32 Incredible Weight-Loss Success Stories That Will Motivate You
Weight Loss Transformations
Sometimes the hardest part of making a big change is getting motivated. Which is why we've found some seriously inspiring women who have lost between 84 and 206 pounds each. Plus, get more of our best weight loss and diet tips.
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Laura Avon, 44, Wall Township, NJ and Susie Costello, 47, Lavalette, NJ
"I used to eat a lot of fast food, and I had no discipline with portions (I'd down a bag of potato chips while watching a movie)," Susie says. "My confidence was gone, and my energy was at an all-time low. One day in the spring of 2015, I looked in the mirror and said, 'I have to do something.'"
Weight Loss: 30 and 20 Pounds
Top Tip: In addition to exercising and meal prepping together, these best friends are committed to being partners in health. "We call each other every Friday to discuss our weekend plans and how we're going to stay on track," Susie says. "We text each other inspirational quotes once a week, like 'Stay patient and trust your journey.'"
Jane Dent, 62, Leonardtown, MD and Sarah Gallagher, 35, Leonardtown, MD
Committing to themselves and ditching the guilt helped this mother and daughter succeed. "My weight was up and down for 10 years, and I could never find a permanent solution," Sarah says. "It felt like a roller coaster."
Weight Loss: 45 and 36 Pounds
Top Tip: Move more to stress less. "I've learned to exercise instead of eating when I'm stressed," Sarah says. "I've started walking two to three miles outside two to three times a week. The fresh air instantly puts me in a good mood, and I think of it as time to unplug. Now I put exercise on my to-do list just like any task-it's about committing to myself. My mom bought a Fitbit and aims for 10,000 steps per day."
Rosalyn Long, 41, Alpharetta, GA and Rhonda Howard, 36, Woodstock, GA
These sisters were inspired to make a change together. "One day in January 2016, I saw a picture of myself from a family gathering and thought, What has happened here? Rosalyn had steadily gained weight after our grandmother passed away in 2013, so we both came to the realization that it was time to change," Rhonda says.
Weight Loss: 55 and 65 Pounds
Top Tip: "We joined Life Time Fitness and enrolled in the gym's 60-Day Challenge, a competition that encouraged us to commit to healthy changes and slim down in 60 days," Rosalyn says. "We each lost about 10 pounds in the first challenge, so we signed up for another. We felt competitive against others, but always thought of ourselves as a team."
Weight Lost: 90 Pounds
Top tip: Use a calendar. Every time I exercise, I write down my accomplishment. Once I see a streak visually on paper, I don't want to break it.
Robin Strempek, 39, Crofton, MD
I wasn't athletic at all, but I knew I was able to walk, so I thought I'd try that for two weeks to see if I liked it. I went walking for three miles around my office building with friends on my lunch break and enjoyed it, so I kept at it. My legs got stronger and over time, I could keep up with the group. All of my blood work is now normal, and I have more energy for my 12-year-old daughter. The personality that I had inside has finally come out. I used to feel invisible, but now, when I put on my suit and heels, I think, I can command this room.
Weight Lost: 100 Pounds
Top Tip: Focus on eating a healthy breakfast first. Instead of having a bagel or sugary cereal, I switched to oatmeal with lowfat milk and cinnamon and bananas, or two eggs and two egg whites with veggies. Gradually, I started feeling better and made other changes, like replacing two to three cans of soda a day with water.
Natalie Galyon, 42, Boulder, CO
Walking felt like the easiest change to make, so I started going out near my home for just 10 minutes a day on a local trail along a river. Being in nature was key. Gradually, I increased from 10 minutes to 2 hours a day and added hilly hikes on the weekends. While I strolled, I listened to podcasts and soaked up the scenery. My cholesterol and blood pressure are now in healthy ranges-without medication. It's wild how much I've changed, not just physically but emotionally too. I remember trying to hike when I was heavy-my knees hurt and I could barely breathe. I thought, I'll just look at nature; I don't have to walk in it. I can't believe the limited mindset I had. What was I thinking? I feel so much more confident and capable now.
Weight Lost: 102 Pounds
Top Tip: Tone down your portion sizes. I realized that it was possible to feel full when eating less. I replaced carbohydrates with lean protein and vegetables, and created healthier recipes.
Kirsten Helle, Sammamish, WA
"At 25, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and prediabetes, but I figured that was the norm because my family has a history of heart disease. Then one day I was sitting on the couch watching my 2-year-old daughter play. I realized that if I continued down that path, she would follow in my footsteps. Right then and there I decided to create a healthy new family legacy."
Weight Lost: 103 Pounds
My Weight-Loss Secret: "I was too embarrassed to go to the gym, so I committed to walking three times a day for 10 minutes before breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sometimes I'd just walk in place in front of the TV. After a year, I'd lost about 40 pounds through a combo of diet and exercise. Then I got pregnant with my son. I kept walking, and eight months after he was born, I'd lost 63 more pounds. I've kept off the weight for nine years, and today, I still walk about two miles, three days a week."
What else helped: "If my plate looks empty, it's hard for me to feel full. Now I always make sure to cover it with vegetables so it's piled high with nutritious food."
Jessica Larche, Norfolk, VA
"In 2012 I went to the doctor because I was having bad headaches. Turned out, my blood pressure was 160 over 100, which is dangerously high. I started taking medication and promised myself that I'd stop turning to food every time I was sad, bored or upset. I knew I should start exercising, too, but I needed something that was realistic."
Weight Lost: 100 Pounds
My Weight-Loss Secret: "I committed to walking two laps around a beautiful nearby park every night for roughly one month. Eventually I felt comfortable enough to go to the gym, where I started using the elliptical machine as well. I lost 75 pounds over the course of a year and a half. Now I strength-train three days a week and do five-mile walk-run workouts one or two days a week. I'll pick a post, jog to it, then walk to the next landmark."
What else helped: "Pasta is my trigger food, so I use a Spiralizer to make zucchini noodles, which I toss with olive oil, shrimp and red pepper flakes."
Tracie Johns, Scott Depot, WV
"I weighed 200 pounds when I had to get a hysterectomy in 2011 to undo damage caused by an infection. Afterward, I was lethargic and gained 53 pounds. I was put on two different medications for high blood pressure and another one for acid reflux, plus I had high cholesterol and was prediabetic. I was also having heart palpitations, so I went to a cardiologist and was diagnosed with sleep apnea and put on an oxygen tank at night. My family doctor told me that my sleep apnea would probably go away if I lost weight."
Weight Lost: 110 Pounds
My Weight-Loss Secret: "I had a treadmill in my garage that I'd been ignoring for years. I started walking on it for 30 minutes five days a week. Four months later, I'd dropped 20 pounds and added 1-minute jogging intervals. When my weight loss stalled, I started lifting weights three days a week as well. About two years later, I'd lost 90 more pounds. Now, I warm up with 5 minutes of walking and end with another 15 to 20 minutes."
What else helped: "On Saturdays I treat myself to dessert. This weekly treat day helps me feel satiated without going overboard."
Vanessa Herron, Thousand Oaks, CA
"A doctor's visit in February 2014 was my wakeup call. I was 242 pounds, prediabetic, and my blood pressure was sky-high. I knew it was serious, and I had to focus on getting healthy. The problem: I'm a working mom of four kids ranging in age from 14 to 22, so I have limited time."
Weight Lost: 90 Pounds
My Weight-Loss Secret: "I realized my daughter's middle school was one mile away. So, I started walking her there instead of driving. At the beginning, I wasn't able to keep up. I'd wave Brenda on and go back home. Each day, I went a little farther and was eventually able to make the whole trip. After four months, I was down 40 pounds and could walk without huffing and puffing. Today, my health measures are in normal ranges and I've shaken the 'victim' mentality. In other words, I felt like life was running me instead of me running my life. I now believe that if I can work hard enough to change my health, then I can apply that discipline to other areas. It's been going well-I devote time each day to my novel and other writing aspirations!"
What else helped: "I read a book called The New Lean for Life, which taught me how to replace 'bad' carbs (like white rice) with 'good' ones (like quinoa)."
Tallena Johnson, Fremont, MA
"When I was really heavy, I felt like people were staring at me, so I didn't go into stores or restaurants by myself. I'd walk with my head down and avoid eye contact. My mom had a heart attack at age 41, when I was 19, and that was never far from my mind. On my 39th birthday in 2012, I hit 250 pounds and thought, I'm going to die if I don't do something. So I set a goal to get under 200 pounds by age 40."
Weight Lost: 113 Pounds
My Weight-Loss Secret: Add one minute a day to your walk
"I joined the Anytime Fitness gym near my house, but at first I could barely walk on the treadmill for 10 minutes. I didn't want to overdo it and get frustrated, so I decided to add just 1 minute of walking each day. After 20 days, I was up to 30 minutes of walking and the pounds were consistently coming off. If I couldn't make it to the gym, I'd stroll around town with my then-teenage daughters, Kayla and Kendra. Now, I feel like I am turning heads-in a good way. I hold my head up high with my shoulders back, I smile and make eye contact. I try to radiate positivity."
What else helped: "I ate six small meals a day and replaced soda with water."
Dina Skeels, Normandy Park, WA
"Facebook spurred my transformation four years ago. I was 240 pounds and saw a photo of myself at a friend's wedding. My arms looked enormous. I was so embarrassed that I untagged myself and set my mind to making changes."
Weight Lost: 90 Pounds
My Weight-Loss Secret: Grab a buddy and get outside
"I started scheduling walking dates with my girlfriends because I thought it'd be a great way to catch up and squeeze in a workout at the same time-and they would hold me accountable. We hiked at state and national parks near my home to take advantage of the beautiful scenery. My friends and I also started a group text to check in with one another
about once a week. I realized that the more I walked, the more I lost. (I also started doing Bikram yoga, which helped me improve my breathing and flexibility.) Before, I could
barely make it around the block. Now, I outpace people half my age-and rarely untag Facebook photos."
What else helped: "I signed up for Jenny Craig. The packaged meals helped me learn what a smart portion should look like."
Rebecca Johnson, Woodbridge, VA
"Six years ago, after visiting relatives in Utah, I looked at my mother in a family photo we'd taken. She was obese and in a wheelchair, and it hit me that I could be in that situation in 30 years. I decided that I needed to take control of my weight now, before it was too late."
Weight Lost: 138 Pounds
My Weight-Loss Secret: Celebrate Small Victories
"I was 251 pounds at the time, so walking laps around my neighborhood was all I could muster at first. I knew I had a lot to lose, but I was starting at square one. To stay motivated, I celebrated each 10-pound loss with a new clothing item. As I slimmed down, I noticed shopping was fun again. At one point, I tried on a pair of size 16 jeans and I wasn't sure if they would fit. (I started out a size 22.) When I was able to zip and button them, I stared at the mirror with my mouth open-I couldn't believe it! I was so excited that I ran out of
the dressing room and hugged my daughter. Today, I still power-walk for at least 30 minutes at a time, usually on a treadmill at home four to five times a week. When I think about what I've accomplished, I get emotional. I feel better than I ever did in my 20s."
What else helped: "I joined Weight Watchers. Following the program's points system helped me swap out processed foods for healthier options, like salads."
Martha Price, 52, Stoneham, MA
"I started working with a weight-loss coach at Healthy Fit for Women in Woburn, MA. The key was slowly making changes in the way I ate, which eventually led to permanent habits. I used to think I was eating 'healthy' foods, but my portions were way too large, not to mention packed with sugar. I started eating breakfast, then tried to eat five small meals a day, every three hours, instead of larger ones later in the day."
Weight Lost: 84 Pounds
I now pay more attention to food labels and allow myself the occasional indulgence to keep cravings at bay.
Top Tip: Create accountability for yourself-try keeping a journal to keep track of the food and calories you are eating each day.
Patti Murillo-Casa, 55, New York City
I tipped the scale as a 238-pound diabetic in 2009, thanks to bouts of emotional eating. My doctor warned me that if I didn't lose weight, I'd need to take insulin injections, so I joined a nearby gym. I dropped the first 30 pounds by walking on the treadmill, but when my weight started to plateau, I knew I needed to up the intensity. I signed up for Zumba, Spinning and weight-training group classes and was immediately hooked. The sessions felt more like a social get-together than exercise. Best of all, the added activity helped me reach my goal weight in 2012.
Weight Lost: 102 Pounds
Your Turn
Pick one or two days a week to exercise with friends for 30 minutes, and use these tips to ensure you stay committed.
MAKE A NO-SKIP RULE Put a policy in place to encourage people to show up, such as buying coffee for everyone if you back out of a workout session.
CREATE A COMMON GOAL such as making it to yoga class weekly or losing 5 pounds by Christmas. Use SkinnYo.com, which tracks your group's progress and keeps you motivated.
Avis Weiss, 35, Arlington, TX
After years of watching my weight yo-yo, I saw it climb to a high of 213 pounds and my self-esteem plummeted. Determined to shape up once and for all, I started doing strength-training routines from magazines. After a month, I already had more definition, so I invested in exercise DVDs like the P90X program, modifying some moves (such as doing fewer reps or using lighter weights) to make them easier. I love how strong I've become. While I'm still working toward my goal weight, my confidence is sky-high.
Weight Lost: 73 Pounds
Your Turn
Tone from head to toe with this quick routine. Once it feels easy, add 15 more seconds to each move.
MODIFIED PLANK
Start in push-up position on hands and toes, then lower knees and forearms to the floor and clasp hands. Keeping upper body in a straight line, hold position for 20 seconds.
BRIDGE
Lie on back with knees bent and feet flat on floor, close to your butt. Press heels down and lift hips off floor until there's a straight line from shoulders to knees. Squeeze butt and hold for 2 counts, then lower to start position. Repeat the move for 20 seconds.
WALKING PUSH-UP
Stand with feet hip-width, then bend over and reach toward floor. Walk hands out in front of you until you're in a push-up position. Hold for 2 counts without letting hips or belly sink, then walk hands back up to start position. Repeat the move for 20 seconds.
Rachel Lima, 39, Sacramento, CA
I gradually scaled down my portion sizes (to 1/3 of what I had been eating), and if I wanted ice cream, I went for a walk to get it!
Weight Lost: 85 Pounds
Top Tip: Hire a personal trainer-I started going to one at my gym, 24 Hour Fitness. Who better to invest in than yourself?
Michelle Fritts, 25, Rockville, MD
I wrote down everything I ate as well as the calories, and did a combination of cardio and weight-lifting at the gym almost daily. Sometimes, I'd just go for a walk or do toning exercises in my office during lunch to squeeze in whatever exercise I could!
Weight Lost: 89 pounds
Top Tip: Find support from a network of people who are also living a healthy life. I found mine in my boyfriend and coworkers, as they were either dieting right along with me, or at least working on living a healthier lifestyle.
LeAnne Richards, 48, Hesperia, CA
I joined Weight Watchers and promised myself I would attend all the meetings. I also diligently tracked everything I consumed and maintained a one-hour daily regimen of riding my bike or walking.
Weight Lost: 90 pounds
Top Tip: Find an exercise buddy-it not only keeps you motivated but also makes exercising more fun!
Maureen Albrecht, 56, Arcadia, CA
After years of trying but failing to lose weight with my busy schedule as a law enforcement officer, I tried the Lindora Lean for Life program-a medically based program that consists of three meals and three snacks per day and aims to permanently change eating habits.
Weight Lost: 111 pounds
Top Tip: Stop making excuses! In order to change your life, you have to change your habits, which means fully committing to a new healthy lifestyle.
Charlotte Siems, 49, Stillwater, OK
I started doing the T-Tapp Workout, a DVD series that combines strength and aerobic training. It requires no equipment and takes minimal time (some workouts are just 15 minutes). This helped reshape my body as I lost the weight. I also started to eat only when I was hungry and stop when I was full.
Weight Lost: 112 pounds
Top Tip: Take your own photos (front, side, back) monthly because sometimes you see progress in those pictures that you won't see on the scale or tape measure.
Laurel Fooks, 33, Springfield, OR
I got organized: meal planning, food tracking and enjoyable physical activity helped me drop pounds. I started with walking and pushing my baby in the stroller (if it was too cold out, I did Leslie Sansone's Walk Away the Pounds in my living room during naptime). From there, I built up to short jogs, and eventually started running. I also joined SparkPeople.com, which provided me with a supportive community and weight-loss network.
Weight Lost: 125 pounds
Top Tip: Focus on baby steps. If you try to make huge changes in multiple areas all at once, you'll burn out and feel defeated. I used to never eat breakfast, so I started eating just a piece of fruit when I woke up. Now, I crave a full, healthy breakfast each morning.
Mary Darcy, 41, Charlotte, NC
I signed up for the Nutrisystem program and, for the first time in my life, I was truly eating a well-balanced diet including fruits and veggies. Plus, I never once felt deprived.
Weight Lost: 152 pounds
Top Tip: Set small weight-loss goals for yourself-it makes the whole process much less overwhelming!
Terri Fisher, 40, Sioux Falls, SD
I lost my weight through the Weight Watchers At Work program, which was great because the meetings were conveniently held at my office. Once I was able to become more active, I started doing exercises like karate and kickboxing with a couple of my girlfriends, which kept me on track because it's so much fun!
Weight Lost: 201 pounds
Top Tip: Tell everyone you know that you are trying to lose weight and get healthy. This kept me accountable during the tough times.
Brenda Smith, 43, Lithia Springs, GA
I've always worked out, but it was my emotional connection with food that kept me from losing weight. With the help of my trainer at Gold's Gym and participation in a 12-step support group for food addiction, I finally took control of my body. I recognized that I ate through every emotion I was feeling, whether that was joy, sadness or stress. I learned that receiving support is crucial because you feel a lot of shame with addiction and you need to lean on others to help get you through the difficult times.
Weight Lost: 206 pounds
Top Tip: Think about how much weight loss will affect other areas of your life. I never realized how unhappy I really was until I lost weight and improved my health.
Lynn, 47, Pittsburgh, PA
At first, I lost all of my weight through Weight Watchers online (I never attended a meeting). Only after I lost 110 pounds did I start exercising by walking with a friend at our local track. We started with a mile, and every week added a quarter-mile. I eventually built up the strength to walk a 5K in 38 minutes.
Weight Lost: 168 pounds
Top Tip: Never, ever start "dieting" until you've done the inside work first. You've got to answer these questions first: Why do I want to lose weight? Is it out of self-loathing or self-love? If the answer is self-loathing, a diet won't work. If you don't love the "you" that's 200, 300 or 400 pounds, you can't take care of yourself the way you need and deserve to as you're losing weight. Learning to love yourself-or at least care enough to work toward loving yourself-is key to successful weight loss.
Lori, 42, Fort Edward, NY
Basically it came down to calorie counting. Since I had so much weight to lose, I actually worked my way through a few different programs like Nutrisystem. During that time, I picked out the things that I liked in each program and figured out how to make it work for me. It took me four years to lose 100 pounds, but I also knew that the changes I was making were changes that I could keep going with and love. I eat a diet that consists of whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats-with the occasional cupcake in there!
Weight Lost: 105 pounds
Top Tip: Speak kindly to yourself. Expecting perfection is setting yourself up for failure. When you allow yourself to be imperfect and not beat yourself up, you will find it easier to make the right choices.
Margo Porras, 41, San Diego
I had been overweight since childhood, but when I hit 210 pounds at age 26, I just had to start exercising. Believing I needed to go all out to lose, I tried running as well as trendy classes like CrossFit and boot camp, but became discouraged when I couldn't keep up. During one class, the instructor kept modifying the moves for me, thinking I was pregnant! I was embarrassed and realized I needed an activity I could stick to, so I started walking more. I began by parking farther away from stores and taking the stairs. Then I took my distances up a notch by walking instead of driving to errands within two miles of my home. As the pounds fell off, I sped up my strolls. Now, I walk at a brisk pace, logging 12,000 steps (or six miles) a day. Not only do I look better, but I also have more energy than ever before.
Weight Lost: 73 Pounds
Turn a leisurely jaunt into a heart-pumping workout with these three tips.
BEND YOUR ARMS at the elbow as you would when running, pulling them back with force.
SHORTEN YOUR STRIDE LENGTH and take faster steps to reduce impact while increasing speed.
TIGHTEN YOUR BUTT as your front foot hits the pavement to help propel your body forward faster.
Sometimes the hardest part of making a big change is getting motivated. Which is why we've found some seriously inspiring women who have lost between 84 and 206 pounds each. Plus, get more of our best weight loss and diet tips.