Losing a significant amount of weight, such as 120 pounds, is a remarkable achievement that requires dedication, perseverance, and a comprehensive approach to health and wellness. Many individuals have successfully transformed their lives by shedding those extra pounds and embracing a healthier lifestyle. This article explores inspiring stories of people who have achieved this milestone, highlighting their unique journeys, strategies, and the profound impact it has had on their lives.
Jelly Roll's Inspiring Journey
Jelly Roll, the singer, has been open about his weight struggles, which peaked at over 500 pounds in 2015. Despite his size, he never let it hinder his career or dating life. However, he admitted to feeling insecure about his body. In an October episode of the "On Purpose With Jay Shetty" podcast, he confessed, "I was so insecure in my body for so many years that I found validation through women." Living what he described as "double, triple, quadruple lives," Jelly Roll decided to make a change.
"I've been obese since I was a small child," he wrote, expressing his desire to live a normal life and have a healthy relationship with food. In late 2016, he began his weight loss journey, eventually losing 200 pounds. He shared his progress on X in February 2023, stating, "I’m working out daily… praying and meditating …. Eating better - losing weight." By April 2024, he was running "two to three miles a day," four to six days a week, and incorporating 20 to 30 minutes in the sauna and six minutes in a cold plunge daily.
Jelly Roll revealed on The Pat McAfee Show in November that he had lost a significant amount of weight. “I started at 540 pounds and I was 357 pounds this morning,” he said. His goal is to lose another 100 pounds and go skydiving with his wife in Sweden. He acknowledged that his relationship with food has been a lifelong battle and that he has had to adjust his life to the realities of being on the road. "I've always said that I believe obesity is directly connected to mental health," Jelly Roll noted. He emphasized the importance of a support system, stating, "I've got a good support system around me and I will say that all that cliché stuff is real. When they're like, 'Go walk out in the sun and drink water,' you hear it and [it's like], 'It's not that easy, it's hard!' Then I started walking around in the sun and drinking water."
In September 2025, he disclosed that he had used a GLP-1 to aid in his weight loss, explaining that his doctor had recommended it to address his weight, plaque in his arteries, and high blood pressure. Jelly Roll publicly shared his journey to show that he "didn't become successful because of my weight, I became successful in spite of it."
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Kelly Clarkson's Health-Driven Transformation
Kelly Clarkson's weight loss journey was prompted by a pre-diabetic diagnosis from her doctor. She explained to People that she lost weight by listening to her doctor, something she hadn't done in previous years. Clarkson also enjoys walking in New York City and using infrared saunas. She clarified that her weight loss was not due to Ozempic but rather another medicine that helps break down sugar, as her body doesn't do it correctly.
Oprah Winfrey's Perspective on Weight Management
Oprah Winfrey has also been open about her weight loss journey, sharing her best tips and insights. While she hasn't revealed the specific weight loss medication she uses, she told People in December, "The fact that there's a medically approved prescription for managing weight and staying healthier, in my lifetime, feels like relief, like redemption, like a gift, and not something to hide behind and once again be ridiculed for." Winfrey's approach highlights the importance of utilizing available tools and resources for managing weight and overall health.
Tyson Beckford's Holistic Approach
Model Tyson Beckford emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to health. After realizing he needed "redirection in order to see growth," he enlisted the help of nutritionist Sean Torbati. Beckford incorporated proper nutrition and hot yoga into his routine, which he found beneficial for both his mental and physical well-being.
Amber Riley's Post-Steroid Weight Loss
Actress Amber Riley shared her experience of losing weight after taking steroids. She revealed that she weighed almost 300 pounds when she made "Till." Riley credited Mounjaro, along with a dietician, lifestyle changes, and exercise with a trainer, for helping her lose weight after her second pregnancy.
Whitney Way Thore's Body Positivity
Whitney Way Thore, the reality star, embraces her body at any size. While she appreciates compliments, she prefers not to obsess over her body or have others do so. Thore's message promotes self-acceptance and body positivity.
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Valerie Bertinelli's Self-Acceptance Journey
Valerie Bertinelli shared a 2014 bikini photo, stating that she weighs 150 pounds on a 5'4" frame, which is considered overweight by some standards. She no longer weighs herself and focuses on her character rather than her size. Bertinelli emphasizes that "who you are and what your character is, should never be overshadowed by what size you are or how much you weigh."
Post Malone's Healthy Lifestyle Change
Post Malone attributed his 55-pound weight loss to becoming a father. He decided to cut out soda and start eating better to be around for his daughter for a long time. His next goal is to quit smoking and reduce his alcohol consumption.
Kelly Osbourne's Postpartum Transformation
Kelly Osbourne felt the pressure to lose weight after giving birth to her son Sidney. She lost 85 pounds in the initial postpartum period through a strict approach that she admits was miserable. Osbourne's experience highlights the pressure some women feel to quickly lose weight after pregnancy.
John Goodman's Sustainable Weight Loss
John Goodman has experienced numerous highs and lows in his health journey. He adopted a slow and steady approach, incorporating exercise and a Mediterranean diet rich in fish, vegetables, and nuts. This approach has helped him maintain a 200-pound weight loss.
Tammy Slaton's Life-Changing Loss
Tammy Slaton, from "1000-lb Sisters," has experienced significant gains in her life due to her weight loss. She can now buckle a seatbelt without an extender and is proud of her achievement. Slaton emphasizes that she is finally living life to the fullest.
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Brittany Cartwright's Focus on Health and Fitness
Brittany Cartwright, from "Vanderpump Rules," is focused on maintaining a healthy lifestyle for herself and her son. She is working with Jenny Craig and prioritizes working out for her mental health. Cartwright is proud of her fitness journey.
Shay Mitchell's Postpartum Fitness Journey
Shay Mitchell, after giving birth to her first daughter, found herself unmotivated during the pandemic. She eventually recommitted to a healthy lifestyle, incorporating lemon-infused warm water, 30-minute sweat sessions, and healthy meal choices.
Lexi Reed's Realistic Approach to Progress
Lexi Reed, a fitness influencer, emphasizes that progress is progress, no matter how small. She acknowledges that weight loss takes time and consistency. Reed's message is about setting realistic goals and celebrating every achievement.
Jacob Batalon's Transformation
Actor Jacob Batalon worked with a nutritionist and incorporated weightlifting and kettlebells into his routine. He described it as "a long slog" but is proud of his progress.
Rebel Wilson's Honest Reflection
Rebel Wilson has been open about the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, admitting that extra stress can lead to extra pounds. She acknowledges that it makes her feel bad about herself but is working on self-acceptance.
Chris Pratt's Intense Training
Chris Pratt committed to intense training, including P90X, kickboxing, and running, to prepare for his role as a superhero. He eliminated anything fun for a year to achieve his fitness goals.
Jessie James Decker's Postpartum Self-Care
Jessie James Decker prioritizes self-care and postpartum recovery after giving birth. She advises mothers to focus on feeding and loving their babies before worrying about weight loss.
Paul Rudd's Heroic Transformation
Paul Rudd "took the Chris Pratt approach to training for an action movie," eliminating anything fun for a year to play a hero.
Scott Sampson's Journey to Becoming Superhuman
Scott Sampson, the YouTuber behind Becoming Superhuman, lost 120 pounds in 12 months, going from 307 to 187 pounds. He struggled with his weight for most of his life, experiencing a cycle of losing and regaining pounds. A pivotal moment came when his father passed away from a heart attack, which motivated him to focus on becoming healthy rather than just losing weight.
Sampson dove into YouTube content about metabolic health, learning about insulin resistance and the harmful effects of ultra-processed foods. He committed to a whole-food, low-carb lifestyle, creating a "do not eat" list to stick with his new eating habits. He ate primarily cruciferous vegetables, berries, cheese, and proteins, combining this diet with Intermittent Fasting. He started with two meals a day with no snacks and later transitioned to one meal a day (OMAD). Additionally, he did a 3-5 day water fast about once a month for its health benefits, such as recycling damaged cells and producing additional growth hormones.
He introduced exercise into his routine, primarily walking, which he found sustainable and beneficial for energy and mental clarity. Even a year after losing 120 pounds, he continues to eat a whole food, low carb diet and consume YouTube content on health and wellness. His diet now resembles a "carnivore adjacent" approach, typically consuming eggs, protein, an avocado, and a handful of strawberries. He also prioritizes hydration and aims for 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep.
Sampson's message is that mindset is everything. He emphasizes the importance of the desire to change and the determination to learn what it takes. He believes processed foods are detrimental to health and that eliminating them is crucial. He started his YouTube channel to share his experiences and help others regain control of their health.
Roller Derby Saved Her Life
One woman's weight had been an issue her entire life, but she really started to put on pounds when she began college. In high school, she’d always felt unnoticed because of her weight and her shy personality, but she preferred that to being bullied. But when she got to college, she felt completely alone and wasn’t sure how to make friends or reach out to people. Even sitting on a bus, people wouldn't sit next to her or look me in the eye. It was heartbreaking. She got used to being invisible and started believing that she just shouldn't exist. She continued to put on more and more weight until her senior year when she hit 300 pounds. Since she was living on campus and struggling for money, she ate in the dining halls, which meant she was eating at a buffet every night. She had no self-control and was an emotional binge eater with an addiction to sugar. When she wasn't getting invited to parties anymore, she would just stay home and eat Oreos. She hated what she had become, but she had no tools or motivation to change it. She tried to get involved in fat acceptance and body positivity groups-but she couldn't accept the same love that she was able to give to others. She swear it was fate. She went home, Googled it, watched the movie Whip It, and was hooked. She went to see the next game in Springfield and there were women of all shapes and sizes being idolized by a crowd of people. Each body type was appreciated and was doing something totally badass. It was like this crack in the universe she had no idea existed. After a couple of months of reigning in her anxiety and finding specialized pads that fit her body correctly, she went to her first practice. She'd never roller-skated before, but she'd found something that she knew she could be proud of for once.
THE WORKOUTS
She was terrible at derby when she first started. But every time it knocked her down (literally and figuratively), it inspired her to get back up and rebuild herself. She wanted to lose weight, but her main priority was to become a better athlete-so that meant going to the gym. She would entice herself by saying she could only watch her TV show if she was watching it at the gym on the elliptical. Free weights and weight lifting were very intimidating at first, so she started by using the cardio machines. Over the years, she's gotten more confident and curious. She has fitness ADD. She like to do strange and fun things to keep from getting bored. She actually created her own fitness mantra: “Have fun to keep yourself motivated. Motivate others to make friends. Over the years, she's discovered a love for weight lifting. She can’t afford CrossFit, so she make it work at her local YMCA by using their strength-training equipment. She also love taking intense cycling classes and practicing yoga, specifically inversions and doing anything challenging. During the heat of her roller derby season, she skate at practice four to five times a week for two hours at a time and go to the gym or a class almost every day.
THE FOOD
When she started working out, she also began tracking all the food she ate using MyFitnessPal to see how much she was actually taking in. She was astounded by all the calories hiding in things like ranch dressing and peanut butter! She quickly cut out soda and white bread products. Eventually, she started worrying too much about numbers and began undereating. She was plateauing more often and still didn’t feel great. Finally, in 2014, a year after setting out on this journey, she did an elimination diet and found that she was sensitive to gluten. On a typical day, she'll eat about 1,670 calories, one gallon of water, and probably coffee (She can’t quit this addiction). Her favorite breakfast meal is a fuji apple, one banana, organic cinnamon with a dollop of organic almond butter, sliced finely and put in the microwave for three minutes. Her husband is an amazing cook, so they like to mix it up at dinnertime. They’ll try a sweet potato, chicken, ground turkey, or chorizo, a veggie like Brussels sprouts, green beans, or carrots, and top it with an egg, and fajita veggies.
STICKING WITH IT
She just try to be real with herself. It's okay to loosen the reigns and fall off the wagon. Success is not linear. If she start to feel down on herself, that's when she turn to her friends and focus on their successes. She get a lot of motivation from seeing people prosper and succeed. Then, she share her story and struggle with her online friends.
THE REWARD
Losing 120 pounds and getting in shape has given her the ability to try new things, be visible, and conquer her goals. Before, she didn’t have confidence in any aspect of her life. Now, she know she is worthy.
MY NUMBER-ONE TIP
One thing that people don’t tell you about weight loss is that this journey is not just about the pounds. It is about the internal you. She didn’t deal with her demons at first, which led to her becoming super focused on the superficial parts of weight loss. This turned into scale addiction, becoming afraid of food, and undereating.