-carb dieter. He gave up all his favorite foods annually for the 2 months before his doctor’s appointment.

And he spent the next 10 months gaining the weight (and more) back while enjoying pounds of pizza, cases of candy, and oodles of noodles. Every year . Every year until a few years ago, that is.

Here’s 1 truth about weight loss: spaghetti is okay, but it shouldn’t fill up the entire plate. Photo credit: Carolina Cossío

In this Post

After being diagnosed with premature heart disease, James discovered the truth about weight loss.

Weight control takes effort daily . Not just effort for 2 months out of the year.

While getting to know James, I learned that he – like a gazillion other clients – held a fear-based view of food.

• Don’t eat this.
• Don’t eat that.
• Suffering is good.

Here’s what he eventually learned:

Healthy eating is about eating and enjoying nourishing foods even more than it is about depriving yourself of whatever food today you believe is bad .

The truth about weight loss is that it’s hard work, involves long-term behavior change, requires the focus to be on habits, and a good mindset will get you to goal.

He had an epiphany

James turned his mindset around faster than most of my clients. Instead of holding on to his long-held view of weight loss (temporary suffering), he embraced a new way of looking at health – a way of life . He became excited about the process of getting and being healthy.

• He cut out midnight snacks by relaxing upstairs rather than close to the kitchen.
• He made healthier choices in restaurants by deciding what he’d order in advance.
• He made a game out of getting more variety of fruits and vegetables.
• And he reminded himself why he was in it for the long haul: be healthy, be happy, and provide for his family for a long, long time.

This Farro Waldorf Salad is loaded with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and taste! Try to make things fun when you change your diet.

6 truths about weight loss & dieting

You too can experience the mindset shift you need to manage your weight (and health) – even if you’ve lost weight and gained it back a dozen or more times.

By the way, most people have many “failed” attempts before they finally lose weight for good.

#1: Obesity is not about your appearance

My colleague Ted Kyle, RPh, MBA, principal and founder of Consciencehealth explains. “Obesity is the abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat that impairs health.” In other words, some people with a “normal” weight may indeed have obesity because obesity is about body composition and not about the number on the scale or about your pants size. Likewise, “a larger body is not by definition unhealthy,” Ted says. And of course, I agree.

Because obesity impairs health, we call it a disease.

How excess body fat harms

The most unhealthful fat is visceral fat , which accumulates deep in the abdominal cavity, close to your liver, pancreas, kidneys and other internal organs. If you carry a lot of visceral fat – especially in your liver –  you’ll likely eventually have health problems related to your heart, liver, blood sugar and even some types of cancer.

I asked my friend and colleague Karen Collins , MS, RDN, CDN, who’s an expert in cardiovascular health and cancer prevention to weigh in. Karen explains that excess body fat can cause inflammation, hormonal changes, and metabolic disruptions that promote at least 12 types of cancer and affect many risk factors for heart disease, including blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.

#2: A small weight loss is huge

I hated when clients asked me how much weight they should lose. The question is based on the assumption that there’s one right weight for someone and that somehow I could know what it is. I have no such power. But this much I do know:

Your weight is personal. You get to decide. And you get to change your mind as often as you’d like.

That’s 1 more truth about weight loss.

I also know you don’t need to lose gobs of weight to see improvements in your health. In a fascinating study among people at high risk for type 2 diabetes, dieters who lost 5% of their starting weight – that’s 10 pounds for someone weighing 200 pounds – improved insulin sensitivity in muscle, fat, and liver cells. They lost fat in the liver and improved function in the beta-cells of the pancreas (the part that makes insulin).

Dropping from 200 to 190 pounds may not seem like a lot, and it may not mean that the jeans pushed to the back of your closet suddenly fit, but big things are happening under the surface.

Losing 5 – 10% of your starting weight is rocking it

• Less risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes
• Improved cholesterol and triglyceride levels
• Lower blood pressure
• Reduced systemic inflammation, which is linked to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers
• Less urinary incontinence
• Reduced knee and back pain
• And that’s not all. Think energy, sleep, and on and on.

Karen explains that “finding an eating pattern and lifestyle habits that help you reach and maintain a weight that is healthy for you is now considered one of the most powerful steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting cancer.” Here’s more about obesity and cancer .

The Obesity Action Community also talks about the benefits of dropping a few pounds .

#3: Your brain is in charge of your eating

But not in the way you might think. The medical director of obesity for Novo Nordisk Gabriel Smolarz, MD, MS, FACE, Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine, explains it clearly. If you’re stuck in a weight loss plateau or if you keep asking yourself, “Why can’t I lose weight,” your problem may be in the gray matter within your head.

The brain regulates all of our eating in 3 distinct ways, Dr. Smolarz says.

A truth about weight loss is that your brain regulates ALL of your eating. The primitive pathways that keep us from starving to death are amazingly powerful. Photo credit: Rob Schreckhise

• Thanks to our ancestors, we have primitive pathways in our brains that drive our hunger and fullness. This is a stay-alive mechanism.
• We like the way food tastes because the reward centers in the brain make eating enjoyable.
• And using the brain’s executive function – the decision-making part of the brain – we consciously try to decide what, when, and how much to eat.

As often happens with the disease of obesity, there’s a mix-up of signals in the brain. The hunger and fullness cues go awry. The brain screams “ eat more ” even though the energy supply (aka fat stores) in the body is sufficient.

The result: calorie counting, portion control strategies, and other cognitive skills based in executive function can’t compete. Weight gain occurs because, with an imbalance in the hunger and fullness centers, the primitive brain is so much more fierce than simple decision-making and willpower.

#4: Weight loss is a tug-o-war

Like James, you may have lost weight following a strict plan only to discover the pounds come back even quicker than you can bake a cake.

After you lose weight through calorie restriction, your body not-so-secretly tries to return to its previous size. Apparently, the body thinks storing more calories is the best survival mechanism. While that was once true, excess calorie storage in today’s land of plenty – where high-calorie food surrounds us – is a fast track to health problems.

Dr. Smolarz explains what happens:

Your new smaller body becomes more efficient and burns fewer calories. Your hormones become unbalanced. The hunger hormone, ghrelin, increases, urging you on to eat more. And fullness hormones decrease, making you less satisfied.

Simply, your brain doesn’t get the message it’s time to stop eating.

Weight loss truths numbers 3 and 4 help explain just how hard weight management is and often how it’s out of our control. The causes of obesity are so much greater than I can discuss here and more than scientists have so far discovered, I’m sure. Some other contributors: medications, working the night shift, being born by C-section, your gut microbes, and more.

{Not sure if you should weigh yourself. Here are 5 things to consider before stepping on the scale.}

#5: Dieters do keep the weight off

Lots of them do. Myself included.

For me, it took getting educated about diet and nutrition, unlearning bad habits, learning good habits, and enormously changing my attitude about food and diet. My weight gain story started in elementary school. I think I went on my first diet when I was 8. My successful weight management story started in college.

And it’s led to a career that’s changed and rewarded my life.

Funny, but I now consider my younger, overweight body a blessing in disguise. I’ve got a great career, plus my health, energy level, and self-image are much improved!

But it’s not just me. I know lots of former weight strugglers who’ve maintained lighter, healthier bodies for years.

How the weight stays away

You’ll find many success stories at the National Weight Control Registry (NWCR), a registry of over 10,000 people who have lost weight and kept it off. On average, they’ve lost 66 pounds and kept it off for more than 5 years. Check out the strategies they use to keep the weight off.

To talk about keeping lost weight lost, I reached out to James O. Hill, PhD, director of the Nutrition Obesity Research Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Hill is also a founding researcher of the NWCR.

He says, “ Exercise is the best predictor of maintaining weight loss.” He goes on to explain that having a flexible metabolism is key to weight management and that exercise is key to having a flexible metabolism.

Just what is a flexible metabolism? I asked him.

Having a flexible metabolism means that your body is very good at switching between using carbohydrates and fat for fuel. After you’ve eaten, you have carbs ready to be used, but after an overnight fast, body fat is more available. You can think about it like a thermostat on your wall. If your system is sensitive, the temperature of your home changes quickly when you adjust the thermostat. But if your system is not so sensitive, it takes longer to change the air temperature around you.

Dr. Hill explains that this sensitivity or flexibility is likely important in weight management.

Even before talking to Dr. Hill or reviewing some of the research, I was confident exercise was critical to keeping my weight off for more than 3 decades. Now I can put a name to it: metabolic flexibility.

It’s smart to look for fun ways to be active. And Benny is the answer! Funny how being active produces even more energy.

And if you’re wondering about metabolism boosters, here’s the scoop .

#6: Body positivity & weight loss goals can be friends

Lots of people with large bodies are heavy with shame.

Let’s all work together to stop shaming others and ourselves. We can feel positive about our bodies no matter what size body we walk around in. Your weight does not define you or your worth anyway.

In reading this post, you’ve seen just a touch of how body weight is not entirely in our control. If you’re not convinced, scroll back up and reread weight loss truth numbers 3 and 4, and take a look at this cool infographic .

In recent years, I’ve heard more chatter about body positivity, and I think this is good. What I don’t think is good is health professionals and others claiming that body weight and fatness are unimportant or that it’s bad to try to lose excess body fat. Excess body fat, especially excess visceral fat, leads to health problems. That’s exactly why the American Medical Association and other organizations classify obesity as a disease.

I agree with Karen when she says, “We need to be able to talk about weight removed from a culture of body-shaming. People can take positive actions to reach and maintain a weight that’s healthy for them without restrictive diets that promote a cycle of weight loss and regain.” So true! Find a healthful way to lose a few pounds that doesn’t consume your mental energy and hurt your body.

It’s not about numbers on the scale. It’s about health.

Take your mind OFF the weight goal

Yes, I mean that. Take your mind off the weight goal.

I find people do so much better with weight loss when they focus on the process instead of the pounds.

What do I mean by that?

Instead of looking toward a specific number on the scale – after all, you can lose weight by getting the stomach flu, getting lost in a cave without food, or swallowing a tapeworm – look at your habits, mindset, and behaviors. Instead of shaming yourself for not losing weight, high-five yourself for packing your lunch all week. Instead of relying on willpower to get to the gym, think about what will make working out more fun and convenient. And instead of shunning all your favorite foods until the scale reads the “right” number, learn the process of eating well most of the time. And not feeling guilty when you don’t.

Celebrate your small wins. Small wins lead to bigger wins. I promise! © Can Stock Photo / barsik

You’re not stuck at this weight

And that’s the truth.

Personal experiences, professional experiences, and research convinced me that weight loss is possible – even if you tried and failed before. A few ideas:

• If what to eat is your question, work with a registered dietitian nutritionist to develop an individualized plan.
• If you know what to eat, but you just don’t stick to your plan, check out my video course Stick With It : Build Motivation & Willpower for Healthy Habits & Get the Results You Want.
• If diet and exercise changes don’t help you drop weight, make an appointment with a medical provider for diagnostic testing, evaluation, and advice about weight loss medications, devices, and surgeries.

Like James developed a new mindset, you can too. No more oscillating between deprivation diets and pounds of pasta.

The truth about weight loss is that it is hard work, involves long-term behavior change, the focus must be on habits, and a good mindset will get you to your goal.

If you’re tired of not meeting your goals,

Learn more about motivation, willpower, and strategies for success. enroll in stick with it.

Filed Under: Mindset , Myth Busting , Science of Healthy , Weight Loss

Tagged: exercise , weight loss , willpower

Jill Weisenberger

I'm Jill, and I believe simple changes in your mindset and health habits can bring life-changing rewards. And I don't believe in willpower. It's waaaay overrated. As a food-loving registered dietitian nutritionist, certified diabetes care and education specialist and certified health and wellness coach, I've helped thousands of people solve their food and nutrition problems. If you're looking for a better way to master this whole healthy eating/healthy living thing or if you're trying to prevent or manage diabetes or heart problems, you'll find plenty of resources right here.

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17 comments.

Such an awesome post, Jill. I’ll be sharing it on my social media sites.

Thanks Chris!

I love everything about this!!

I have been a bigger guy my whole life. I’d like to lose some weight for once so I can feel like a completely different person. So I appreciate how you suggested that I try to look at my habits and mindset rather than a number to really change my weight.

Wow, What a fantastic article. In your article, I found lots of info about weight loss. many many thanks for sharing.

Wow, I did not know that our brain controls our weight and that weight gain occurs because of an imbalance in hunger and fullness. Thanks for all the information.

Good content keep it up

Hi, Thank you for posting such an insightful article. I am a fitness trainer myself and for weight loss that is sustainable nothing works better than a combination of strength training, calorie deficit, nutritious meal and good sleep. Thanks.

Yes! And a good mindset too!

Great post, Jill! Habits are where it’s at 🙂

It’s good to know that even losing 5% of your weight is a great start.

I love that you advise looking at your weight loss journey as a process rather than a goal. Sharing your article with a friend.

Thank you for addressing the various aspects of the topic in a well-rounded manner. Your post is comprehensive and informative.

I’m grateful for the practical advice you’ve shared in this article. It’s truly actionable.

This article on the truth about weight loss offers a refreshing perspective on achieving a healthy weight. I appreciate the emphasis on focusing on health and well-being rather than just the number on the scale. It’s a reminder that weight loss is not the only measure of success when it comes to our health.

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Welcome to my Blog

Hi there! I'm Jill, a nutrition & diabetes expert and the author of 4 books.

I believe simple changes in health habits can bring you life-changing rewards.

And I believe willpower is way overrated.

Right here is where you can discover the mindset and habits to stick with healthy lifestyle choices most of the time - and drop the guilt when you don't.

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[email protected] p. 757 969 8385

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The Ups and Downs of Weight Loss: Why You Shouldn’t Give Up

There is an old saying that where there’s a will, there’s a way. If you really want a goal, and are motivated to do what it takes to obtain it, you can be sure to reach your goals in most cases. Sometimes it really takes an incredible amount of “will” to accomplish something. What do we do when our “will” seems to be at its limit?

Many people start the weight loss journey with enthusiasm and energy. They want a healthier weight, so they alter eating habits, start exercising, and change their lives in significant ways. What happens when the journey is longer than expected? Or the goal seems to be moving away more quickly than you can move toward it? You may be tempted to leave the path you’ve started, but if you are motivated enough, you should be able to work through the difficult moments.

Bolstering your motivation is important in order to stay on track. There are a few tips and tricks that can help maintain this motivation at every step of the way.

Keep your Expectations Real

As with everything in life, losing weight in a healthy, sustained way takes time . If expectations are too high—such as those given by certain fad diets—there are bound to be disappointments, which can be huge motivation crushers. If everything goes well on your weight loss regime, it will generally take at least a month to notice any real changes with your body.

Don’t Start With a Bang

Keeping motivated can be a difficult thing to manage. When you first set out, you’re motivated by everything—change your eating habits, go to the gym regularly, take walks, take the stairs, and so forth. But just as a marathon runner who starts running the race at full speed would run out of energy (regardless of the motivation), you can also “burn out” if you take too much on too soon.

Focus on Yourself and Not the Weight Scale

Stop making the scale the sole judge of your success. Instead, think about how well you feel when you return from jogging, or after a healthy meal, or when hubby starts seeing the difference. These are motivation-boosting milestones on your weight-loss journey that you can be mindful and appreciative of. Remember to enjoy the journey, not just rush towards the destination.

Set Smaller Goals

If you wish to lose 50 pounds by the end of the year, you may be in for a disappointment. It is a great goal, but one that is difficult to reach. If you set smaller goals to reach, and set more of them, there is a better chance you can reach one. When you do, there’s motivation to make the next one, or you’re better enabled to handle setbacks when they come. Bigger goals seem to happen without even noticing them.

Don’t Skip Meals

It can be a great temptation to skip a few meals throughout the day and try to jump-start weight loss this way. Skipping a meal, however, is only going to hinder your progress. Eating right has worked well thus far, and that isn’t going to diminish. Try eating healthy snacks instead, or cut out any unhealthy options you are still allowing yourself to eat. Cut out bread completely, or eat only natural carbs such as fruit. Eat some green, cleansing vegetables also as a healthy alternative. You can also try adding a super supplement, exogenous ketones , to your protocol. These can greatly support your weight-loss journey by boosting your metabolism and switching your body to start burning fat for energy.

Do More Strength Training

If you have been focusing on cardio this could be a big part of your plateau. Metabolism slows down when you lose weight because your body thinks it doesn’t need to burn calories as quickly. One way to speed metabolism is to strength train. If you do strength training for about 30 minutes per day, your muscles will be toned and natural in appearance.

Get More Sleep

A lack of sleep can slow down your metabolism and stop your muscles from repairing themselves. Try to get to sleep early enough to get a minimum of 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep. If you’re having trouble sleeping, try eating more foods that naturally increase melatonin production or a nighttime tea before bed. Use an app or watch to track the amount of sleep you get each night to try to stay consistent. This is a great way to focus on this goal.

It’s also possible that your body is overworked. Muscle fibers deteriorate and reconstruct as you work out. If you’re not getting enough rest, they won’t rebuild, but will continue to collapse. Try taking three days off and give yourself a rest. It may sound like a setback, but you’ll be happy that you did it. You can still take a walk if you need to stay moving, but take the rest, and then get back to work.

Almost everyone who undertakes this weight-loss journey hits a plateau at one point. It is normal and just a bump in the road of your journey. If you work hard, you can overcome it with some adjustments. Try each of these points to see if they will help you get through, and keep up your motivation!

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Whether you’re starting for the very first time, or have tried every type of weight loss solution for the hundredth time, there are ways to prepare yourself to improve your chances of success.

Based on my experiences treating hundreds of weight loss patients, here are several steps to take before starting your own weight loss journey.

Prepare your mind

Set proper expectations.

Embarking on a weight loss journey requires recognizing that it is a process that takes time. Just as it took time for your body to gain weight, it will take time for it to shed the excess pounds. It’s important to set realistic goals and understand that weight loss is rarely a linear progression.

Initially, you may experience faster weight loss, perhaps around 2-4 pounds per week, or even more for some individuals. However, as you continue on your weight loss journey, it’s natural for the rate of weight loss to slow down. Your body adapts and becomes accustomed to the changes you’ve made, making it more challenging to maintain the same pace of weight loss.

This adjustment period varies among individuals, but it’s important to realize that it is a normal reaction from your body. As you lose weight, your body goes through changes and becomes accustomed to your initial weight loss efforts. This means that you may need to put in more effort and expect potentially slower results as you progress further.

It’s crucial to remember that experiencing a slower rate of weight loss is not a failure on your part. It’s to be expected, and it doesn’t diminish the significance of your accomplishments.

Whether you celebrate a 5-pound loss in the first week or a 1-pound loss in the 18th week, both are worth acknowledging. As long as your overall weight trend is downward, you’re still on the right track towards achieving your goals.

Be prepared for failure

The all-or-none mindset is a common trait among yoyo dieters . It implies that if you embark on a weight loss protocol, you must go all in and give it your maximum effort, or else it’s not worth doing at all. This mindset often leads to a cycle of intense dieting followed by giving in to temptations, feeling guilty, and ultimately giving up.

While this approach may result in rapid short-term weight loss for some, it typically leads to struggles with long-term weight maintenance. The pattern of strict dieting, succumbing to temptations, regaining weight, and then resorting to intense dieting again creates an unhealthy relationship with food. It also generates additional anxiety and stress surrounding eating.

Instead, it’s important to be prepared for the possibility of setbacks and failures along the way. Rather than fearing or feeling guilty about these moments, view them as valuable learning experiences. Failure can help you identify personal weaknesses and challenges, allowing you to anticipate and overcome them in future weight loss attempts.

By adopting a mindset that embraces failure as an opportunity for growth, you can develop strategies to address the specific issues that caused you to stumble. This proactive approach enables you to plan ahead, make adjustments, and find sustainable solutions to prevent similar setbacks in the future.

Remember, weight loss journeys are not always smooth and linear. They involve ups and downs, and it’s how you respond to challenges and setbacks that will determine your long-term success. By embracing the lessons from failure and viewing them as stepping stones on your path to success, you can cultivate resilience and develop a healthier relationship with both food and your weight loss journey.

Understand your motivation

Understanding your motivation is a crucial aspect of starting a weight loss journey. Identifying your reasons for wanting to lose weight and establishing a clear understanding of your motivation can provide the necessary drive and commitment to sustain you throughout your journey.

Here are some key points to consider when exploring your motivation:

• Reflect on Your Personal Reasons : Take some time to reflect on why you want to lose weight. Is it for improved health, increased energy levels, enhanced self-confidence, or to be a positive role model for your loved ones? Understanding your personal reasons can help you establish a meaningful connection to your goals and serve as a source of inspiration when faced with challenges.
• Be Mindful of Your Emotional Well-being : Acknowledge that weight loss journeys can be emotionally challenging at times. Be kind to yourself, practice self-compassion, and seek support when needed. Addressing underlying emotional triggers and developing healthy coping mechanisms can help you navigate emotional roadblocks and maintain your motivation.

It’s important to be mindful of the reasons or motivations that may not be beneficial or healthy in the long run. You should strive to be wary of or avoid these motivators:

• External Pressure : Trying to lose weight solely to meet societal or societal standards, or to please others, can be detrimental to your mental and emotional well-being. Weight loss should be driven by personal goals and aspirations, not external expectations.
• Unrealistic Body Image Ideals : Striving for a specific body shape or size based on unrealistic beauty standards portrayed in the media can lead to unhealthy behaviors and body dissatisfaction. Remember that everyone’s body is unique, and the focus should be on overall health rather than achieving a specific appearance.
• Comparison to Others : Comparing your body or progress to others can create a negative mindset and erode self-esteem. Each person’s weight loss journey is individual and influenced by various factors. Instead of comparing, focus on your own progress and celebrate your personal achievements.
• Rapid or Drastic Results : Seeking quick or extreme weight loss for immediate results may lead to unhealthy practices, such as crash dieting or excessive exercise. Rapid weight loss is often unsustainable and can have negative impacts on your health. Aim for gradual and sustainable weight loss instead.
• Fixating on the Scale : Placing too much emphasis on the number on the scale can be counterproductive and demotivating. Weight fluctuates naturally due to factors like water retention and muscle gain. Instead, focus on other indicators of progress, such as improved energy levels, strength, endurance, or how your clothes fit.
• Emotional Validation : Using weight loss as a means to seek validation, acceptance, or love from others can lead to disappointment and a negative self-image. It’s important to develop self-acceptance and love regardless of your weight or appearance.
• Punishing or Negative Mindset : Approaching weight loss from a place of self-hatred, punishment, or shame can create an unhealthy relationship with food and exercise. It’s crucial to adopt a positive mindset, emphasizing self-care, self-compassion, and nurturing your body with healthy habits.

Remember, a healthy weight loss journey is driven by internal motivations, personal well-being, and a focus on overall health. It’s important to prioritize self-acceptance, self-care, and sustainable lifestyle changes that promote long-term well-being rather than short-term fixes or external expectations.

Prepare your support

Address weaknesses.

As you embark on your weight loss journey, it’s important to gather valuable information that may not be immediately available but will prove crucial along the way. This includes recognizing and addressing weaknesses and mistakes that you may have encountered before or understanding yourself better.

Reflect on your eating habits, such as tendencies for snacking or emotional eating , which can provide initial insights. Additionally, if you have been on a weight loss journey for some time, you likely have a sense of which aspects have posed the greatest challenges for you.

Failures and setbacks can be powerful teachers, offering valuable lessons. Analyze what caused you to stumble or deviate from your diet, as this will provide critical information for your progress.

Once you’ve identified these stumbling blocks, it becomes essential to devise effective strategies to overcome them. For instance, if mindless snacking is a recurring issue, consider removing all tempting snacks from your home to regain control over your impulses. Similarly, if time constraints hinder your ability to prepare nutritious meals, seek out meal plans that can be easily prepped in advance, ensuring you have healthy options readily available throughout the week.

The more weaknesses you can pinpoint and proactively address, the smoother your weight loss journey will become. By recognizing and dealing with these challenges, you are equipping yourself with the tools and strategies necessary for success.

However, it’s crucial to remember not to lose sight of the bigger picture. While focusing on weaknesses and mistakes is important, it is equally vital to maintain a broader perspective. Keep your ultimate goal in mind and stay motivated by envisioning the positive changes you seek to achieve through your weight loss journey.

Get social support

In the beginning stages of your weight loss journey, it is crucial to establish a supportive network and create an environment that fosters your success. Don’t hesitate to communicate your goals and aspirations with your friends and family, allowing them to understand and support your endeavors.

Engaging with an interactive online weight loss community can be incredibly beneficial. These communities provide a platform for sharing personal stories, discussing challenges, and seeking advice. Seek out forums and groups that cater specifically to your situation. For instance, if you have diabetes and are looking to lose weight, find a forum where fellow diabetics are on a similar weight loss journey. Similarly, if you are following the ketogenic diet, joining a forum dedicated to ketogenic dieters can provide valuable insights and support.

It’s essential to actively participate and interact within the online community. Merely observing passively and reading about others’ experiences won’t offer the same level of support. By engaging in discussions, sharing your own journey, and connecting with others, you can tap into a wealth of support and knowledge.

When seeking social support, prioritize individuals who are not only supportive but also knowledgeable about your weight loss journey. These individuals can help keep you accountable, identify potential challenges you may face, and offer valuable tips based on their own experiences. Surrounding yourself with such individuals creates a positive and empowering atmosphere that propels you toward success.

Use the right tools

When embarking on your weight loss journey, incorporating the right tools can greatly enhance your progress and overall experience. From a wide array of options, such as calorie or food tracking apps, supplements, vitamin and nutrient injection therapies, to weight loss medications or surgeries, it’s important to identify the tools that work best for you.

Discovering the tools that complement your needs can be just as crucial as finding a suitable diet plan. For individuals seeking a more structured approach or those with limited experience in weight loss, tracking apps or specific dietary plans can offer valuable guidance.

However, it’s important to recognize that while these tools can be beneficial throughout your weight loss journey, they should not replace the core principles that underpin your success. An effective weight loss diet and an appropriate weight loss mindset remain fundamental.

Remember, these tools are meant to support you, but the ultimate responsibility for the success of your weight loss journey lies within yourself. Embrace the tools that align with your needs and goals, but always maintain a sense of personal accountability and commitment. By combining the right tools with your own dedication and determination, you can pave the way for a successful weight loss journey.

Learn more about

• 5 Tips on How To Keep the Weight Off
• 10 Common Habits of Thin People

Hwang KO, Ottenbacher AJ, Green AP, et al. Social support in an Internet weight loss community. Int J Med Inform. 2010;79(1):5-13. doi:10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2009.10.003

Karfopoulou E, Anastasiou CA, Avgeraki E, Kosmidis MH, Yannakoulia M. The role of social support in weight loss maintenance: results from the MedWeight study. J Behav Med. 2016;39(3):511-518. doi:10.1007/s10865-016-9717-y

Kiernan M, Moore SD, Schoffman DE, et al. Social support for healthy behaviors: scale psychometrics and prediction of weight loss among women in a behavioral program. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2012;20(4):756-764. doi:10.1038/oby.2011.293

Verheijden MW, Bakx JC, van Weel C, Koelen MA, van Staveren WA. Role of social support in lifestyle-focused weight management interventions. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2005;59 Suppl 1:S179-S186. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602194

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NaturWarriors

For healthier lives, through nature, the emotional impact of weight loss: navigating the ups and downs of the journey.

Weight loss is a journey that can be both physically and emotionally challenging. While it’s common to focus on the physical aspects of weight loss, it’s equally important to acknowledge and address the emotional impact of this journey. In this article, we’ll explore the emotional impact of weight loss and how to navigate the ups and downs of the journey.

Dealing with Negative Thoughts and Emotions

One of the most challenging emotional aspects of weight loss is dealing with negative thoughts and emotions. When we embark on a weight loss journey, we often have a lot of self-doubt and negative self-talk. We might think things like, “I’m never going to be able to do this” or “I’m not good enough to stick with it.” These negative thoughts can be discouraging and make it hard to stay motivated.

To combat negative self-talk, it’s important to practice self-compassion. This means treating yourself with kindness and understanding, just as you would a friend who is going through a tough time. Recognize that weight loss is a difficult journey, and it’s okay to struggle sometimes. Instead of beating yourself up when things get tough, try to reframe your thoughts in a more positive way. For example, instead of thinking “I can’t do this,” try thinking “I’m doing the best I can, and that’s enough.”

Dealing with the Ups and Downs of Weight Loss

Another emotional challenge of weight loss is dealing with the ups and downs of the journey. There will be days when you feel great and motivated , and other days when you feel discouraged and frustrated. It’s important to remember that these ups and downs are normal and to be expected.

One way to navigate the emotional rollercoaster of weight loss is to set realistic expectations. Don’t expect to see dramatic results overnight. Weight loss is a slow and steady process, and it’s important to be patient with yourself. Celebrate small victories along the way, like losing a pound or being able to walk an extra block without getting winded. These small wins can help keep you motivated and positive.

Finding Support

Another way to navigate the emotional challenges of weight loss is to find support. This could mean joining a weight loss group or finding a workout buddy. Having someone to share your journey with can make a big difference in your motivation and mental wellbeing. It can also be helpful to seek the advice of a therapist or counselor, who can help you work through any emotional challenges you may be facing.

Support can also come in the form of a healthy community, whether it’s online or in-person. There are many online forums and social media groups dedicated to weight loss and health, and joining one can help you connect with others who are on a similar journey. Just be sure to join a supportive community, as there are many toxic diet culture spaces out there.

Focusing on the Positive Changes

Finally, it’s important to remember that weight loss is not just about physical health, but mental and emotional health as well. Losing weight can have a profound impact on self-esteem, confidence, and overall happiness. It’s important to focus on the positive changes that come with weight loss, and not just the number on the scale.

Take note of the non-scale victories, like fitting into smaller clothes or having more energy throughout the day. It can also be helpful to keep a gratitude journal, where you write down three things you’re thankful for each day. This practice can help shift your focus away from negative thoughts and towards the positive changes in your life.

It’s also important to remember that weight loss is not a linear process. There will be times when you plateau or even gain weight, but that doesn’t mean you’re failing. It’s all part of the journey. The most important thing is to keep moving forward and not give up.

In conclusion, the emotional impact of weight loss is a real and important aspect of the journey. Dealing with negative thoughts and emotions, navigating the ups and downs of weight loss, finding support, and focusing on the positive changes can all help make the journey more manageable. Remember to be kind to yourself, celebrate small victories, and stay focused on the bigger picture of overall health and wellbeing. With the right mindset and support, anyone can succeed on their weight loss journey.

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Your Ultimate Guide to Diet, Weight Loss, Beauty, and Wellness

Weight Loss Journey: 5 Inspiring Stories from Struggle to Success

Table of Contents

Weight Loss Journey

Embarking on a weight loss journey is a path filled with challenges, but the end results are undeniably rewarding. In this piece, we'll delve into awe-inspiring weight loss journey stories that have transformed lives. These tales of grit, commitment, and resilience are beacons of hope for anyone grappling with weight issues. Let's uncover the secrets behind these triumphant weight loss journeys.

1. Embracing Determination:

The weight loss journey isn't a sprint; it's a marathon. Sarah's story is a testament to this. She managed to shed an impressive 100 pounds (ca. 45 kg) within a year. But what's behind Sarah's success? It's more than just numbers on a scale; it's a complete transformation in mindset.

Sarah faced numerous challenges, from resisting her favorite treats to pushing herself to hit the gym even on days she'd rather stay in bed. But she remained undeterred. Recognizing the importance of daily consistency and adopting a long-term vision, Sarah made informed dietary choices and committed to regular physical activity. She joined a local fitness group, ensuring she had the support and motivation to continue. Sarah's journey underscores the power of determination and the belief that with the right mindset, any weight loss goal is achievable.

2. Nutrition: The Game-Changer:

James's weight loss journey is a shining beacon of the transformative power of nutrition. After years of battling the bulge and losing a staggering 150 pounds (ca. 68 kg), James became a true advocate for clean eating.

He began by educating himself about the nutritional value of different foods . Swapping out processed snacks for whole grains, lean proteins, and an abundance of fruits and vegetables became second nature. James also became a regular at local farmers' markets, ensuring he always had access to fresh, organic produce.

As he phased out sugary drinks and processed foods, not only did the pounds drop, but he also noticed improved skin clarity, better sleep, and increased energy levels. James's journey is a vivid reminder that nutrition is more than just fuel; it's the foundation of our health.

Learn How a Harvard Doctor's Genius Hack Ended My Food Cravings Forever

3. The Joy of Movement:

Emily's weight loss journey is a beautiful dance of determination and movement. Losing 80 pounds (ca. 36 kg) wasn't just about diet; it was about discovering the joy of physical activity.

Starting with simple morning walks in her neighborhood, Emily soon felt the urge to challenge herself further. She took up dance classes, something she'd always been passionate about but never pursued. As she twirled, jumped, and moved, she felt a connection between her body and soul. Gradually, she incorporated more rigorous workouts, joining a local gym and even participating in marathons.

The weight loss was a bonus. What truly mattered to Emily was the newfound love for movement, the surge in her energy levels, and the positive shifts in her mood. Her story emphasizes that exercise isn't just a chore; it's a celebration of what our bodies can achieve.

4. Rediscovering Self-Worth:

For Alex, the weight loss journey was as much about mental transformation as it was about physical change. Tipping the scales at 250 pounds (ca. 113 kg), Alex often found himself battling self-esteem issues. The turning point came during a family vacation when he realized he was holding back from activities due to his weight.

Determined to make a change, Alex began attending therapy to address his emotional eating habits. Alongside, he took up swimming, a sport he loved as a child. The combination of addressing his mental barriers and engaging in an activity he loved made the weight loss journey more holistic. A year later, 90 pounds (ca. 41 kg) lighter, Alex not only transformed physically but also found a renewed sense of self-worth and confidence.

5. Community Support:

Linda's weight loss journey is a testament to the power of community. At 280 pounds (ca. 127 kg), Linda felt isolated and often turned to food for comfort. However, a local community weight loss challenge caught her eye, and she decided to sign up.

Being part of a group with a shared goal was transformative for Linda. Weekly meetings, group workouts, and shared meal plans made the process more engaging. The community became her support system, cheering for every pound lost and providing encouragement during setbacks.

With the combined strength of her community, Linda managed to lose an astounding 120 pounds (ca. 54 kg) in 18 months. Her journey underscores the importance of having a support system and how community can be a driving force in one's weight loss journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. What's the typical duration for noticeable results in a weight loss journey?

• Weight loss journey outcomes vary. Starting weight, genetic makeup, and dedication are influential factors. Sustainable progress should be the focal point over instant results .

2. Can the weight loss journey succeed without workouts?

• Diet-induced calorie deficits primarily drive weight loss. However, exercise amplifies calorie burn, metabolic rates, and overall fitness.

3. Is adhering to a specific diet mandatory for a weight loss journey?

• Diet is subjective. It's paramount to identify a sustainable eating regimen aligning with personal preferences and objectives. Nutritionists can offer tailored advice.

4. How to maintain motivation throughout the weight loss journey?

• The weight loss journey has its ups and downs. Setting achievable goals, rejoicing in minor wins, and harnessing support from loved ones are pivotal. Engaging in support groups or hiring a fitness coach can instill accountability.

The Bottom Line:

The weight loss journey is transformative, ushering in happiness, self-assurance, and enhanced health. The narratives of determination shared herein validate that sustainable dietary shifts, exercise consistency, and a buoyant mindset are instrumental for weight loss triumphs.

Every journey is distinct, so cherish yours and applaud every stride you make. The journey might be arduous, but the rewards are unparalleled.

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The ups and downs of lifestyle modification: An existential journey among persons with severe obesity

Bente skovsby toft.

1 Department of Lifestyle Rehabilitation, Horsens Regional Hospital, Brædstrup Denmark

Ulrica Hörberg

2 Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Department of Health and Caring Sciences P G Vejdes väg, Linnæus University, Växjö Sweden

Birgit Rasmussen

3 Department of Physio and Occupational Therapy, Horsens Regional Hospital, Horsens Denmark

Maintaining a healthy living after the end of a lifestyle intervention is a challenge for persons with severe obesity. Measurable outcomes are often emphasised, but there is a need for understanding the process of lifestyle change and the long‐term perspectives among persons with severe obesity.

Aim and objective

To describe and deepen the understanding of how persons with severe obesity experience making and maintaining lifestyle changes in everyday life three years after lifestyle intervention.

Methodology and methods

The study used a hermeneutic phenomenological approach. A purposive sample of seven adults with BMI ≥ 40 was recruited from a lifestyle intervention programme. Data were generated through individual follow‐up interviews. The analysis was based on theoretical framework on dwelling and mobility. Ethical approvals were received from the Danish Data Protection Agency and the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki were followed.

One overarching theme emerged: ‘The journey of ups and downs’. Three sub‐themes were: ‘Living with and tackling the demands of life's hassles’, ‘Deliberating the fight for weight loss’ and ‘Needing a trusted person to feel met as a human being’.

Conclusions

Everyday life among persons with severe obesity is experienced as a dynamic process of shifting experiences of dwelling and mobility. Sustained lifestyle changes require ongoing adjustments of action, which healthcare providers can influence in ways that either support or obstruct. Collaboration and a humanised approach across disciplines and sectors are suggested to promote sustained healthy living.

It is estimated that 1.5%–4% of the population live with the complex chronic condition of severe obesity (Body Mass Index/BMI ≥ 40 kg/m 2 ) [ 1 ]. The Western obesity‐promoting environment characterised by easy access to food, reduced work‐related activity and active transportation is unlikely to change in the near future. Accordingly, obesity‐reducing behaviour in terms of healthy lifestyle is advocated [ 2 ] as it may prevent obesity‐related diseases, for example, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases [ 3 ]. The severity of health problems increases with increasing weight, and persons with severe obesity have been found to be less adherent to general healthcare recommendations than persons with lower BMIs [ 4 ].

Lifestyle interventions for persons with severe obesity

Lifestyle is a way of living based on patterns of behaviour influencing a person's health. It is determined by the interplay between personal characteristics, social interactions and socioeconomic and environmental living conditions. A person's lifestyle is not fixed, but subject to change, however, there is no ‘optimal’ lifestyle to be prescribed for all people [ 1 ]. Along with lifestyle interventions aiming to support persons in avoiding disease and improving physical health, interventions also address the experience of well‐being. Well‐being is an integrated existential dimension connected to a person's lifestyle and health [ 3 , 5 ], as well as a person's ability to partake certain everyday life activities [ 6 ]. Thus, lifestyle interventions are complex and entail numerous aspects of each person's life. Lifestyle interventions for persons with obesity are multidisciplinary and take motivation, barriers, facilitators, relationship with food, diet and exercise into account [ 7 ]. The goal is to promote behavioural changes that lead to weight loss. However, for nearly two decades the focus on weight loss has been criticised for lacking results and carrying the risk of harming the individual [ 8 ]. The result can be yo–yo dieting with relapses, which causes feelings of defeat, failure and shame. Based on these facts a different approach has been developed, which focuses on health and well‐being, and allows weight loss to become a positive side effect of the maintenance of lifestyle change [ 9 ].

Persons with severe obesity may experience improved quality of life after lifestyle intervention with less binge eating and depression as well as improved physical and mental health in everyday life. This is known to contribute to their weight management [ 10 ]. Still, making lifestyle changes requires great personal efforts [ 11 ] and relapse is possible at any stage of the intervention [ 2 ]. It is challenging for healthcare providers (HCP) to support a person in maintaining healthy behavioural changes [ 12 ]. The HCPs may overlook the fact that facilitators and barriers to healthy living are numerous and have an underlying complex existential character [ 13 ]. Even after ending an intervention programme, persons with obesity continue to struggle with existential challenges in everyday life [ 14 ]. The experiences of well‐being and suffering influence the capability of maintaining lifestyle changes [ 15 ] and those who have failed in maintaining weight loss may require continuous support of HCPs [ 16 ].

Well ‐ being and lifeworld domains relate to everyday life and health

Everyday life can be described as ‘being‐in‐the‐world’ in a seamless and familiar everydayness. The everydayness is temporary because our experiences may change our understanding over time [ 19 ]. Everydayness is holding the experience of possibility and of developing self‐fulfilment, however, always within the limited freedom of being born in a pre‐determined genetic, cultural and historical time [ 17 ]. We are always with others in our everydayness and the experience of well‐being cannot be detached from them [ 18 ]. Well‐being is defined as the experience of something positive and wanted in one's everyday life [ 20 ] and is opposed by the experiences of suffering. Together, they encompass all aspects of health across the physical, mental, social and spiritual dimensions [ 21 ]. Well‐being and suffering exist in different nuances balanced between dwelling, mobility and dwelling‐mobility. Dwelling is a capacity for settling into the present moment and to feel at peace with what is there. Mobility is a capacity for moving in ways that expand one's life (metaphorically or literally). Dwelling‐mobility is a unified sense of peace and possibility [ 5 ].

A lifeworld‐oriented health approach aims to understand a person's existential experiences of well‐being and suffering within the domains of spatiality, temporality, identity, inter‐subjectivity, mood, identity and embodiment [ 22 ]. There seems to be a tendency to overlook the everydayness nuances of dwelling and mobility in research and healthcare practice. Moreover, the significance of suffering can easily be obscured by over‐emphasising well‐being, hence, it is important to view and understand both in a continuum.

The approach of existential experiences in research

Little is known about how the existential challenges in everyday life influence choices and actions after lifestyle intervention among persons with severe obesity. Their needs and barriers deserve further attention in order to improve lifestyle interventions [ 23 ]. A deeper insight into the experiences of everyday life among persons with severe obesity after lifestyle intervention can support a lifeworld‐oriented approach in healthcare practice.

The study presented in this paper is a continuation of the interviews in previous studies with the same group of participants. Previously, the participants’ experiences of well‐being were focused on physical activity within the existential dimensions: embodiment and identity (before and at the end of intervention six months later) [ 24 ]; inter‐subjectivity and spatiality (during intervention) [ 25 ]; and mood and temporality (at 18 months) [ 15 ].

AIM AND OBJECTIVE

This study focuses on well‐being and suffering in order to describe and deepen the understanding of how persons with severe obesity experience making and maintaining lifestyle changes in everyday life 3 years after lifestyle intervention.

This study has a qualitative design and is grounded in hermeneutic phenomenology based on Heidegger's lifeworld perspectives, that is, the way human beings exist, act and are involved in the world [ 18 ]. It is the fourth interview round of individual interviews conducted by the first author and serves as a three‐year follow‐up.

The lifeworld was approached through interview about the participants’ experiences, and the data from the interviews were interpreted through the hermeneutic circle of understanding. The interviewer's pre‐understanding was part of the interpretation and included knowledge based on a theoretical framework of dwelling and mobility describing existential nuances of well‐being and suffering. This pre‐understanding was put at stake to expand previous understanding of the everyday life of the participants [ 26 ]. As the lifeworld is pre‐reflectively experienced, it was interpreted and reflected upon in a continuous process of questioning and answering during the interviews and in the following data analysis [ 26 ].

Participants and context

Initially, participants were purposefully recruited by the criteria BMI ≥ 40 kg/m 2 from a group‐based lifestyle intervention programme at a Danish public hospital in 2015, which they attended. The programme focused on health promotion and consisted of three in‐hospital modules of four days over a six‐month period. Eleven persons had participated in the 18‐month follow‐up study [ 24 ]. When contacted by telephone seven participants volunteered for this study (See Table ​ Table1). 1 ). Reasons for non‐participation were lack of interest and time, or unable to reach by phone or mail. The participants were aged 28–63 years, and they all had medical and/or psycho‐social problems, which required support from HCPs.

Self‐reported characteristics of the included participants for this study (n = 7)

Data collection

Seven qualitative in‐depth individual interviews were conducted by using an interview guide consisting of open‐ended questions (See Box 1 ). The questions held a temporal aspect as they were directed at the participant's present situation with openness towards their experiences since the last interview as well as their hopes for the future.

Examples of questions and follow‐up questions from the interview guide

"Please, tell how you are right now?"

"What changes have you experienced in our life for the last 18 months?"

"Please, describe a situation in everyday life, which carried with it a greater sense of well‐being or suffering"

"What are your expectations and hopes for the future?"

Follow‐up questions:

"Can you tell more about it?"

"Can you give an example of that?"

"What did that mean to you?"

How do you think/feel about that?

Last time you told me…, how is that now?

The interviews were conducted in June/July 2019 in the participants’ home setting and lasted an average of 63 minutes. The interviews were audio‐recorded, and field notes were written down after each interview. All interviews were transcribed verbatim.

Analysis and interpretation

A phased analysis based on a hermeneutic approach took place as a movement across three overlapping steps: (1) What is addressed by the participant? (2) How does he/she talk about it? and (3) What experiences does he/she refer to and describe? (See Table ​ Table2). 2 ). The development of themes was conducted through a circular interpretation across the interviews going back and forth between previous and new understanding of the transcripts.

The three analytical steps; address, talk and refer

The analysis was conducted one interview at a time in relation to step 1 and merged in step 2 and 3.

By searching for meanings of well‐being and suffering in everyday life, themes were developed. The analysis was conducted in a reflective way, placing the themes ‘in the centre’ (26:386), and testing whether they resonated with the co‐authors’ interpretations. The testing was a discussion, which generated deeper insights and understandings [ 26 ] and at step 3 the themes were sensitised by the theoretical framework of dwelling‐mobility [ 5 ]; this involved a dialogue between the data gathered and the well‐being theory (See Table ​ Table3 3 ).

Example of the interrelatedness of address, talk and refer with data from the participants

Ethical considerations

The study was approved by the Danish Data Protection Agency (J. no. 1‐16‐02‐425‐15) and followed the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki [ 27 ]. The participants, orally and in writing, were informed about the study and prior to the interview, they signed a written‐consent form. The participants were guaranteed confidentiality and informed about their right to withdraw at any time without reprisal.

In everyday life, different kinds of well‐being and suffering were experienced, which generally influenced the maintenance and development of a healthy living. The overarching theme emerging was ‘The journey of ups and downs’. Three sub‐themes described the nuances of dwelling and mobility of well‐being and suffering: ‘Living with and tackling the demands of life's hassles’, ‘Deliberating the fight for weight loss’ and ‘Needing a trusted person to feel met as a human being’ (See Table ​ Table3 3 ).

‘The journey of ups and downs’

Ups and downs related to different aspects of life such as bodily changes and abilities; mood and mental distress; being capable and having hope. The ups and downs challenged the balance between dwelling and mobility. The constant awareness towards lifestyle changes and adjustments made little room for dwelling, and with lack of dwelling it was difficult to experience mobility and continue fighting. Major life change events and hassles made a healthy lifestyle more difficult. Repeated relapses to earlier habits were inevitable parts of everyday life. These relapses contributed to lack of mobility in a sense of incapacity, and to a lack of dwelling, in a sense of shamefulness of being incapable. This was contrasted by a sense of well‐being in mobility when new, meaningful and wanted changes were achieved.

‘Living with and tackling the demands of life's hassles’

Apart from tackling and living with obesity, the participants were facing numerous hassles. Everyday life hassles were individual and numerous and included mental health problems; problematic parenting; relationships with others (including HCPs); challenging obligations and responsibilities; unemployment and limited economic freedom; messy and unsuitable homes; physical pain and limitations; and/or tiredness due to sleep disturbances.

Living with and tackling these hassles was exhausting and gave a reduced sense of mobility in life where doubts about whether it was possible to recover energy and vitality added to the fear of gaining weight and becoming inactive. A man found it difficult to maintain the energy to keep on making lifestyle modifications: ‘I know it very well, I KNOW it, but I just can't do it any longer…I have lost the spark’ (P09). Especially among the persons with an all‐or‐nothing approach to food and exercise, fear of failure and negative expectations of the future contributed to a spiral of suffering in dwelling‐mobility, for example, leading to being less committed and having a sense of physical stasis and frustration.

Some experienced that their spatial surroundings blocked their dwelling possibilities. Living in messy and unsuitable homes and being unable to get them sorted due to a lack of physical and mental resources limited the opportunity for having a breathing space, where they could relax; for creating room for having guests and prevent feeling loneliness; carrying out cooking instead of eating random food; and moving around or training at home. Moreover, poor economy was a limitation for some participants. It reduced their possibilities of buying healthy food and doing certain types of exercise, for example, when they could not afford to join a health club or to go on family trips to a swimming pool, which reduced their physical activity level. All aspects, which hindered their mobility in everyday life and reduced well‐being.

The hassles of everyday life imposed disturbing thoughts that can be viewed as an obstruction of dwelling and mobility. Being deeply concerned led to sleeplessness and tiredness, which reduced the initiative to be active during the daytime. Some would suffer from a sense of being alienated from themselves and at the same time being unable to live a meaningful life.

On the other hand, living a stable and regular life or being able to accept one's situation brought a sense of dwelling, that combined with a sense of being capable and seeing possibilities supported a sense of well‐being in mobility, that is, elevated mood, energy, vitality and hope. Those who had achieved lifestyle changes such as regular circadian rhythms; healthier eating; increased physical activity; reduced stress or improved sleep patterns, seemed to enter a positive spiral of well‐being in dwelling‐mobility.

‘Deliberating the fight for weight loss’

Obesity and weight loss were experienced as a daily concern that disturbed dwelling in one´s view upon oneself and one's body and could make the fight for weight loss seem impossible. Without a sense of self‐esteem, the failed weight‐loss attempts led to disappointment, powerlessness and hopelessness. It was an experience of reduced mobility, as with this as this man, who was losing the energy to continue the fight: ‘I have totally given up…somehow I feel I don't give a shit. Well, I am giving up. I hardly bother doing anything to lose weight anymore…because it's going up or stays the same…it doesn't help anyway’ (P15). For the persons suffering the most, their present life with obesity was experienced to be intolerable and the future to be repellent or unliveable. They were suffering in dwelling‐mobility stuck in life with no way out.

The participants’ reflections upon obesity represented a tension between a nuanced and flexible attitude to health as a process and the achievement of a set weight loss goal or BMI. For a woman, weight loss became secondary as her point of departure was to tackle depression and anxiety:

One thing is that I went [to the Department of lifestyle Rehabilitation] the first time. Actually, I also went the second and the third time. That mattered. I have overstepped some boundaries and had success by doing it. I might not have done it [started an education] if I had not been out [at the Department of Lifestyle Rehabilitation], because I did have anxiety, and it was the first time I went anywhere new by public transport. In itself, that was a great achievement ‐ going away from home too (P07).

Being able to tackle anxiety and reducing depression became a turning point in her life. It provided mobility to succeed with other lifestyle changes and enabled her to start an education. Likewise, other participants were able to redirect the focus on weight loss to other aspects of life, for example, tackling lowered mood, managing a job, being able to take care of children and doing the housekeeping, which provided a balanced dwelling‐mobility and increased well‐being.

Dwelling as a sense of acceptance and settlement provided energy and engagement that gave mobility in making lifestyle modifications. However, this was difficult to achieve. Well‐being was to a great extend influenced by the idea of an ideal weight and other's expectations and opinions on body size, appearance, and attractiveness. Accepting one's large body size was hard and body dissatisfaction raised the question whether lifestyle change was the ‘right’ way to go or whether undergoing weight loss surgery (WLS) could be a possible short cut to permanent weight loss. Considering WLS or deliberating the importance and priority of weight loss influenced the participants’ attitude towards lifestyle change.

Needing a trusted person to feel met as a human being

Maintaining lifestyle changes was influenced by the social and healthcare systems. Health services had been used by the participants during the past three years in relation to physical and/or psycho‐social health problems. HCPs had an important role in their everyday lives. The relationship with the HCPs influenced the participants’ sense of dwelling‐mobility, that is, how to find peace in what is given in life and be able to change what is possible. Having someone trusted to talk to and to meet in one's deepest concerns was considered of great importance for a person's possibility of dwelling, for example, when feeling understood and cared about – and not like a number. The HCPs showing genuine interest, empathy and sensitivity as well as remembering a person and his/her history added a sense of positive attitude and responsiveness to the help requested. Especially for the participants, who did not have anybody close, the dialogue and the collaboration with HCPs facilitated the mobility to tackle life's hassles and move on with healthy living. A man told, how HCPs could also impose suffering when pressuring him against his will: ‘I don't want to hear “group exercise” one more time in my life, because then I will stop exercising. I feel like shit mentally, because I don't work with her [the physiotherapist]‐but nobody wants to listen’ (P09). The combination of a psychiatric diagnosis and physical diseases, which required professional care was experienced by a man as ‘standing in a no man's land’ of a ‘fragmented healthcare system’, which seemed to challenge his dwelling‐mobility. Mobility was required in terms of energy and strength to stand up for oneself and get help, and at the same time lack of dwelling due to suffering from an existential crisis were adding to the complexities of health problems. The same man was about to give up and had suicidal thoughts during a hospital stay, but he felt rejected by the HCPs when wanting to talk about existential issues. Although he was not a religious person, he chose to talk to a priest:

The priest told me verbatim: ‘you have so many good sides. You have done so much for yourself. You don't deserve to die. Death can be a relief for you, but there are many good things left in you’ [cries]. So that actually meant that I put this awful idea away. But I cannot guarantee it won't come back, but it has been put aside for now (P09).

Talking to this (trusted) person helped the man experience hope and alleviated his suffering for a while. The possibility of talking to a trusted person about existential issues seems to increase well‐being in dwelling as well as in mobility.

According to our findings, the journey of ups and downs can be understood and related to meanings of dwelling, mobility and dwelling‐mobility in relation to experiences of well‐being and suffering. These complex and interacting dimensions made the process of making and maintaining the lifestyle changes a fluctuating and dynamic challenge, which most participants were unprepared for tackling. Well‐being and suffering varied from time to time in our findings and made lifestyle changes a temporal and non‐linear existential journey. In this way, our study adds empirical insights to existing research on how losing weight can be an enduring challenge [ 28 ] and how well‐being can be a resource and provide mobility and human development [ 5 ]. Suffering can be both productive and unproductive for health [ 29 ], and we exemplify how it depends on a person's ability to dwell in or tackles life's hassles regardless if it is related to weight or not.

Failures reduce mood and hope and impose suffering

Tackling failed attempts of reaching one's goals seemed to be a common challenge among our participants as the sense of failure imposed suffering in dwelling‐mobility in terms of reduced energy, lacking vitality and in the end extinguished hope. This stands in contrast to research claiming that trying over and over again can accumulate knowledge over time and may engender new hope through previous and current experiences [ 30 ]. Our participants found hope and hopelessness to be conditioned by past experiences, and failure could make some give up the hope of obtaining weight loss or an improved life. According to the literature, such specific hope influences the capacity of action, that is, to do something on the basis of hope and to work towards realising it [ 31 ].

In our participants suffering in mood was described as having depression as a personal follower, where disappointed expectations and reduced hope disturbed dwelling and blocked the mobility to move on in life. Previous research has claimed that suffering from depression makes a person incapable of carrying out everyday life and unable to imagine that their life situation will ever change [ 32 ]. Similarly, we found that unrealistic expectations towards oneself or one's goals could escalate into a present hopelessness and loss of the perspective of life to come. If specific hope is threatened, a more universal or deep hope might help the person to avoid giving up and prevent him/her from being caught in a vicious circle of suffering [ 31 ]. Hopelessness can be understood as severe suffering in dwelling‐mobility and feeling the desperation of being stuck in an unwanted life with no desire to live on [ 33 ]. A severe kind of suffering was expressed by the participants with suicidal thoughts. They may have lacked deep hope, which is thought to involve the very meaning of human life, death and suffering [ 34 ]. Therefore, we argue that dwelling‐mobility in mood and hope are essential aspects of lifestyle modification.

The development of well ‐ being in identity influences lifestyle

Our findings showed how obesity and healthy living could impose a sense of being incapable and discontent at the same time. In an existential understanding, such experiences of a sense of self are related to suffering in dwelling‐mobility in identity, which includes the person's insiderness, that is, who they are, how they feel and what they think (dwelling) as well as how they act (mobility) [ 35 ], thus leaving a person without respite [ 36 ]. According to our findings, the development of one's thinking is part of the development of one's sense of self. Our participants struggled with dichotomous thinking and unrealistic expectations, which according to previous research, are issues known to influence weight loss negatively as it commonly includes eating to regulate mood [ 2 , 37 , 38 ]. A more flexible and relaxed approach to weight loss may be beneficial as the sense of being a failure, a disappointment or a hopeless person may add to the participants’ suffering in identity. According to Galvin and Todres (2011), a nuanced approach to health promotion requires a focus on identity that acknowledges ‘a more’ to one's identity than being obese or a failure, and at the same time support the mobility of thinking ‘I can’ make changes [ 6 ]. Previous research has identified identity to be the most complex and important lifeworld dimension in relation to lifestyle changes among people with obesity [ 39 ] and a review has suggested that identity may be a barrier to change [ 13 ]. Based on the findings that acceptance and settlement with body size, weight and physical capability added to the participants’ embodied dwelling and mobility we argue that well‐being in identity can develop and facilitate change. This study's emphasis on dwelling and mobility is a contribution to existing research suggesting that promotion of well‐being among persons with obesity should replace the existing focus on body size and weight [ 40 , 41 ].

The support from HCPs is essential for maintaining changes

We emphasise the importance of the relationship with other people including HCPs. We found that well‐being in intersubjectivity was improved when having a trusted person to talk to and reflect with upon one's lifestyle process. This seemed to bring important insights into how the participants responded to themselves, their own obesity, illness, well‐being and suffering. The HCPs held a central position in relation to supporting the engagement in lifestyle modification, and we agree with research arguing that it requires the ability to understand the lifeworld experiences of the patient to succeed [ 39 ]. Lack of understanding was experienced by our participants when HCPs tried to fit a person into group exercise or into the diagnostic system of a hospital. This has previously been addressed as neglect of existential acknowledgement and a source of suffering [ 22 ]. By contrast, conversation and sharing of one's existential suffering have been addressed as a way to implement a humanised approach, which could add to well‐being in dwelling and mobility [ 42 ]. Our empirical findings support earlier qualitative research documenting that a long‐term alliance between persons with obesity and HCPs is beneficial [ 43 ]. Additionally, our findings point to the fact that in order to meet another person in a human manner the relationship and the collaboration with the HCPs needs to be trustful and with time to dwell in a conversation.

Methodological considerations

Hermeneutics go beyond the concepts of method [ 26 ], however, the stepwise analytical process of ‘reading‐writing‐dialogue’ provided structure [ 44 ] and the Heideggerian concepts ‘Address, talk and refer’ guided the analysis (18:§31–38) and made it possible to approach the interpretation in an empirical, practical and pragmatic manner [ 45 ].

In hermeneutic phenomenology, the researcher is an instrument for the research method and conducting repeated interviews may have increased the quality of the interviews as previous understanding could be expanded [ 46 ]. The same interviewer conducted all the interviews, which was considered an advantage as she was experienced in interviewing and working with persons with severe obesity as a physiotherapist within the context of the lifestyle intervention. She was familiar with the intervention, but not a part of the participants’ intervention programme. She became familiar with the participants through the repeated interviews, which enhanced trust and confidentiality and allowed a dialogue about personal issues and provided thick descriptions of their lifeworld experiences [ 47 ]. To enhance trustworthiness, the first author's pre‐understanding was continuously tested by reflecting with co‐authors [ 48 ]. Finally, a checklist with criteria for reporting qualitative research was used [ 49 ].

A limitation of this study may be the transferability, however, we strived for in‐depth descriptions of the participants, the context, the setting, and the research process to enable the reader to assess our findings and make them transferable to other lifestyle interventions [ 47 ]. Moreover, the small study sample of seven participants may be considered a limitation as it reduces the breadth, that is, variation of experiences represented in the study. However, with in‐depth interviewing the quality of data is more essential than the sampling size in order to understand the phenomenon of interest more deeply [ 50 , 51 ].

Implication for practice

Lifestyle modification should be understood as a unique personal journey relying on dwelling in one's current situation and body and at the same time having a sense of mobility to move forward. These different kinds of well‐being and suffering are constantly interacting and need attention from HCPs after lifestyle intervention has ended. A prolonged support can be provided by HCP in somatic or psychiatric care as well as by social workers from different sectors. It seems essential for HCPs to show genuine interest in a person and take the person's whole situation into account, especially by listening to the person's existential dimensions in order to understand their inner struggles. Moreover, it is necessary for HCPs to look beyond the effects of lifestyle changes, for example, weight loss, and emphasise the existential aspects of life in the dialogue about health. HCPs must be sensitive to the balance of a person's sense of dwelling and mobility and help the individual take small steps forward, dwell with the present and/or acknowledge the struggles of life as well as tackling the hassles along the way.

This study is the first to describe how persons with severe obesity are challenged in an existential way by the ups and downs in life, and how healthy living and weight loss are experienced three years after engaging in lifestyle intervention. The process of lifestyle change is an ongoing fluctuating process of well‐being, which includes tackling different kinds of suffering in both dwelling and mobility. A reduction of the fluctuations seems to be a relevant aim for the process of lifestyle modification, and the alleviation of suffering is of great importance to support a person's capacity of action. HCPs in different sectors need to collaborate with each other and draw on the lifeworld experiences with an attentiveness and sensitivity towards existential concerns in order to increase well‐being. This presupposes a humanised approach based on the understanding of the person's previous and current situation as well as their future hopes. Future research is needed to know more about how people deal with overweight and lifestyle changes and how they experience the co‐operation on health and well‐being with health care providers.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

AUTHORS’ CONTRIBUTION

BS Toft designed the study, conducted the interviews, drafted the manuscript and analysed all data. B Rasmussen has made substantial contribution in the analysis and interpretation of the data and with critical revisions during the process. U Hörberg has contributed to the data analysis and drafting the manuscript. All authors have approved the final version of the manuscript.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We thank the participants for repeatedly sharing their experiences and thoughts about their health and well‐being and we thank MA, Line Jensen for language revision.

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10 Lessons I Learned from My Weight-Loss Journey

I've kept 70 pounds off for more than 10 years. Here are 10 key lessons I've learned along the way.

Elizabeth Ward is a registered dietitian and award-winning nutrition communicator and writer. She has authored or co-authored 10 books for consumers about nutrition at all stages of life.

• 1. You've Got to Meet Yourself Where You're At

2. Never Eliminate Anything Completely

3. you can do anything you set your mind to, 4. your get-moving options are endless, 5. invest in your own personal wellness, 6. reward yourself for the small wins, 7. you will not be perfect, 8. water really is your bff, 9. the mental transformation is just as important as the physical.

• 10. If You Want Lasting, Permanent Change—It's about Your Lifestyle

From a young age growing up in the Connecticut suburbs, the number on the scale ebbed and flowed as my relationship with sport did as well. At age 14, I was a soccer whiz, running laps up and down the field feeling confident and great. Come 17, I didn't make the junior varsity volleyball team because I couldn't run a sub-10:00 mile, and my interests became a lot less active. As I leaned heavily into the arts and a local youth group, the pounds crept on. Despite feeling excited by my extracurricular activities, I began feeling self-conscious and uncomfortable in my own body.

This carried on to college, and like many, I gained the freshman 15—or perhaps the freshman 30 would be more accurate. In the spring of 2007, I was procrastinating studying for a final exam when I decided to step onto a dusty scale I had tucked under my bunk bed. After what felt like an eternity, waiting for the screen to populate, the number that glared back at me from the floor took my breath away. I was forced to come to terms with a harsh reality: I had to change. While I believe that people can find health at different sizes, I was definitely not healthy or more importantly, happy. I knew that making changes wouldn't be easy, but even so, I was ready to start.

Over the next three years, I lost 70 pounds through making healthier eating choices and learning to love running. Today, movement is my medicine, enabling me to better show up both personally and professionally. Now a nine-time marathoner, certified personal trainer and run coach, and wellness coach with her own podcast , I've learned a handful of lessons along my journey that empower me to give back to others and help them determine what wellness looks like for them. Here's what I learned during my personal transformation, plus some insight into why I feel like a forever work in progress.

1. You've Got to Meet Yourself Where You're At

Especially in the age of social media, it's easy to compare yourself to others. Your journey is just that: Yours. Instead of being made to feel like you're not good enough based on what you see someone else doing, focus on where you are and progress from there. This is important in all aspects of wellness, whether it's trying out a new strength training routine or shifting your eating habits. Just because you can't do a difficult movement like a dumbbell snatch, for example, doesn't mean you won't get there one day. Have some grace, embrace honesty, and the rest will come with time.

Many popular diets advertise cutting things out—at least in small portions—like complex carbs or sugar. When we eliminate things from our diet, it's almost guaranteed that we will crave them more. In my experience, I'd binge the very thing that I told myself I couldn't have. (The restrict/binge/repeat eating cycle has been confirmed in a 2020 Binge Eating article.) Instead of eliminating things from your life, the practice of moderation and portion control is a much safer alternative. It's a practice that truly helped me along my journey.

Instead of nixing my college's famous banana chocolate chip ice cream completely, for example, I let myself have a scoop on Fridays. When it came to indulging in Grandma's Sunday sauce, I made sure to also serve myself a hearty helping of salad in addition to the oh-so-good pasta bowl. By embracing the foods that made me happy in smart amounts, I was able to enjoy the process without feeling like I was missing out.

I really, really wanted to love running. But in the earliest stages, I felt as though I would never. I felt as though because I wasn't "good" at it (see the high school volleyball reference above), it would never be for me. Toward the beginning of my personal weight-loss efforts, I worked at a summer camp, without access to a typical big box gym. This really encouraged me to give running another hard try, as it was one of the few ways I could get active and really break a sweat without any equipment.

The first week of running was awful. I did it for about 15 minutes per day, and ran the exact same route every single time. However, after a week of sticking it out, I slowly got to a place where I realized that it was nowhere as bad as I had been making it out to be. With time, the enjoyment grew. I didn't have to be the best runner. I just had to be me— running. This realization empowered me to try and stick with other things that felt hard in the past.

I went through phases over my three-year journey dabbling in a slew of different fitness modalities. I've done it all, from barre and Spin class to dance cardio and even CrossFit. Some of these love affairs lasted longer than others, but what I most enjoyed about the process was that I had the opportunity to mix up my routine as often as I liked. There was no reason to stick with something that didn't bring me joy or light me up. By diversifying my go-to sweat method, I had a lot more fun, and even made some great friends along the way. Plus, research published in 2020 in Translational Behavioral Medicine has shown that adding variety to an exercise program can increase your physical activity.

During the summer of 15-minute runs, I lived in Hanes white v-neck T-shirts and cotton leggings from Target. Over time, I began to realize that if I wanted to perform better and feel more comfortable, I needed to invest a little bit more in my workout wardrobe. The good news: There are tons of great options out there, from Old Navy to Champion, that have technical gear at lower price points. Rather than buy six-packs of T-shirts every month, I started to accrue a collection of gear that lasted the washing machine test, and also made me feel more confident when the workout began.

When I started my weight-loss journey, I didn't set out and say "I want to lose 70 pounds." Rather, I set SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound) goals that helped me go in the right direction. For instance, a goal like " I want to drink three bottles of water every day before 6 p.m. "

If I made it through two weeks of this goal, I would take some time to celebrate the positive progress, whether that be with a trip to the local mall or simply setting aside some "me" time to take an extra long walk come the weekend. When the journey is long, the small wins are what keep your tank fueled up and help you stay motivated for more.

How many times have you told yourself "OK, today I'm going to have a good day of eating," and then a few bites of a chocolate bar later, you feel as though you've completely blown it? Listen, we've all been there.

Here's the thing: That all-or-nothing mentality isn't going to do you any good. Have some grace with the idea that from time to time, things aren't going to go as planned. There will be slip-ups. Rather than get angry and throw your hands up in the air, be proud of yourself for prioritizing your own wellness in the first place. Every single second, you have an opportunity to start with a clean slate.

I've never been "good" at drinking water. I don't particularly love the taste of it (which sounds weird, perhaps) and making sure to get enough felt like a total struggle. Alas, H20 accounts for 60 percent of our body—or about 11 gallons or 92 pounds inside a 155-pound person—and is essential to every cell.

When I made getting healthier a priority, I started downing at least six glasses each day. With that, I started to notice a real difference. I felt better, my skin looked better, and I performed well when it came to my regular workouts, staving off that ever-annoying headache that likely was a result of previous dehydration.

Honestly, I'm still working on my inner dialogue and being kinder to myself. When a big transformation happens on the outside, it's important to take the time to really think about who it is that you are, what's important to you and who you want to be going forward. As a self-proclaimed forever work in progress, I find that regular journaling and making time to reflect on my feelings helps me stay grounded. I'll never forget about the teenage girl who had trouble finding jeans that fit standing in her local mall. But I know, now, that she's not who I am anymore.

10. If You Want Lasting, Permanent Change—It's about Your Lifestyle

This is something I can't stress enough. No amount of exercise will help you against an unhealthy diet. Remember how you feel once you hit your goal weight. Returning to that feeling of pride and happiness will empower you to continue to make healthy decisions going forward. This makes maintenance easier, and helps you keep a level head when it comes to the occasional overindulgent meal or streak of exercise-free days (and those can be important, too!). We want to focus on lasting change and better health for years to come.

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Evaluating the Ups and Downs of Our 2023 Weight Loss Journey

by Fatgirlskinny · December 28, 2023

Hey there, fabulous readers! Can you believe we’ve made it to the end of 2023? It feels like just yesterday we were making New Year’s resolutions and vowing to conquer the world. Well, fast forward to now, and while world domination might still be on the to-do list, let’s take a moment to reflect on a journey that’s near and dear to many hearts – the epic rollercoaster that is the weight loss journey.

I am still scoffing my way through Christmas chocolates, but I am already planning next years weight loss journey. Trying to work out which diet plan I will try next, will this one work, is it time to beg the doctor for weight loss surgery? Every year I go through the same questions in my head. But in my heard I know I make the same mistakes every year. 

So grab your favourite cuppa, settle into your comfiest chair, and let’s chat about what worked and what, ahem, didn’t work in our quest for those health and fitness goals.

The Great Salad Experiment

Ahhh, salads – the unsung heroes of every weight loss journey. Remember those days when you pledged to eat salad for lunch every day? Let’s be honest, we all had that moment of leafy-green enthusiasm. But did it work? Did it leave you feeling like a salad superhero, or did you find yourself crying into a takeaway by day three? The struggle is real, my friends.

Reasons why eating salad everyday will never work:

• Blandness Blues: Pledging to consume salad every day can swiftly lead to a monotony of taste. The repetitive crunch of lettuce and cucumber might leave your taste buds yearning for more exciting flavours.
• Lack of Satiety: Despite being packed with fibre, salads may not provide the same level of satiety as a more substantial meal. This could lead to increased snacking between meals, potentially sabotaging weight loss efforts.
• Social Salad Struggles: Committing to a daily salad routine may pose challenges in social settings. Whether dining out or attending gatherings, the limited menu options for salads might make it difficult to adhere to the plan, potentially leading to feelings of exclusion.
• Craving Catastrophe: Depriving yourself of a variety of foods may intensify cravings for less healthy options. This could result in succumbing to the allure of indulgent treats, undermining the initial intention of a healthier eating plan.

Gym Membership or Museum Pass?

Hands up if you signed up for that shiny gym membership in January with visions of chiseled abs and bulging biceps dancing in your head. Now, fast forward to December – how many times did you actually step foot inside the gym? Don’t worry; we won’t judge. Sometimes, the thought of hitting the treadmill can be less appealing than binge-watching your favourite TV show. It’s all about balance, right?

• Financial Drain: Paying for a gym membership that goes unused is essentially money down the drain. It becomes a recurring expense without the corresponding benefit of regular exercise, making it a financial strain on your budget.
• Guilt and Frustration: The knowledge that you’re paying for a service you’re not using can lead to feelings of guilt and frustration. It’s a constant reminder of unfulfilled intentions and can negatively impact your mental well-being. This can lead to overeating! 
• Missed Health Opportunities: The primary purpose of a gym membership is to support your health and fitness goals. If you’re not using it, you’re missing out on the opportunity to improve your physical well-being and overall health, which defeats the purpose of investing in such a membership.
• Difficulty Canceling: Some gym memberships come with contract terms that make canceling a more cumbersome process. This can result in continued payments even if you’ve decided to stop using the gym, adding an extra layer of frustration to the situation.
• Inflexibility: Unused gym memberships often highlight a lack of flexibility. Life changes, such as a new job, relocation, or health issues, can disrupt your ability to use the gym regularly, making the fixed payments seem less justified.

Weighing In or Weighing On

Ah, the scales – the truth-tellers of our weight loss saga. Did stepping on the scale feel like a red-carpet event, or did it become a game of “how creative can I be in avoiding that cold, hard truth”? It happens to the best of us – the scale, sometimes a friend, sometimes a frenemy.

• Supportive Sidekick: Scales can be a friend when they serve as a supportive sidekick in your fitness journey. Tracking your weight periodically can help you monitor progress, celebrate achievements, and stay motivated on your path to better health.
• Reality Check: The scale becomes a trustworthy friend when it provides a reality check. It’s a reliable tool for assessing whether your lifestyle changes are positively impacting your weight and overall well-being.
• Accountability Partner: Scales can act as an accountability partner. Regular check-ins can help you stay mindful of your health goals, encouraging you to make informed choices about your diet and exercise routine.
• Motivational Milestones: When the numbers on the scale align with your goals, it transforms into a friend offering motivational milestones. Achieving a target weight or seeing gradual progress can boost your confidence and keep you inspired to maintain healthy habits.
• Frenemy Fluctuations: On the flip side, scales can be a frenemy when they exhibit natural weight fluctuations. Factors like water retention, hormonal changes, or the timing of your last meal can influence the numbers, creating a misleading impression of your overall progress.
• Overemphasis on Numbers: The scale turns into a frenemy when there’s an overemphasis on the numbers. Placing too much importance on weight alone may lead to unhealthy habits, obsession, and emotional distress, transforming the scale into a source of anxiety rather than a tool for motivation.
• One-Dimensional View: When viewed in isolation, the scale offers a one-dimensional perspective on health. It fails to consider other crucial factors like body composition, muscle mass, and overall fitness. Relying solely on the scale may result in an incomplete understanding of your well-being.

TOP 20 Weight Loss Fails

Lack of Consistency : Inconsistency in following a healthy diet or exercise routine can impede progress.

Unrealistic Expectations : Setting overly ambitious or unrealistic weight loss goals can lead to frustration and disappointment.

Poor Diet Choices : Consuming a diet high in processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats can hinder weight loss.

Lack of Physical Activity : Inadequate exercise or a sedentary lifestyle can slow down metabolism and impede weight loss.

Skipping Meals : Skipping meals may lead to overeating later and can disrupt the body’s metabolism.

Emotional Eating : Using food as a coping mechanism for stress, boredom, or emotions can contribute to weight gain.

Lack of Sleep : Poor sleep patterns can affect hormones related to appetite and metabolism, hindering weight loss efforts.

Medical Conditions : Certain medical conditions or medications can cause weight gain or make it difficult to lose weight.

Genetic Factors : Genetic predispositions can influence metabolism and the body’s ability to lose weight.

Hormonal Imbalances : Imbalances in hormones like insulin, cortisol, and thyroid hormones can impact weight loss.

Overreliance on Supplements : Depending solely on weight loss supplements without a balanced diet and exercise may not be effective.

Inadequate Hydration : Dehydration can be mistaken for hunger, leading to unnecessary calorie intake.

Stress and Cortisol Levels : Elevated stress levels can trigger the release of cortisol, a hormone that promotes fat storage.

Underestimating Caloric Intake : Misjudging portion sizes and underestimating calorie intake can hinder weight loss progress.

Lack of Support System : A lack of a support system, whether from friends, family, or a community, can make the weight loss journey more challenging.

Unhealthy Snacking Habits : Constant snacking on unhealthy foods can contribute to excessive calorie intake.

Ignoring Emotional Factors : Emotional factors like depression, anxiety, or low self-esteem can impact weight loss success.

Not Addressing Bad Habits : Failure to address underlying habits that contribute to weight gain, such as binge eating or mindless eating.

Overreliance on Fad Diets : Relying on short-term, restrictive diets that are not sustainable can lead to rebound weight gain.

Lack of Patience and Persistence : Weight loss takes time, and impatience or giving up too soon can undermine progress.

As we bid farewell to 2023, let’s celebrate the victories, big or small, and laugh off the moments that left us scratching our heads. Remember, it’s not just about the destination but the journey itself – the salads, the gym escapades, the experiments, and the scale dramas. Here’s to a new year filled with new opportunities to be the best, healthiest version of ourselves. Cheers to 2024 – may it be a year of balance, joy, and perhaps a few less salads.

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5 Key Lessons I’ve Learned From My Weight Loss Journey

One of the biggest goals in my life is to be on a weight loss journey and losing 40 pounds as a result. Since my sights have been set on this since last year, my weight loss journey has had some ups and downs. Last October, I took a 6-week challenge and lost 21 pounds. And currently, I’ve been on a superhero workout challenge.

These two experiences that I’ve gone through have taught me a wide variety of lessons. From general weight loss to mindsets and food choices. It’s these particular aspects that have helped me get to this point and keep me devoted to this weight loss journey that I am on.

Here are some of the biggest most important lessons I’ve learned from these experiences.

Weight Loss Is A Mixture Of Science And Math

Weight loss is a simple concept on paper. 

If you ever want to lose weight, you merely need to burn more calories than what you are taking in.

This makes sense as many other posts echo the concept of cutting calories , eating particular low calorie foods, and avoiding higher calorie count food. Not to mention being somewhat active as well.

But there is a little more to it than just math. After all, since I’ve been taking this superhero challenge, I’ve actually been gaining weight despite doing 100 push-ups, sit-ups, and squats daily.

How am I gaining weight despite cutting calories and exercising more than the average person?

It’s for this particular reason I believe weight loss has math involved, but also a bit of science. For one, muscles weight more than fat and the amount of exercising I’m doing is certainly building muscle to some capacity. 

On top of that, it’s also worth looking at the type of calories that I’m taking in as well.

Science has shown that calories from particular sources react differently in our bodies. Generally speaking our bodies will enjoy veggies, fruits and fibre than foods with added sugar or refined carbs like white rice, pasta, and pizza dough.

Understanding that there is a balance of science and math is key for any weight loss journey because it helps you to figure out what are some of the best meal plans to consider. These days there are thousands of different meal plans that are passed around like candy. Some of them are recommended by health officials and doctors, while others have been around for a long time.

Whatever the case is, it’s worth looking at the quality of those diets and seeing what the diet is meant to do and what you have to do. After all, some diets will help you out tremendously while others can straight up destroy your entire system .

Conversely, you can look into strategies that also help you on the exercise side of things. Consider this plan from BarBend .

Never Use Weight Loss As Your Marker For Motivation

One of the other cornerstones to weight loss for me has been finding the best kind of motivation. When I took the 6-week challenge, it was the opportunity of getting my money back (and I really needed my money back). For my superhero workout challenge, it’s being able to show better results to you, my audience.

But this particular lesson is bigger to me than most would think.

When I started this new year, I was determined to be losing weight and focused a lot of my attention on the scale.

In fact, the weight I gained after my 6-week challenge was over is kind of the reason for me taking this superhero challenge in the first place. 

But it was through this challenge so far where I’ve learned I was wrong to be focusing on just that weight loss. Especially since, as I said before, I’ve been maintaining or gaining weight since then.

Motivation is so important as it’s the fuel for us to keep going and pursuing our goals. This is a fundamental aspect for any weight loss journey and as such you need to have a solid marker or motivator.

It’s this reason I don’t think weight loss is a good marker because you run into scenarios like I’m in. You’re putting in a lot of effort to change and in the end, you’re barely making progress or regressing. 

It’s from these scenarios where people lose their motivation and ultimately give up.

That is unless you find a stronger motivator.

Finding a stronger motivator isn’t so simple though. In some cases, the motivator is right in your face like the 6-week challenge I took. Others may be discovered later as I found with my superhero workout challenge.

Whatever the case may be, it’s important to find something solid as it can do you a lot of good. For example, I would’ve given up my workout challenge a long time ago if I was focused solely on my weight loss. 

I recall comparing the results I’ve been getting from this workout challenge with my 6-week challenge early on and that could’ve easily derailed me.

But instead of focusing so much on the numbers, I started to look at other things. I looked at how my body is overall handling the exercises I’m going through. Not to mention looking at my overall energy levels as well as what my body looks like.

I think this is essential for people in pursuit of better health because we’re so fixated on doing things one specific way. That or we prioritize one thing.

And the reality is one piece of information can shatter everything we stand for.

Take the method that Groom & Style mentioned here . It’s a workout with good results but doesn’t require you to go to the gym. It goes to show that not all weight loss happens at the gym, despite what so many people believe.

All I’m saying is to look for your motivator and find many of them. But also not to worry if things change. Health has twists and turns, peaks and slumps. It happens.

Stay Hydrated

I don’t normally run into this issue any longer thanks to my new water bottle, but hydration is essential to any weight loss journey. It’s not out of the ordinary for a lot of people to skip over water. Most are quick to drinking all kinds of other beverages before even drinking water.

It’s gotten to the point where there is literally a one gallon challenge hovering around that people have taken. Either way drinking plenty of water is essential for our body to function and there are a widespread of benefits from drinking water. Examples are water can make us feel full after a meal, and it can flush out a lot of chemicals from our body as well.

But water can also contribute a little bit to weight loss and even help with our sleep schedule as well. And sleep is just as important as drinking enough water as improper sleep habits can contribute to weight gain too ,

This is an important lesson to me because there was a time where I wasn’t drinking that much water. I drank all kinds of other beverages that did a lot of harm to my body. There was never a point where I went to the hospital but drinking water did alter my life.

I fell in love with drinking exclusively water. Not to mention I felt more energized.

I’m sure if I was still drinking some of the beverages that I’ve had in the past, I would be in a worse state than where I’m at right now.

What You Eat And When Matters

To expand on a previous point I mentioned above, the time of day for when you are eating matters to some degree. For one, the myth that we shouldn’t be eating after 8 pm is unfounded.

There is no danger to eating after 8 pm, but you do want to pay attention to what you eat. Most in that hour binge on salty foods or high sugar foods .

Basically foods that your dietician would tell you to avoid entirely in the first place.

It’s this reason most people advise against late night eating. In fact, some push for a 14 hour fast for your body to reset overnight which isn’t that bad. But one other thing I’d add to this is to look at what you are eating in your last meal of the day.

My overall experiences of weight loss taught me to not see carbs as an enemy. Where some say cut carbs, others villainize these foods and avoid them.

But I think some of us might have it all wrong.

Yes, we should be cutting carbs but not all. One way to do that is to eat foods that contain healthy fats in our evening meal. But during the day, we eat a healthy amount of carbs. Pair that up with some protein and veggies in every meal and you have a solid diet plan.

Why do I suggest eating this way?

Aside from that type of diet working for me, it also makes sense on a body level. Carbohydrates are generally our body’s fuel. So eating carbs (Fruits, tomatoes, whole grain foods, etc.) over the course of the day will keep our body in tip top shape. But when the evening comes around the last thing our body wants is more fuel. It’s looking to burn that fuel up and start slowing down.

This is where the fat comes in as adding a little bit of it is essentially putting our body into overdrive in burning that excess energy and helping us burn fat while we are sleeping. This is better than what our body would do traditionally with carbs which are storing it as fat.

It’s why there are several articles floating around talking about eating a tablespoon of peanut butter before bed. It’s a fat food.

There’s nothing wrong with fat and it can play a vital role in weight loss. This is true especially when we know when to be eating it. This rule applies to even when we eat our meals in general .

Pay Close Attention To Your Feelings

One thing I’ve been sorta hinting at in some of my points is this particular lesson:

Pay close attention to your feelings over anything else.

I’m saying this because there is such a massive disconnection between what is out there and our bodies. And before you get angry this isn’t intentional. All of our bodies have varying degrees of reactions to certain foods. Take the blood type diet for example. This diet is specifically designed for your blood type. But as some people have pointed out, the claims are ridiculous .

Even something like the BMI scale is drastically off in some cases. For those not familiar with it, it’s a measurement of our body and height . Furthermore, there are specific numbers for what is an ideal body weight based on our height. But that measurement can be flawed in some cases, especially amongst athletes. Athletes are good examples as they are active and in shape. However, their BMI would likely indicate that they are heavily overweight. This is due to their muscles weighing more than fat.

Again, this isn’t intentional but these are still good grounds to consider the sciences, but more on feelings.

Lean on this lesson for when you are exercising but also on every aspect of food and eating as well. I rely on this because only I will understand my body the most. Sure there are plenty of professionals who know nutrition better than I do, but they don’t know how techniques or foods will react to my body.

I get stomach aches from eating pineapple for example. This is despite the fact that science proves pineapples is designed to prevent inflammation of the stomach.

My point is, just because something is stated doesn’t always mean it’s the perfect fit for you. Try it out and see how you feel. This is why I’m not claiming this stuff will work perfectly for you. It could be a hit or a miss.

A Weight Loss Journey Twists And Turns

While there is ample of evidence on weight loss there are still road bumps along the way. Not every piece of advice will work for you and for me I’m okay with that.

The road to a better healthy life should be difficult. It teaches us so many things about our bodies but also ourselves.

It’s to the point that the weight loss journey can reveal some valuable life lessons. The biggest of these lessons is this:

There are no short cuts. If you want to see amazing results you must put the time and effort to achieve it.

To your growth!

Eric S Burdon

13 thoughts on “5 Key Lessons I’ve Learned From My Weight Loss Journey”

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Op-ed: Losing weight is a journey with many ups and downs

by Opinion • January 17, 2023

For many people, losing weight can be a struggle, as shedding those extra pounds can be as challenging as climbing Mount Everest.

However, with Jan. 15-21 designated as National Healthy Weight Week, health experts say don’t despair. Reaching a healthy weight is attainable if you take incremental steps, set reasonable goals, and reward yourself.

“As you begin your lifestyle change journey, it’s important to have a positive mindset because getting more fit will take time,” said Roohe Ahmed, a registered dietician with Kaiser Permanente Southern California. “Remember this: the weight often doesn’t come on overnight, so we can’t expect to lose it that fast and easy.

“We must be patient,” Ahmed continued, noting it’s not unusual to lose one-half to one pound per week. “Sometimes, one may not lose even that, but hang in there,” she said. “Your body can be stubborn, and it can be challenging for certain age groups to drop weight as fast as they did previously. Making lifestyle changes will help you obtain a healthier weight, however, which will improve your overall health and well-being.”

Silvia Delgado, also a registered dietician with Kaiser Permanente Southern California, noted attaining and maintaining a healthy weight is important to reduce your risk of contracting chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, non-alcoholic fatty liver and sleep apnea. Weight may also affect your mental health, resulting in depression and anxiety in some cases.

Delgado recommended making your weight loss less of a challenge and more of an exciting journey.

“I usually suggest to patients to write down their top five reasons why they want to lose weight,” she explained. “What’s their ‘why,’ which may be, ‘I want to be healthier to reduce my risk of getting diabetes. Grandma had diabetes, and I saw the hard time she went through, and I don’t want that.’ This is important because when motivation inevitably drops, you can revisit those why’s and get remotivated. I also suggest putting items in view that will motivate you to lose weight. Hang up an outfit you want to get into, or a picture of a mountain you want to climb – anything will help.”

Additionally, try to find a “wellness partner” to go on this journey with you for motivation and accountability, Delgado added.

Ahmed noted it’s also important to focus on what you can control during your weight-loss journey, such as asking yourself, ‘Did I eat veggies today? Did I get in my 20 minutes of exercise?’ She stressed the importance of trying your best to be consistent; maybe you can’t get in that 20 minutes workout, but you can take a 10-minute walk at your lunch break.

Ahmed and Delgado emphasized the importance of celebrating your victories weekly, but NOT with food. Instead, treat yourself to small experiences such as a new pair of socks, a hike with the family, a movie night, a bubble bath, etc.

“It’s important to remember that losing weight is a journey that may take more time than you’d like, but from the standpoint of good health, it will be all worth it and you will feel better,” Ahmed noted.

About the author : Terry Kanakri is a Senior Media Relations Specialist at Kaiser Permanente Southern California.

1 comment for "op-ed: losing weight is a journey with many ups and downs".

Confused says

February 24, 2023 at 9:25 am

Skinny people wrote this article, anyone that is overweight knows its difficult to lose weight and if you want to purchase healthy food they are expensive. People that have never suffered from being overweight are always quick to say just stop eating but its not that easy. When trying to eat less the headaches set in tiredness, lack of interest in life and here comes the depression because you ate something you was not suppose to eat, you are a failure. I have a granddaughter that doesn’t exercise or eat right she has a soda in her hands all the time, she eats fast food and she has the perfect size body even after having 3 kids, I have another granddaughter that is always watching everything she eats and her lifestyle is about exercise and eating right, she has 3 kids and can’t get her weight below 170 can somebody figure this out?

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35 Of The Most Inspirational Blogs For Your Weight Loss Journey (2018)

Written by Liz Brown

If you’re looking for a sign to start taking your health seriously and make a lifestyle change, these 35 inspirational blogs will definitely ignite a fire and motivate you to start your weight loss journey!

How many times have you decided that you wanted to lose weight? 🙋 Of those times, how many times did you say to yourself “I’m serious this time around”? 🙋

And of all those times, how many times have you made it two days in eating clean and then rewarded yourself with a slice of pizza and suddenly found yourself waiting until the following Monday to try again? 🙋‍🤦‍

I think we can all relate to this feeling, because, let’s face it—losing weight is hard AF. It takes a lot more than just a spurt of motivation and a trip to the produce section at the grocery store to really see lasting results. And thankfully for us, the internet has helped us all obtain the information we need to lose weight by the simple click of a button.

But with all that information out there, sometimes the thing we really need is a voice of understanding and someone who can actually relate to the struggles and victories that come along with a weight loss journey.

So, we’ve scoured the internet, researched hundreds of blogs, and of all the incredible women we came across, these 35 inspirational blogs stood out the most. Not just because they’ve been through a weight loss transformation of their own, but because they have completely changed the way they see themselves throughout the process, the impact they have on their audience, and the fact that they are truly badass women who have a purpose, a message, and the vulnerability to lay it out on the line, in hopes that their journey will help just one person on theirs.

So if you’re looking for a sign to start making healthier choices, for real this time, these 35 inspirational blogs will definitely ignite a fire and motivate you to start your weight loss journey transformation!

Top Weight Loss Blogs (in no particular order)

1.  andie mitchell, of andiemitchell.com.

Andie Mitchell is a writer, healthy recipe developer, and New York Times bestselling author of “It Was Me All Along”, a memoir documenting her 135-pound weight loss journey. Andie’s blog is a truly inspiring compilation of life lessons, mindset, healthy habits, recipes, and real advice on maintenance, thoughts on depression and anxiety, and how to navigate the struggles of a weight loss transformation.

2. Amanda Brooks, of Run To The Finish

Amanda Brooks is an avid runner, Certified Personal Trainer, and the passionate and encouraging voice behind Run To The Finish, a weight loss blog turned healthy living blog. With over 20,000 miles logged to date, Amanda’s dedication to running has not only helped her lose 35 pounds but created an entirely new outlook on healthy living. Run To The Finish shares her personal weight loss journey, clean eating recipes, workout ideas, running tips, expert interviews, and motivation to inspire others to see running as a vehicle to “think beyond the clock” to start living a healthier life.

3. Erika Nicole Kendall, of Black Girl’s Guide To Weight Loss

Erika Nicole Kendall’s ongoing weight loss journey is beautifully chronicled on her blog, Black Girls Guide To Weight Loss, or BGG2WL, for short. Her weight loss transformation began unexpectedly after signing up for a gym membership from some persuading from her mother. But after losing over 170 pounds, Kendall became a Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Specialist and writes about food, fitness, body image, and beauty on her blog.

4. Alexis Eggleton, of Trading Cardio For Cosmos

Alexis Eggleton is the creator of one of our most inspirational blogs, Trading Cardio for Cosmos, where she shares positive and inspirational messages, lessons in emotional wellness, healthy recipes and also features weight loss success stories, including her own! She has lost more than 100 pounds with Weight Watchers and exercise, all without losing her sunny disposition! Alexis’ weight loss journey reminds us that you can be healthy without having to sacrifice your favorite foods, and you can do it all with a smile!

5. Nicole Morrissey, of Prevention RD

Nicole Morrissey is a Registered Dietitian (RD) and author of Prevention RD. By day, Nicole is a coordinator and manager of an outpatient diabetes education department. By night, she is a home cook, blogger, cookbook author, wife, and mommy to two little girls. After being overweight nearly her entire life, she decided to make a change and lost 75 pounds in a year’s time. 15 years later, Nicole’s weight loss journey continues as she strives for a more balanced life, that includes good-for her foods, and her favorite things like craft beer and all things carbs! Her weight loss blog is an inspirational guide to a practical, straightforward, and maintainable approach to a healthy lifestyle.

6. Tamsyn Smith, of Fat Girl To Ironman

Tamsyn Smith is a triathlete, running coach, fitness instructor, and author of the weight loss journey blog, Fat Girl To Ironman. Tamsyn is currently 60% of the way to reaching her 5-year personal challenge of, you guessed it, running in an Ironman distance triathlon! She began her fitness journey as an overweight couch potato and has since lost over 35 pounds and maintains a healthy and active lifestyle. Tamsyn documents her training on her blog and continues to train for her ultimate goal, Ironman success!

7. Biz Velatini, of My Bizzy Kitchen

Biz is a healthy recipe developer and creator of the blog, My Bizzy Kitchen. For years, she struggled to maintain a healthy weight after working a desk job for close to ten years. When the time came to get serious about her health, she was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and has since been learning to navigate her weight loss while being an insulin dependent diabetic. She shares her weight loss journey and her healthy, diabetes-friendly recipes, as well as a healthy dose of humor, on her blog.

8. Jen Mellor, of Just Average Jen

Jen Mellor is a full-time mom and blogger for the inspiring weight loss blog, Just Average Jen. Jen has lost over 140 pounds through healthy eating and shares with us her tips for weight loss, healthy, vegetarian-friendly recipes, and the trials and tribulations of her life and journey to keeping the weight off, all while staying happy and healthy. Her weight loss journey is not only inspiring but has shown us that she is, in fact, anything but average!

9. Tina Haupert, of Carrots ‘N’ Cake

Tina Haupert is a Boston-based Lifestyle Influencer and the creative mind behind Carrots ‘N’ Cake, a healthy living blog that serves to help everyday people achieve more balance through fitness, nutrition, and general best practices to improve one’s holistic personal wellness. Tina’s weight loss journey began in 2004 when she decided to get serious about her health and her body image. Two years and 23 pounds later, she reached her weight loss goal all while developing healthy lifestyle habits that she’s been able to maintain to this day.

10. Emily Ho, of Authentically Emmie

Emily Ho is a fashion-lover, social media strategist, writer, and lifestyle blogger for Authentically Emmie. In 2009, Emmie’s blog began as a weight loss blog, but over the years has evolved into something so much more. After losing over 110 pounds, she shifted her focus from losing weight and seeking validation from the scale to living a healthy lifestyle with the body she has, and not hating it. Her now healthy living blog is a platform to discuss life, plus-size fashion, body positivity, and more!

11. Jenn Mitchell, of Comeback Momma

Jenn Mitchell is a mother and creator of Comeback Momma, a healthy living blog inspiring readers to live happier and healthier lives. After losing over 50 post-baby pounds and rebounding from postpartum depression twice, Jen became a successful blogger and Personal Trainer. When her anxiety and depression returned years later, she struggled to keep the weight off and rebounded 20 pounds. Now, she’s found a healthy balance and is on the right path toward health and happiness and is a true comeback momma! With the help of her blog contributor, Chrissy, a mother, dietician, and triathlete, the Comeback Momma blog is inspiring women to constantly strive to find the best within themselves.

12. Kelly, of No Thanks To Cake

Kelly created her blog, No Thanks To Cake, back in 2010 when she began a life-changing adventure in weight loss. But what started as an online journal documenting her weight loss transformed into a healthy lifestyle and healthy cooking blog. She continues to chronicle her weight-related ups and downs, but now, No Thanks To Cake records the story about how she has maintained her weight loss throughout the years and everything that goes along with it.

13. Annamarie Rivera, of Weight Loss With Annamarie

Annamarie Rivera’s weight loss transformation has been 10 years in the making. In early 2010, Annamarie weighed 400 pounds and wore a size 28 in pants. Today, she is over 230 pounds smaller and has an entirely new outlook on life. Her blog, Weight Loss With Annamarie, shares her incredible weight loss journey along with the joys and struggles that come along with it. Whether you’re just beginning your weight loss journey or trying to lose those last few pounds, Annamarie’s inspirational blog will help you persevere through the ups and downs.

14. Justine McCabe, of JustineMcCabe.com

Justine McCabe’s weight loss transformation story began in early 2015 after her husband unexpectedly and tragically committed suicide. Weighing 313 pounds at the time, his death shook her awake and made her realize she had to make a lot of changes. By taking control of her health, she chose to live. Justine documented her weight loss transformation in 365 days of selfies and continues to share her journey on her blog where she has lost 126 pounds, and counting!

15. Hannah Howlett, of High Carb Hannah

Hannah Howlett is a YouTuber and healthy lifestyle blogger for High Carb Hannah, formerly known as Raw Till Whenever. Her philosophy for achieving lasting weight loss without all the dieting gimmicks, restrictions, and rules is to eat a whole food, plant-based diet in whatever way works best for you. By changing her mindset about eating, no longer revolving her life around what she ate, and never forcing herself to eat, she lost 55 pounds and continues to inspire and encourage others to do the same. Her blog is a compilation of healthy recipes, cookbooks, and meal guides to help you achieve a life and body that you love.

16. Katie Foster, of Runs For Cookies

Katie Foster is a mother and healthy lifestyle blogger for Running For Cookies. After struggling with being overweight her entire life, constant yo-yo dieting, and her weight reaching a high of 253 pounds, she decided to make a change for good when her weight prevented her from teaching her son how to ride a bike. Katie documents her 125-pound weight loss journey and her battle with mental health, along with healthy recipes, running advice, and motivation that helped her reach her goals and accept herself on her blog.

17. Heather Gannoe-Hart, of Relentless Forward Commotion

Heather Gannoe-Hart is an avid runner, adventure seeker, Exercise Physiologist, and writer for her blog Relentless Forward Commotion. For Heather, running started as an attempt to shed some pregnancy weight after having her first baby—eventually, it turned into a passion that kick-started a new outlook on life. Relentless Forward Commotion is a place where she shares her passion for fitness, the outdoors, and the newest adventure she encounters, whether its trail running, mud runs, obstacle courses, cycling, or hiking. Her fitness journey will inspire you to step outside your comfort zone, try something new, and see the world in an entirely new way.

18. Christina Russell, of Body Rebooted

Christina Russell is a Celebrity Trainer, author, and the writer behind the healthy living blog, Body Rebooted. Christina lost over 60 pounds in just 5 months incorporating a gluten-free diet and fitness routine and created her blog as a place to share her gluten-free recipes along with the ins and outs of her weight loss journey. Her blog has since evolved into a full-blown healthy living website that provides resources for you to reach your goals.

19. Monica May, of Fit Girl’s Diary

Monica May is a Fitness Trainer, Nutritionist, Health Coach, and the writer and voice behind the Fit Girl’s Diary blog. She uses her blog as a way to motivate and support her readers through ongoing weight loss battles. Her passion and belief that a solid support system can make all the difference is what makes Fit Girl’s Diary of the most inspirational blogs for your journey. With healthy recipes, diet and workout programs, and endless support, Fit Girl’s Diary is there to help!

20. Jennifer Drummond, of Peanut Butter & Peppers

Jennifer Drummond is a health food blogger for Peanut Butter & Peppers where she shares healthy, and sometimes not-so-healthy, recipes that help you maintain your weight loss by taking everyday foods and making them healthier without sacrificing the flavor. Jennifer has lost 30 pounds through proper nutrition education and shares her healthy lifestyle tips on her blog.

21. Gabby, of Half Of Gabby

Gabby is a mom, health blogger, and writer of Half Of Gabby. Additionally, she holds two degrees—a bachelors in Psychology and a master’s degree in Social Work. At one point in time, Gabby weighed 262 pounds but lost nearly half of her own body weight (120 pounds)—which inspired the name of her blog. Fascinated with the human mind, Gabby delved into the psychology of being fat. She believes that eating right and exercising may be the means to lose weight, but it’s not what allows you to lose weight—it’s 100% mental. Without altering the way you think, it is impossible for a permanent change to occur. She learned how to tackle her obesity from the inside out and her entire blog revolves around teaching others how to do the same.

22. Julie, of The Weight Of My Weight

Julie is a Weight Watchers leader & ambassador, breast cancer survivor, and healthy lifestyle blogger for The Weight Of My Weight. Her blog documents her weight loss journey that begins at 212 pounds, losing 52 pounds, and all the fluctuations that happen in between. Her ultimate goal is to be healthy, maintain her weight and hopefully inspire others to do the same. She shares healthy recipes and weight loss tips to finding balance throughout your journey.

23. Lisa Cain, of Snack Girl

Lisa Cain is a mother and writer for the healthy living blog Snack Girl. After learning from her doctor that she needed to gain control of her weight, Lisa was devoted to finding a new strategy and approach to weight loss that would help her make a long-term lifestyle change. Her blog is dedicated to creating healthy versions of her favorite snack foods and providing helpful tips for enjoying the process.

24. Kalyn, of Goal of Losing

Kalyn is a mother and the blogger behind Goal Of Losing. Her blog was created in 2011 as a way for her to document her journey to a healthy lifestyle. Titled from her goal of losing 100 pounds, Goal of Losing is filled with simple recipes, healthy living tips and updates from her everyday journey of losing weight while living life.

25. Kenlie, of All The Weigh

Kenlie’s inspiring weight loss journey is the foundation of her blog, All The Weigh. Kenlie has lost over 100 pounds, two different times. Although this time around she’s only a few pounds shy of reaching her lowest weight as an adult (284 pounds)—she has learned that loving and accepting yourself is the most important part of the journey. Her blog is a place where she shares her thoughts, feelings, and everything that has influenced her throughout her transformation to better health.

26. Monica Olivas, of Run Eat Repeat

Monica Olivas is a holistic health coach, certified running coach, and writer for the blog Run Eat Repeat. She has been a passionate runner for almost 10 years and has completed over 50 half marathons and 30 full marathons. Running has helped her lose 20 pounds and uses her blog as a way to share healthy recipes, running tips, and motivation to help you do the same!

27. Michelle Vicari, of The World According To Eggface

Michelle Vicari’s weight loss journey began the day she made the decision to do gastric bypass surgery. Michelle struggled with obesity her entire life—and with BMI of 54, several health issues, severe GERD, and obstructive sleep apnea, the surgery saved her life. Not only is she down 158 pounds, but she no longer needs any of the 8 medications she was on prior to surgery and only needs to visit the doctor on her annual checkups. On her blog, you can find recipes and menus for post-surgery lifestyle, health tips, product reviews, and ramblings about her life post weight loss surgery.

28. Jennette Fulda, of JennetteFulda.com

Jennette Fulda is a writer, web designer, and weight loss blogger. Jennette used her blog (previously named Pasta Queen) as a place to stay motivated and hold herself accountable throughout her weight loss journey. At one point in her life, Jennette weighed 372 pounds before losing almost 200 pounds through a healthy diet and exercises program. In addition to her blog, she has also documented her journey in two books, a memoir titled “Chocolate & Vicodin: My Quest For Relief From The Headache That Wouldn’t Go Away”, and “Half-Assed”.

29. Shelley, of My Journey To Fit

Shelley started her blog on the same day she decided to start what she believes will be her final diet. That day, she weighed 256 pounds—two years later she lost over 110 pounds and was her lowest weight in over 20 years, 146 pounds! Shelley uses her blog as a way to remember all of her successes, failures, plateaus and everything else in between. She’s found tremendous support through the blogging community throughout her weight loss journey and continues to share it all on her blog.

30. Becky, of So Very Blessed

Becky struggled with her weight nearly her entire life—her weight hitting nearly 250 pounds at her highest. After years of trying to lose weight, she finally had a breakthrough when she decided to change her mindset about weight loss. Before it was all about finding a quick fix—now, her philosophy is about making one small change at a time. With her new mindset, Becky was able to lose over 100 pounds! She shares healthy, and not-so-healthy recipes on her blog, along with healthy living tips and motivation.

31. Josie Maurer, of Yum Yucky

Josie Maurer is a mother of four and blogger for Yum Yucky. Yum Yucky is a place where Josie helps her audience achieve healthy-living goals with a sensible, stress-free approach that won’t leave you starved for your favorite foods. She has lost over 40 pounds throughout her weight loss journey and she shares motivation, workouts, healthy recipes, and natural health tips.

32. Alice Williams, of Honestly Fitness

Alice Williams created Honestly Fitness with the intention of giving an honest opinion, backed up by factual evidence, about anything and everything concerning fitness, health, and everything in between. Her passion for sharing the reality of the health and fitness world makes her one of our most inspirational blogs. She discusses important and controversial topics, healthy recipes, and provides honest reviews and feedback of all the latest trends in fitness.

33. Dannii Martin, of Hungry Healthy Happy

Dannii Martin created Hungry Healthy Happy as a place to share healthy recipes that weren’t boring or restrictive. Her blog focuses on how to nourish your body without giving up the foods you love, documents her 100-pound weight loss journey, and illustrates that being healthy is all about having balance.

34. Sarah Dussault, of Sarah Fit

Sarah Dussault is a mother, a Certified Personal Trainer, Holistic Health Coach, and full-time health and wellness blogger and YouTuber. Her mission is to help young women learn how to eat clean and get fit so they can feel confident about the way they look, without depriving themselves of a social life. She shares fitness videos, healthy recipes, mom stuff, and health and fitness for pregnancy all on her blog!

35. Faya Nilsson, of Fitness On Toast

Faya Nilsson is a Personal Trainer and blogger for Fitness On Toast. Her blog was an honest place to share healthy and unusual recipes with her clients, to offer nutritional tips, to communicate informative workout ideas, and to curate ‘fitness fashion’ looks. Her blog has since transformed and been tailored to include anyone interested in fitness, along with travel and inspiration for those looking to stay healthy and fit while seeing the world.

SkinnyFit For Your Weight Loss Transformation

If there is one thing that we can take away from the stories of the women behind these inspirational blogs, it’s this—losing weight is no cake walk! It takes a lot of motivation, dedication, and most of all, discipline to not only see results but to feel great and love yourself throughout the process of your weight loss journey.

At SkinnyFit, we believe that healthy is beautiful, just like you. And no matter what phase of your weight loss journey you’re in, we are here to help you look and feel positively radiant from the inside out. We believe that self-love, body positivity, and confidence creates a necessary foundation for a sustainable lifestyle change and that our dedication to providing  premium, all-natural health, and wellness products will help you get there.

Additionally, we believe that staying informed and educated is essential for long-term success—which is why all of our articles make reference to reliable resources from peer-reviewed, scientific journals, written by health and fitness professionals.

Originally published October 30, 2018 12:00:58 AM , updated August 11, 2020

Tags: motivation weight loss

About The Author

Fitness & Nutrition Expert (CPT., FNS.)

Liz is a health & wellness expert, writer, and editor with over a decade of experience in the fitness & nutrition industry. She emphasizes research and simplifies complex topics to help make healthy living simple and sustainable. When she isn't researching and writing, she's sharing delicious recipes, easy DIYs, and home decor tips on her blog and social media.

More from Liz, visit: Personal Blog , TikTok , Instagram

Credentials

• NASM Certified Personal Trainer(since 2012)
• NASM Certified Fitness Nutrition Specialist (since 2014)
• Credentialed Coach Practitioner, Coach Training Academy
• B.A. Liberal Studies (Health & Nutrition Sciences)
• A.A. Liberal Arts (STEM)

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Trisha Yearwood’s Weight Loss Transformation Over the Years: Before and After Photos

Country music superstar turned TV cooking host Trisha Yearwood has had ups and downs when it comes to her weight but dropped a whopping 55 pounds by 2017. She did it through eating a healthy diet and upping her exercise to include high-energy Zumba workouts and circuit training and has kept it off over the years.

Deal of the Day

When “How Do I Live?” singer went from a size 14 to a size 10 in 2013, losing 30 pounds. “I designed my own plan that’s low-fat, low-sugar 90 percent of the time,” she told People at the time.

“I have a strength I never had before. I feel like I can do anything,” Trisha said about her fitness and lighter weight.

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Trisha looked lovely in an off-white gown on the red carpet at the Oscars.

The “Walkaway Joe” singer hid her figure under a baggy white shirt while arriving for an appearance on The Late Show With David Letterman .

Trisha is seen before her 30 pounds weight loss in 2013, when she changed her life through a healthier diet and exercise.

The Grammy winner flaunted her new figure at the L’Oréal Paris’ Women of Worth event.

Trisha gained back some of the pounds she previously lost before going on another weight loss journey.

The Food Network star rocked slim-fitting black pants and a fitted T-shirt during a performance a ACM’s Party For A Cause.

Trisha donned a bright red fitted dress with a fun black pattern on it for the ACM Awards

The country legend looked incredible in a black sequin dress at the CMT ​Music Awards.

• Country Music
• Trisha Yearwood
• Weight Loss

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Weight Loss / Beauty Tips

• Oprah Winfrey Weight Loss Journey: A Story of Ups, Downs, and Empowerment

The media mogul Oprah Winfrey has changed the lives of millions of people. She has also been open about her struggles with weight loss for a long time. Her changes over the years have been written about in magazines, on talk shows, and even on fat-filled red wagons. But Oprah’s weight-loss path is more than just numbers. It’s a powerful story of strength, self-acceptance, and fighting for a healthier way of thinking about body image.

Table of Contents

Oprah Winfrey Weight Loss Journey

Some early problems and trends:.

Early on, Oprah had trouble with her weight. During her teens, she went back and forth between diets and trendy ways to lose weight, which made her feel bad about herself and out of control. This continued into her early work, with times when she lost a lot of weight by going on extreme diets like liquid protein diets, only to gain it back and feel frustrated.

Also Read: Amy Stran Weight Loss Journey

Public Scrutiny and the Talk Show Era:

People became more interested in Oprah’s weight as her fame grew during the talk show era. Her talk show, which was a place for open and honest conversations, often went into this subject, with parts showing people’s trips to lose weight and arguments about diet culture. Some people thought these talks gave them power, but others said they were negative because they were too focused on numbers and set impossible goals.

A Turning Point: Embracing Health and Sustainability:

In the 1990s, Oprah changed how she did things. Her knowledge showed her that fad diets don’t work and body shame is harmful. She worked with Weight Watchers (WW), which was still called Weight Watchers, to promote a more balanced and thoughtful way of managing weight. Her show was mostly about healthy eating, exercise, and loving yourself. She told fans to find their own “aha moment” to start living a healthier life.

The Power of Being Open and Vulnerable:

Oprah has never been afraid to talk about her weight problems. She talked freely about her yo-yo dieting, emotional eating, and how hard it is to live a healthy life while working a demanding job. Millions of people connected with this openness, making it normal to talk about weight and making a place for empathy and sharing experiences.

Also Read: Brooke Elliott’s Weight Loss Journey

Beyond the Scale: A Holistic Approach to Well-being:

At age 69, Oprah’s focus is no longer just on losing weight. She supports a view of health that includes all three aspects: mental, physical, and social. She puts her mental health first by meditating every day and doing mindful movement as part of her daily habit. She still uses WW and talks about weight loss from time to time, but that’s only one part of her road to better health.

Facing Weight Stigma and Challenging the Narrative:

Oprah has also spoken out against the harms of discrimination and shame based on weight. She speaks out against calling people fat and the damaging ideas that come with being overweight. She tells everyone, no matter what size, to love their bodies and accept themselves.

The Latest: Embracing Medication as a Tool:

In December 2023, Oprah said that she had started taking medicine to help her lose weight. As part of her holistic approach, she talked freely about taking Wegovy, a prescription drug that makes you feel less hungry. This led to conversations about the role of weight control drugs and how important it is for each person to make their own choices based on good information.

A Legacy of Giving People Power and Acceptance:

Oprah’s path to lose weight isn’t just her own story; it shows how our culture has changed how we think about health, body image, and well-being. She has fought against unrealistic beauty standards, pushed for self-acceptance, and pushed for a health method that looks at the whole person. Being open, honest, and vulnerable has given millions of people the courage to embrace their own journeys and find their own ideas of what a healthy and happy life looks like.

Oprah Winfrey’s plan to lose weight

Oprah Winfrey doesn’t use fad diets or quick fixes to lose weight. Instead, she focuses on healthy habits that will last. Some important parts of her food plan are:

1. Balanced Macronutrients:

• Protein: Lean protein sources like fish, chicken, beans, and tofu make up about 20% of her daily calories. Protein helps your body build and keep muscle, which speeds up your metabolism and makes you burn more calories.
• Healthy Fats: Avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil are some of the healthy fats that she eats. These fats help your brain stay healthy, make you feel full, and lower inflammation.
• Complex Carbohydrates: Whole grains, fruits, and veggies are good sources of complex carbohydrates that make up the other half of her calories. These give you long-lasting energy, fiber to help your digestive system, and vitamins and minerals your body needs

2. Portion Control:

Oprah eats slowly and deliberately, and she watches how much she eats. She stays away from big meals and sugary snacks during the day, choosing instead smaller, more balanced plates.

3. Focus on Whole Foods:

She chooses fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean protein, and other unprocessed, whole foods over processed foods, sugary drinks, and fats that are bad for you. These foods are full of nutrients and make you feel full for a longer time

4. Listening to her Body:

Oprah stresses how important it is to pay attention to your body’s signals for when it’s hungry or full. She only eats when she’s hungry and stops when she’s full, so she doesn’t have to worry about watching calories or eating too much.

How much weight has Oprah Winfrey lost?

For many years, Oprah Winfrey has been trying to lose weight. Her progress has been up and down, with times when she has been successful and times when she has had trouble. It’s hard to give a single, accurate answer to the question of how much weight she’s lost in total because she hasn’t said in public. But here’s what we do know:

Significant progress:

Oprah weighed 237 pounds at her heaviest point in 1992. She’s lost and gained weight over the years because of changes in her lifestyle, her food, and health problems. In 2019, she said that she lost 42 pounds with the WW program by following a healthy diet and exercise plan.

Current focus:

Not long ago, Oprah said she was only 7 pounds away from her goal weight of 160 pounds. She makes it clear, though, that her goal is not just to reach the number, but to live a “more vital and vibrant life. ”

Overall approach:

Oprah’s journey to lose weight shows how important it is to take a whole-person attitude to health and well-being. She controls her weight and general health by making changes to her diet, working out regularly, and doing other things that are good for her.

Did Oprah Winfrey have surgery to lose weight?

Oprah Winfrey has not said in public that she is having surgery to lose weight. She has been open about her struggles with weight management and her new efforts to lose weight. She has said that these problems are caused by a number of things, such as:

• Dietary changes: She changed her diet to be more balanced and moderate. She ate more whole foods like fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean protein, and less processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats.
• Exercise: After surgery on my knee in 2021, hiking became a favorite activity, which led to more exercise and better fitness. She now walks 3 to 5 miles every day, and every once in a while she goes on a 10-mile hike on the weekend..
• Weight-loss medication: Winfrey recently said that she uses a prescription drug to control her weight changes and avoid yo-yo dieting.

Did Oprah Winfrey use Olympic to lose weight?

Oprah Winfrey recently said that she uses the weight-loss drug Ozempic as part of her plan to control her weight. This has led to a lot of talk and interest in the drug, which was first allowed to treat type 2 diabetes but has also helped people lose a lot of weight.

Here’s what we know about Oprah’s usage of Ozempic:

• She didn’t say how much she was taking or how long she had been taking it. But she said she used it before Thanksgiving to keep from gaining weight over the holidays and that it helped her control her hunger.
• She makes it clear that Ozempic is only a tool and not a magic bullet. She mixes it with making healthy food choices, working out regularly, and her ongoing dedication to her health as a whole.
• The fact that she talked about using Ozempic has made people more interested in weight-loss drugs and how they might help manage obesity, which is a complicated problem with many causes.

Oprah winfrey weight loss exercises

Oprah Winfrey’s plan to lose weight focuses on long-term habits over quick fixes, and exercise is a big part of it. Some important parts of her workout program are:

• After having surgery on her knee in 2021, Oprah really liked going on hikes.
• Every day she tries to run 3 to 5 miles, gradually adding more distance and difficulty.
• Hiking is a moderately intense form of cardio that builds muscle, helps balance and coordination, and burns calories.

Strength Training:

• Oprah does strength training exercises every day, and she often does them at home with dumbbells.
• She talked about standing flies, bicep curls, and tricep extensions as examples of exercises she does.
• Lifting weights makes you stronger, which speeds up your metabolism so you burn more calories even when you’re not moving.

Other Activities:

• Oprah likes doing different things, like swimming, dancing, and yoga, which keeps her workouts interesting and varied.
• Each of these activities has its own benefits, like making you more flexible and fit overall.

Finding things you enjoy and making them a regular part of your life is very important, as Oprah’s approach to exercise shows. Making choices that are right for you and sticking to them are important for reaching your fitness goals and staying healthy generally.

Oprah winfrey weight loss gummies

There is no link between Oprah Winfrey and any weight loss pills. A lot of people have seen her speak out against these goods using her name and image to promote them.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Oprah has never sold or promoted weight loss gummies. Any website or ad that says she has is probably a scam.
• She has spoken out against these scams: Oprah has told people not to fall for weight loss gummy scams that use her name on social media and in interviews.
• These candies don’t work very well and could be harmful: There is no scientific proof that sweets can help you lose weight quickly. In fact, they might have dangerous ingredients that aren’t controlled.

If you see a weight loss product with Oprah’s picture or name on it, you should:

• Avoid it : Do not buy the item or click on any links that lead to it..
• Report it : You can report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or other relevant authorities.
• Be careful : Always be wary of promises that there are magical ways to lose weight, especially if they come from a celebrity without any proof.

Always remember that a healthy diet, regular exercise, and good sleep habits are the best ways to keep your weight in check. Talk to a doctor or registered dietitian for personalized help on how to keep your weight in a healthy range.

I hope this gives you a better idea of how Oprah Winfrey lost weight and how important it is to care about your health and well-being in more ways than just a number on the scale.

What kind of diet does Oprah follow?

Oprah prefers a healthy diet full of whole grains, fruits, veggies, lean protein, and other healthy foods. She says to eat in balance, watch your portions, and eat less processed foods, sugary drinks, and fats that are bad for you.

Does Oprah use weight-loss medication?

Yes, Oprah recently said that she takes the weight-loss drug Ozempic as part of her plan. But she makes it clear that it’s not a solution in and of itself; it’s just one tool that can be used with good habits.

Has Oprah ever promoted weight-loss gummies?

No, Oprah has never backed weight-loss gummies, and she actively warns people not to fall for scams that use her name to push them.

What types of exercise does Oprah do?

Her main hobby is hiking, and she tries to go three to five miles every day. Strength training, swimming, dancing, and yoga are some of the other things she does to keep things interesting and get different health benefits.

How important is exercise for Oprah’s weight loss?

Exercise is a big part of Oprah’s routine because it helps her get cardio, build muscle, and improve her health and well-being in general.

What inspired Oprah’s weight loss journey?

A desire for general health and wellness, driven by a diagnosis of pre-diabetes and worries about the health risks that come with being overweight.

Does Oprah recommend her weight loss approach for everyone?

Oprah says that her journey is special and that other people should get personalized help from doctors or registered dietitians.

What is Oprah’s message about weight loss?

Oprah stresses self-acceptance and well-being over quick fixes or unrealistic standards, as well as long-term healthy habits and listening to your body.

Key Takeaways:

• Oprah’s journey to lose weight has been long and public, with ups and downs and different ways of doing things.
• She no longer follows fad diets or sets impossible goals for herself. Instead, she supports a healthy, long-lasting way of life.
• Her honesty and openness have made talking about weight and body image more common.
• She stresses the importance of well-being and self-acceptance beyond the scale.
• Her support of weight-loss medication starts conversations about personal choice and making well-informed decisions.
• Oprah’s legacy is one of empowerment and acceptance, encouraging everyone to find their own way to a healthy and fulfilling life.

This blog post is just the beginning of the conversation. What are your thoughts on Oprah’s weight-loss journey? How can we create a more accepting and supportive environment for everyone to focus on their well-being? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

Additional Resources:

• Oprah Daily: https://www.oprahdaily.com/
• WW (formerly Weight Watchers): https://www.facebook.com/weightwatchers/

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Join Ryan Johnson on the 'Progress Over Perfection Podcast' as we journey together through the ups and downs of sustainable health and weight loss. From personal struggles with yo-yo dieting to achieving long-lasting results, Ryan shares insights and real-life experiences on nutrition, fitness, and mindset. Each episode features call-ins and email questions from the community, offering advice, motivation, and laughter along the way. Whether you're looking for practical tips or just some friendly support on your health journey, this podcast is for anyone seeking to make lasting changes without chasing perfection. Let's embrace progress together and make health a lifelong adventure.

The Progress over Perfection Podcast Ryan Johnson

• Health & Fitness
• 5.0 • 2 Ratings
• APR 11, 2024

Progress Over Perfection Pilot

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the 'Progress Over Perfection Podcast' with your host, Ryan Johnson. In this pilot episode, Ryan introduces the core philosophy of the show: embracing the journey of health and wellness through sustainable, incremental changes rather than chasing after perfection. Get to know Ryan's personal story of overcoming yo-yo dieting and discover why he's passionate about helping others find their path to lasting health

Customer Reviews

Simple and easy to listen to.

a refreshing take on health and wellness. His approachable style and stories make complex topics around sustainable health easily digestible. This podcast is not just informative but also incredibly inspiring, offering practical tips and real-life advice for anyone looking to improve their health without the pressure of perfection. A must-listen for those on their own health journey!

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Hetepuuu Food and Weight Management Blog

Weight loss, low carbs, food, ups and downs: my weight loss journey (over a decade).

Disclaimer: I want to express that this writing and opinions I am sharing apply only to me and is not a directive for anyone else to judge or compare themself with. These are just me sharing my own personal goals and opinions regarding my own body and self-image. This is also not meant as any form of health advice. I am not a medical or nutritional expert, and these writings are strictly for entertainment purposes only.

I was just sitting and enjoying a meal, eating bored, as I am calling it, which I will discuss in a coming blog post. “Eating bored” is my newest sort of approach to managing my weight. 

So as I was enjoying my meal, I was reflecting on the last decade of my life when it comes to my weight. I have had ups and downs in my weight.

I will list it all on a year by year basis and give a summary of how I was doing during that time regarding my weight.

This was the year I discovered veganism. I started out doing a “Meatless Mondays” challenge, which turned into only eating fish, then I decided to just eat no meat. I lost a lot of weight, weighing around 155 pounds for my 5’9″ frame. I became vegan around summer of 2012.

I was slender all this year. By time fall came, I started missing certain foods I used to eat. I started eating snacks like cookies and chips and candy that I had stopped eating since becoming vegan. By winter, I had started eating meat again. I was still slim by the end of this year, though I did gain a few pounds.

Early 2014, I started noticing my jeans were not going up as easily as they normally do. I wondered if the washing machine had shrunk this one pair of jeans or what had happened. I had not realized how much weight I had been gaining. The cause? Well, every meal, whether breakfast, lunch or dinner, was followed by a train of food: after the meal (sometimes more than one helping),i had some ice cream, some chips, some cookies, a chocolate bar and/or candy. Yes, I remember very clearly this atrocious habit of eating I had developed. It came from me missing these types of foods after not having them for almost 2 years. 

By summer 2014, I made a decision to change my eating habits. By the time November came around, I had lost a significant amount of weight, and was slim again. I did this by taking many long walks in the summer, and on top of just cutting meat and junk snacks out of my diet again, I also spent a short time restricting my calories to only a little over a 1000 calories a day. I think this lasted a week.

I started the year overweight, ended the year pleased with being back to my slim preference. 

By the time spring 2015 rolled around, I started wanting those junk snacks again. Slowly, I started indulging my cravings for chips and cookies, and soft drinks, and candy again. Then I started eating fish again. I did gain some weight, but I was not bothered. I was still satisfied with my body, not skinny, but still an overall slim look to myself that I prefer for myself. 

By about May, I was eating everything again, meat and all. 

By September, I remember weighing myself and I was around 190 pounds, somewhere thereabouts. I was not happy with this, as my ideal was within the 170’s.

I continued to gain more weight, and I continued to eat the same way.

I continued basically the same as 2016.

I think this was the year I was my heaviest. I think this was the year I weighed myself in the summer and I was 235 pounds. I was eating a lot more food than my body needed, and following up with all kinds of junk foods. 

Later in the year, in the fall, I decided to cut all distractions while eating. I was not watching tv, not entertaining myself on my phone with videos or apps, and sometimes not even reading. Just sitting and just eating my meal. To my pleasant surprise, it helped me a lot to not overeat. Sometimes I found myself not needing to finish the entire helping of food I had before me. I did not need a snack. I did not need a second helping of food. I noticed when I was satisfied, or full, and stopped eating. That helped me to lose some pounds. 

By December, I weighed  between 200 or 210 pounds. I cannot recall exactly, but I know i was thrilled to see it was certainly not 235 pounds. 

I continued to experience desired weight loss. Another thing I remember doing that summer was substituting rice with cauliflower. I had a paper I taped to my bedroom wall, tracking my weight day by day or every few days. I recall writing 198-199 pounds. So I had lost a little more weight. This would remain my constant weight for the rest of the year.

In the fall, I began tracking my daily eating by writing down what I was eating each day, and occasionally recording my weight as well. This is a habit I still carry to this day.

As it is usually with new year’s resolutions, I started going to the gym a couple days a week but, unfortunately, that did not last. It was too much of a hassle for me to go to the gym especially in the winter, as I was not driving and it was too cold. That is something that also happened in 2016 and 2017, where I tried out the gym in the summer but dropped it after a couple of weeks. It was too far for me to travel. 

Regarding food, I started counting my calories, restricting myself to about 1600 calories or less per day. I found snacks that satisfied my craving for snacks while not giving too many calories, and I took up eating baby carrots as well, for my snacks. I found I could eat plenty of baby carrots in exchange for not a lot of calories, and as it is not an addictive food, I could easily stop eating it after being full. 

This year, I lost weight steadily. I dropped from 190s to 180s, and by July, I was in the mid 170’s again. 

I still ate meat, but I limited my snacks.

In the summer, I tended toward eating only fish, and only natural foods such as fruits and vegetables. My weight dropped to mid 150’s. I recall seeing 154 pounds on the scale. I had not been this slender since about 8 years before, in 2012. This time, I was not pleased with this level of slenderness. I started eating more carbs in an effort to put on weight, because I felt I was too “skinny”. 

I finished the year being very slim, eating all meat again since October, and my weight climbed back into the mid to high 160’s.

Much the same as the end of 2020. My weight stayed in the upper 160’s for most of the year. This year, I dabbled in a keto-ish type of approach to food.

I was not eating much carbs at all, mostly meat and fat. By August, I really started craving just to eat rice. I cooked some rice, and ate it with fish, and I was happy. From there on out, I was eating carbs again. I finished the year in the upper 170’s.

My weight hung around the range of 176 – 178 pounds. This made me cautious because for me, it was too close to being in the 180’s again, and that lead me to worry that I was heading towards the 200’s again and being way overweight than I desire to be. 

In April or May, I took on intermittent fasting. It was an experiment I tried, where one morning I ate all I wanted to eat within one hour, and then I did not eat anything else until the next day at that same time. So I fasted for 23 hours. I was busy doing other things during the course of the day, and while I was hungry at first, after a few hours the feeling went away. So I took on this habit, of doing a very long fast, ranging from 18 to 22 hours. I had a very small window within which I could eat whatever I wanted, and then I did not eat until the next day.

Within 2 weeks I was back in the mid 160’s. 

I maintained this until about fall, by which time I had not really been doing as long a fast, sometimes not even doing much of a fast at all. By December, I was ranging about 177-178 pounds again. Having all the holiday fun and foods, by time mid January the next year came, I was in the lower to mid 180’s.

As I mentioned, by mid-January, I was in the lower to mid 180’s. February would bring me up to 190 pounds, hanging around 193 pounds. March would keep me in the range of high 180s to 190, but most near 190 pounds. After this, I would basically hand around the range of 189 to 193 pounds for the rest of the year. I tried a few times using various methods, most of them I would not really stick with long enough, which would result in my not succeeding in losing any more weight. On December 31, my weight that morning was 192.6 pounds.

Here we are, it is now mid-April, and my weight this morning was 191 leaning to 192. I would definitely be happier if I was back to my mid-170s size, but I am just happy that at least I am not gaining any more weight. I have been at this weight of 190-193 for over a year now. I recently saw 188 point something but it was only for a couple of days. My goal is to reduce my weight to at lest mid-180s, and my chief goal is to slim down 10 pounds.

Sometimes I feel defeated that no matter what I try, my weight stays at 190. Other times, I feel that maybe I should just accept that this is my weight now. However, it is still too close to 200 for me. I am not happy being that overweight, personally. 

I continue to try to reach a lower weight, but I am pleased that I am not gaining.

I really enjoyed thinking back over the years and writing this post.

Thank you for reading! Feel free to share your story as well!

Disclaimer:

I want to express that this writing and opinions I am sharing apply only to me and is not a directive for anyone else to judge or compare themself with. These are just me sharing my own personal goals and opinions regarding my own body and self-image.

This is also not meant as any form of health advice. I am not a medical or nutritional expert, and these writings are strictly for entertainment purposes only.

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These Two Sisters Walked Off 373 Lbs – Here’s How Walking Poles Helped Them Succeed 

Susie Maines, 71: “Take one easy step at a time. You won’t believe how far you can go!”

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We’re constantly hearing about the benefits of walking – and for good reason! The free exercise is helping people heal their health, lose weight and transform their lives for the better. Now, folks are adding walking poles to their workouts to make their walking for weight loss routines both easier and more effective! Just ask sisters Becky Thomson and Susie Maines, who walked off a collective 373 pounds using the strategy. Read on for their inspiring story – plus why walking poles for weight loss work.

What are walking poles?

Walking poles, also called Nordic walking sticks or hiking poles, are specialized poles made for outdoor activities like hiking. They’re typically lightweight with easy-grip handles and can be adjusted for height. As you walk, you plant the poles on the ground, helping to engage the upper body while keeping you stable and balanced. And when it comes to walking for weight loss, walking poles can make a major difference.

Related: We’ve Tried Every Walking Accessory to Make Our Walks Better at Fat Burning, and This One Is the Winner

How walking poles enhance walking for weight loss

Created in Scandinavia to help cross-country skiers stay fit in summer, Nordic walking sticks “up your walking game,” says How Not to Diet author Michael Greger, MD . How? They provide support that makes walking feel easier and breezier while slashing injury risk. They also dramatically reduce knee and hip stress and discomfort. Indeed, they’re a great option for folks with hip and knee issues, since they reduce the force of each step by as much as 28%.

Regular walking works only your legs. “Adding Nordic poles activates upper-body muscles as well,” notes Massachusetts General Hospital cardiologist Aaron Baggish, MD . So 80% of you gets firmer and stronger — and, per studies, you burn 46% more calories . Bonus: Cholesterol and heart health improve more than with regular walks. (There’s no need to pick up the pace, either – slow walking also boosts weight loss.)

Walking poles before and after success story

“Why are you emailing me? I’m right here!” chuckled Becky Thomson , glancing at her sister Susie Maines . Ever since bad knees forced Susie to retire and move in with Becky and her husband, the sisters had shared a home office where they’d surf the web and plan adventures for their golden years. Of course, at over 325 pounds each and in constant pain, they had limited options — unless they made changes.

“Read what I sent you,” urged Susie. “It sounds doable.” A lover of all things sparkly, Susie had stumbled on a free weight-loss site called SparkPeople.com (now an organization called Spark America ) and decided it was fate. Becky wasn’t so sure. “No diets,” she insisted. “I refuse to starve ever again.” Suddenly, Susie had an idea: “Tell me what you want to eat, and I’ll find a way to make it healthy.”

How Susie and Becky changed their diets

Susie was the more hopeful one on that spring day in Wisconsin, but she understood how Becky felt. Both had battled extra pounds their whole lives, enduring failure after failure. Susie recently looked into gastric bypass but couldn’t even manage to lose 35 pounds to qualify. “They wanted me to drink shakes and be miserable,” she thought, typing basic info into the Spark site. But this seems different. So different, in fact, that the site calculated she could have 2,200 calories a day. Was it too much? She read posts from other dieters; they seemed to be happily succeeding.

In the days that followed, Susie experimented with lightened-up chili, casseroles, pot roast. She typed it all into her food log, which tracked calories and helped make sure her meals had enough energizing nutrients like protein and fiber. By the time Becky signed up for her own account, the pair were down an easy 12 pounds each.

Becky and Susie’s walking journey begins…

Becky was officially excited. Eyes shining, she turned to her sister and asked: “Should we try exercising?” Susie grimaced. “I can barely walk 30 feet,” she said. So it was Becky’s turn to be the problem-solver.

“Let’s just walk and see how far we get,” Becky begged. “It can’t hurt to try!” So they set out. By the end of the driveway, Susie’s lower half was on fire. “I have to go back,” she said. Becky made it to the end of the block before collapsing beside her sister. “Let’s try to go a little farther each day,” Becky panted. Susie just sighed. (Considering a walking routine? Try fasted walking for quick results.)

Walking pole breakthrough

Later that night, they told their oldest sister, Karen, what had happened. “Do you still have Mom’s old canes?” Karen asked. “They might help Susie.” Becky fished them out of the garage. Using two at once, Susie made it half a block. Then Becky had a light-bulb moment: She’d gotten a job at Lands’ End, and they were offering employees a great deal on Nordic walking poles. Might the poles help more than canes? The sisters watched a video online and decided yes. Becky bought two pairs, and as soon as the sticks were in their hands, the movement felt natural. That day they made it four blocks! “I didn’t have pain in my hips or even my knees,” Susie marveled afterward.

Block by block, Susie and Becky extended the distance they covered in their neighborhood, passing landmarks like a school, church and hospital. People saw their walking poles and asked, “Are they worth it?” The sisters answered: “Absolutely!” The poles not only relieved pain but also helped them stay balanced and stand taller so they could step farther and faster. “It’s really so much easier than regular walking,” Susie marveled. (Another beneficial walking strategy to try? Rucking, or weighted walking .)

Becky and Susie today, 373 pounds slimmer

By the time the women could walk 2 miles, they felt gleeful — which made them extra-motivated to eat well. As pounds and health issues steadily disappeared, one day it hit Susie: “I turned to my sister and said, ‘We’re actually going to make it this time, aren’t we?’” The answer soon became clear: Susie lost 186 pounds in about two years, while Becky ultimately shed 187 pounds. Becky got rid of her asthma inhaler and CPAP machine. Susie got off cholesterol medication and hasn’t felt hip pain since.

And even though the sisters seemed to be mirror images of each other, Susie slimmed down about two times faster than her older sis. “It took my body a little longer, but the important thing is I still got there. So I always try to encourage people to be patient,” says Becky. “Your body may not lose as quickly as someone else’s, but it can still do amazing things — and the rewards of hitting a healthy weight are huge.”

Says Becky, 74: “Once you’re at a certain point, you might think, It’s too late for me. But look at us! We turned everything around just by eating food we enjoy and using gentle exercise.” Susie, 71, agrees: “Take one easy step at a time,” she says. “You won’t believe how far you can go!

Related: Lose Weight Without Weight Loss Surgery: How 7 Women Did It

What to eat while walking for weight loss

Experts agree walking works best paired with a nutrient-dense, portion-controlled diet. To make it easy, Becky and Susie used free tools to keep calories at 1,800–2,200 daily. Want to follow their lead? Try some of these favorite recipes. Always get a doctor’s okay to try any new diet or workout.

Make an omelet with 3 egg whites, ½ cup veggies, ¼ cup cheese, cooking spray and seasoning to taste.

Deal of the Day

Brush eggplant with 2 tsp. olive oil; season. Top with 2 Tbs. pizza sauce and ¼ cup mozzarella. Bake at 425ºF.

Broil ¼ lb. tilapia with 1 Tbs. butter and seasoning to taste. Serve with ½ cup veggies and ½ cup brown rice.

Bonus recipe: Mini cheesecakes

Ingredients:

• 12 vanilla wafer cookies
• 3 oz. cream cheese
• 12 oz. fat-free cream cheese
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ tsp. vanilla
• 2 cups cherry pie filling

Instructions:

• Line muffin tin with cupcake papers; put a cookie in each.
• Beat cream cheeses until smooth. Beat in sugar and vanilla. Add eggs until smooth.
• Pour batter in tin. Bake at 350ºF until mostly set, 20 min.
• Chill overnight. Top with cherries.

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Billy Gardell Opens Up About His Amazing Weight Loss Journey (VIDEO)

Bob Hearts Abishola

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Billy Gardell got candid about his weight loss journey during an appearance on ABC ‘s Live with Kelly and Mark as the Bob Hearts Abishola star dropped by the talk show.

When Gardell sat down for the interview, Mark Consuelos noted, “Billy, you look great!” That prompted to comedian and actor to say, “Yeah, I went from a young Jackie Gleason to an old Paul Newman .” The comment elicited laughter from both the hosts and the audience.

But Kelly Ripa continued with the topic, prompting that Gardell has been on a health journey for a while. He confirmed as such as he said, “Yeah, like the last three years. I’ve had to make some changes because when Covid hit in the words of Richard Pryor , ‘I went in the house .'”

Gardell went on to mention how he “had a lot of the dangerous” conditions that could cause bigger problems if he caught Covid. “When they made that list of, you know, ‘overweight, Type 2 diabetes, smoker, asthma,’ I’m like ‘check, check, bingo,'” Gardell recalled.

When Consuelos pointed out that it must have been a wake-up call, Gardell confirmed, “I said to my wife, I said, ‘If they just find some medicine where this thing won’t kill us, I’m going to change everything.’ And as soon as they did, I went and got that bariatric surgery, and then I just follow a routine every day and I got free.”

Billy Gardell Talks ‘Bob Hearts Abishola’ Finale, Weight Loss & Off-Screen Friendship With Fọlákẹ́ Olówófôyekù

This led to applause from the audience as the footage revealed a side-by-side image of Gardell now alongside an older photo before his weight loss. When Ripa asked about the recovery process from the surgery, Gardell said, “Well, you wake up from the surgery and you’re like, ‘Oh God, what have I done?’ But then as you start to see the progress and you start to see your body change and get healthier, and your blood numbers come down… I’m not on any medicine, my diabetes is gone. It’s all good stuff.”

And now, “I get to annoy my wife for a little longer,” Gardell teased. See Gardell’s full commentary on his journey in the video, above, and don’t miss him in the final season of Bob Hearts Abishola as it airs on CBS this spring.

Bob Hearts Abishola where to stream

Billy Gardell

Tammy Slaton Opens Up About Her Weight Loss: All About The '1,000-Lb. Sisters' Star's Health Journey

The Kentucky native has lost over 400 pounds.

Tammy Slaton is getting out there and living her life. The 1,000-Lb. Sisters star just dropped some photos of herself hanging next to a pool with a friend while wearing a bathing suit.

People cheered her on in the caption. “Look at you, girl! That is a JOURNEY 🔥,” one said. “Holy wow! The transformation is incredible! So happy to see how far you have come,” another wrote.

Tammy also looked noticeably slimmed down in a recent series of new photos shared on Instagram . (The Kentucky native had previously documented her journey to undergo bariatric surgery on her TLC series.)

But the 37-year-old is also getting praise for sharing a rare unfiltered photo of herself on Instagram . In it, Tammy and Haley can be seen on a FaceTime call, with Tammy sporting a new pixie cut. “Stay tuned,” they wrote in a joint caption.

Tammy tends to use fun filters in her Instagram photos, making this a big step for her. "This is the nicest picture of you yet!!!" one person wrote. “You loook absolutely gorgeous Tammy!!!!!!” another said.

Tammy has made a lot of lifestyle changes to get to this point. Here’s what she’s shared about her journey so far.

Tammy has lost over 400 pounds on her journey.

Since her series premiered in 2020, Tammy has lost over half her prior body weight. She has dropped 440 pounds, which is down from her highest weight of 725 pounds, she told People last year.

After making some major changes to her diet, undergoing bariatric surgery in July 2022, and subsequently checking into a 14-month weight loss rehab, she currently weighs 285 pounds, per People .

In a since-deleted comment, Tammy shared that she now practices eating "proteins, low carbs, no sugars, no pop, portion control," according to Us Weekly .

Tammy regularly shows off her progress on social media, including a recent TikTok that breaks down how far she’s come.

She’s now able to walk without assistance.

At the start of her journey, Tammy had difficulty with mobility and needed to rely on a walker or wheelchair. But now, she can move around without aid, and no longer needs an oxygen tube to breathe.

“One of the big changes that I have gone through this past year is probably small to most people, but for me it was huge,” Tammy told People . “Just being able to walk without a walker or be pushed in a wheelchair, and no oxygen. I don't even sleep with it at night anymore.”

Tammy also said that she’s now able to sit in the front seat of a regular vehicle and can fasten the seat belt without using an extender. “What seems minor to some people is giant for me,” she said.

Tammy can now fly on an airplane.

She shared in a January episode of 1,000-Lb Sisters that she took an extra precaution for a flight to make sure she would be able to board the plane by buying two side-by-side seats. But when she sat down, she learned that she could fit into one seat.

Tammy said that she was “comfortable” in her seat and that she was able to buckle her seatbelt. "I was kind of surprised that I didn't need both seats that we paid for,” she said.

She’s grateful for her new “quality of life.”

Tammy is happy with how her life has changed. “My quality of life has changed so much,” she said in a February TikTok . “Before I went to rehab, I was bitter, unhappy, very super suicidal, depressed, and just mean. Everybody hated me…and they still do…I had this I don’t care attitude back then. I still do, but it’s not as bad. I’m working on myself still.”

Tammy also said that she’s able to appreciate life more, and is now treating herself and others better in the process. “I have personally seen a lot of growth in how I treat people and my family,” she said. “Just my attitude and how happier I seem. I smile a lot more.”

Tammy also revealed in that video that she was able to enjoy a recent trip to Disney World. “I actually got on rides, and I rode in a hot air balloon,” she said. “I wouldn’t have been able to do any of this two years ago…I’m just giving myself a pat on the back for achieving something. Getting the weight off and living."

She plans on getting skin removal surgery, but doesn’t have a timeline.

In another video from the same month, Tammy shared that she’s planning to get skin removal surgery at some point, but doesn't know exactly when. “My ‘chin flap’ is not a chin flap. It’s literally excess skin and yes, it will go away when I get skin removal surgery,” she said in a February TikTok . “I cannot answer, before anybody asks, when I’m getting skin removal because I don’t know.”

She encourages kindness online.

In that same video, Tammy called out people for making mean comments about her. “Can’t I live my life without y’all judging me, making fun of me for every little freaking thing?” she said. “I can’t duet a friend without y’all thinking I’m trying to bang them. I can’t be happy and smile without y’all judging me because my teeth are missing.”

Tammy then encouraged people to be kinder to others. “You don’t understand what people are going through,” she said. “I’m very insecure. I hide it because I don’t want people to think I’m weak and I truly am weak. And calling me a turkey or talking about my face and my teeth it bothers me. I’m human.”

She added, “I just want people to realize that hating is not okay.”

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1000-lb sisters: misty slaton's best pics after extraordinary weight loss milestone (learn about her body makeover journey).

Like her famous siblings, Misty Slaton of 1000-lb Sisters has lost weight over the years. She's taken many photos since her weight loss milestone.

• Misty Slaton Wentworth reached a weight loss milestone, no longer needing diabetes medication.
• Misty is considering bariatric surgery to continue her weight loss journey with Amanda.
• The Slaton family showcases weight loss transformations through diet, exercise, and surgery.

After losing a substantial amount of weight, 1000-lb Sisters star Misty Slaton Wentworth has reached an incredible weight loss milestone. The series, which premiered in 2020, centers around the weight-loss journeys of sisters Tammy Slaton and Amy Slaton, but other members of the Slaton family have joined in on the weight-loss action, including their step-sister, Misty. She grew up with Tammy, Amy, and their other siblings in Shawneetown, Illinois, and was raised by a single mother.

Like her two famous sisters, Misty developed an unhealthy relationship with food at an early age. Their mother worked a lot, so the kids had to feed themselves. They ate a lot of junk food because it was cheaper and easier to prepare . As Misty grew up, she put on more and more weight, especially after she had four children. During 1000-lb Sisters season 5 , she expressed serious interest in having bariatric surgery to lose even more weight.

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Misty's weight loss success, no more diabetes meds.

As Amy and Tammy's older sister, Misty has been guiding her sisters over the years. She has been by their side as they embarked on their weight-loss journeys on 1000-lb Sisters while also pursuing her own weight-loss goals. Before losing weight, Misty was taking multiple diabetes medications to keep her blood sugar in a healthy range. Though it's unclear if Misty had bariatric surgery, she lost enough weight to stop needing the medication . Being healthy enough to regulate her blood sugar levels without medicine is a huge milestone that Misty should be proud of.

Photos Of Misty Before Weight Loss

Family album.

Misty 's Facebook account is a treasure trove of family photos taken before and during her weight-loss journey. In 2008, Misty posted a family photo with her husband and four sons. In the photo, she's wearing a black shirt, and her size has changed significantly compared to her more recent appearances on 1000-lb Sisters. In 2017, Misty posted a more recent photo where she's standing alongside her husband. Here, she's wearing a tank top that highlights her silhouette.

Misty isn't the only member of the Slaton family posting family photos. In March 2022, Misty's sister, Amy , posted a family photo to Instagram. In the photo, Misty, Amy, and other family members are gathered around a large table during a public event. Seated in the middle, Misty is wearing gray and looking slimmer than she looked in earlier family photos . The image caused quite a stir in the comment section because one of the individuals in the photograph is wearing a Trump hat.

Misty Wants Weight Loss Surgery

She's not done yet.

1000-lb Sisters season 5 features a scene where Misty and Amanda Halterman speak to Tammy, Amy, and their brother, Chris Combs, about potentially undergoing weight-loss surgery . “ Me and Misty’s been going to see Dr. Smith ,” Amanda tells her siblings. Dr. Smith was Tammy's doctor and is known for helping patients lose weight, including performing bariatric surgery. During the discussion, the Slatons talk about Misty and Amanda's biggest fears about the weight-loss procedure, which can include complications and even death. Since Tammy, Amy, and Chris have all undergone the surgery, they understand the procedure can be dangerous.

Hearing Amanda and Misty get worked up about the surgery and them not making it out, it’s scary.

It's unclear if this will be Misty's first bariatric surgery. It's not uncommon for some people to get the surgery twice. Still, revision weight-loss surgery has a higher risk of complications for the patient than the first round of bariatric surgery. During the gripping 1000-lb Sisters scene, Amy feared for Misty and Amanda’s lives. “ Hearing Amanda and Misty get worked up about the surgery and them not making it out, it’s scary, ” Amy said, adding, “ One slip and, oop, Amanda’s gone, or, oop, Misty’s gone. I need my sisters [...] it’s family. ”

Slatons Weight Loss Journeys

A family affair.

Watching her step-sisters, Amy and Tammy, has been a crucial part of Amanda's journey to lose weight. Her sister, Amy, has lost 125 pounds since the show premiered, while her other sister, Tammy, has lost over 400 pounds. Not to be left out of all the weight-loss fun, their step-brother, Chris, lost over 150 pounds through a combination of diet, exercise, and weight-loss surgery. Fans of the show have enjoyed watching the Slaton's lose all their weight over the years and have felt inspired by their incredible, impressive journeys.

In an interview with People , Tammy and Amy said that the origins of their weight gain date back to their childhoods. They attribute it to genetics, emotional eating, and socioeconomic factors to their eating habits and weight gain. Luckily, both Tammy, Amy, and the other Slaton siblings broke the cycle.

All the Slatons have relied on diet, exercise, and bariatric surgery to achieve their incredible weight-loss transformations.

It's unknown exactly how much weight Misty lost or how she went about losing it. Unlike her famous sisters, she has pursued her weight-loss goals in relative privacy. Regardless of how much weight Misty lost or how she lost it, it's clear that she is determined and committed to shedding even more weight.

1000-lb Sisters seasons 1-5 can be streamed on Discovery +.

Sources: Misty Wentworth /Facebook, Misty Wentworth /Facebook, Misty Wentworth /Facebook, Amanda Halterman /Instagram, People

1000-LB Sisters

April 22, 2024

Unveiling George Conway’s Weight Loss Journey 2024

George Conway. The name evokes images of sharp legal minds, political commentary, and, lately, a surprising transformation – a significant weight loss journey. Intrigued by the man behind the headlines and the trimmer physique, I sat down with Mr. Conway himself for a candid conversation.

Settling into the plush chair across from him, I began, “Mr. Conway, your weight loss has been quite the topic of conversation. What initially motivated you to make such a positive change?”

George leaned back, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “Honestly,” he admitted, “it wasn’t a sudden epiphany. It was a gradual realization that my lifestyle choices were catching up with me.”

A Long Game: Building Momentum for Change

“Can you elaborate on that?” I pressed.

George sighed. “The long hours, the travel, the stress – it all took a toll. My diet wasn’t ideal, and exercise had fallen by the wayside. I knew I needed to make a change, not just for vanity’s sake, but for my overall health.”

“But change can be daunting,” he continued. “So, I started small. Swapped sugary drinks for water, added a daily walk to my routine. These small steps built momentum, and gradually, I started to feel better.”

Beyond the Headlines: Prioritizing Health Over Hectic Schedules

“Law and politics are demanding fields,” I remarked. “How do you manage to prioritize health in such a fast-paced world?”

George chuckled. “It’s a constant battle, but I’ve learned a few tricks. Packing healthy snacks for long days is one. Finding quick workout routines I can do in my hotel room is another.”

“Even a short jog in the morning before work can make a difference,” he added. “It’s all about scheduling and making healthy choices a priority, even when the schedule gets hectic.”

Finding Balance on the Plate: Fueling the Body, Not Just the Mind

“Did you make any specific changes to your diet?” I inquired.

George nodded. “Absolutely. I focused on whole foods – fruits, vegetables, lean proteins. I cut back on processed foods and sugary drinks. Portion control became key too.”

“It’s not about deprivation,” he emphasized. “It’s about finding healthy, delicious alternatives. There are amazing recipes out there that are both nutritious and satisfying.”

Embracing Movement: From Reluctant Runner to Fitness Advocate?

“And exercise?” I asked, a touch of amusement in my voice. Lawyers aren’t typically known for their love of running.

George laughed heartily. “You’re right! Running wasn’t exactly my forte initially. But I found activities I actually enjoyed – swimming, biking, even occasional hikes with my family.”

“It’s not about punishment,” he continued, his voice firm. “It’s about finding ways to move your body and feel good. And honestly, the endorphin rush after a good workout is pretty amazing.”

The Mental Marathon: Conquering Cravings and Overcoming Challenges

“Did you encounter any setbacks along the way?”

George’s smile faded slightly. “Of course! There were days when a slice of pizza sounded far more appealing than grilled chicken. But it’s about being kind to yourself.”

“A slip-up isn’t a failure,” he said, his voice steady. “It’s a chance to get back on track. The important thing is to maintain that overall commitment to healthy habits.”

“How do you manage cravings?” I asked, a common struggle for many.

“Planning is key,” George advised. “If I know I’ll have a busy day, I pack healthy snacks to avoid unhealthy temptations. And sometimes, a small indulgence is okay, as long as it’s not the norm.”

From Skeptic to Believer: The Power of Sustainable Change

As our conversation wrapped up, I felt a renewed sense of hope. George Conway’s story wasn’t about a crash diet or a quick fix. It was a testament to the power of sustainable change, fueled by a desire for long-term health and well-being.

“Mr. Conway,” I concluded, “your journey seems particularly inspiring coming from someone with such a demanding career.”

“It all boils down to priorities,” George said, a hint of pride in his voice. “We all have busy lives, but taking care of your health is non-negotiable. It allows you to perform at your best, both mentally and physically.”

The Takeaway: Owning Your Health, One Step at a Time

George’s final words resonated deeply. His journey wasn’t about achieving a picture-perfect physique overnight. It was about making consistent choices that led to a healthier, more energized him.

“There will be bumps in the road,” he acknowledged, a knowing glint in his eyes. “Long days, travel, social events – they can all challenge your resolve. But the key is to celebrate the progress, not dwell on the occasional setback.”

“Focus on how you feel,” he advised. “Do you have more energy? Can you think more clearly? These are the true rewards of a healthy lifestyle.”

Beyond the Headlines: Inspiration for All

George Conway’s story transcends the world of law and politics. It’s a story of self-discovery, of prioritizing health amidst demanding schedules, and of making choices that empower a life filled with vitality and well-being.

So, the next time you see George Conway in the headlines, remember the story behind the image. It’s not just about weight loss; it’s about taking charge of your health, one step at a time.

Ditch the unrealistic expectations and embrace a sustainable approach. Find activities you enjoy, celebrate every milestone, and most importantly, be kind to yourself. Your body, and your future self, will thank you for it.

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