Weight loss journeys are often deeply personal and transformative experiences. "Good Morning America" has highlighted several inspiring stories of individuals who have successfully embarked on these journeys, regaining their health and quality of life. These stories offer a glimpse into the diverse approaches and motivations behind achieving significant weight loss.
Breaking the Cycle: Victoria Brady's Journey
For Victoria Brady, a mother of two, the turning point came when a pediatrician expressed concern about her 1-year-old son’s weight. This prompted her to reflect on her own health and lifestyle. “I decided I was tired of failing, and it was time to break the cycle of obesity in my family,” said Brady. Her motivation was to ensure her sons would lead healthier lives than she did, free from the struggles of growing up overweight.
Since June 2017, Brady, 31, has lost 125 pounds, going from a size 22 to a size 6. She emphasized the importance of perseverance, advising, "Definitely do not give up on yourself. Don’t look at what someone else is doing."
A Milestone Birthday: Laura Rosenthal's Transformation
Laura Rosenthal, a mother from Hendersonville, Tennessee, found her motivation in her 40th birthday. "I turned 40 and was very unhappy with my life," she recalled. "I decided to get healthy so that I did not waste the next 40 years of my life feeling miserable."
Rosenthal joined Weight Watchers in December 2017 and has since lost nearly 120 pounds. Now 41, she grew up on a "meat and potatoes diet" and has learned to create healthier versions of her favorite comfort foods. Instead of relying on restrictive diets, Rosenthal focuses on balance and moderation.
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Strategies for Success: Brady and Rosenthal's Tips
Both Victoria Brady and Laura Rosenthal shared key strategies that contributed to their weight loss success:
- Creating Healthier Versions of Comfort Food: Rosenthal replaced beef with chicken in tacos and used salsa instead of sour cream. She opts for fat-free cheese and dips tortilla chips in black beans instead of cheese sauce. Brady uses low-carb tortillas for pizza and makes banana protein pancakes.
- Having a Cheat Meal, Not a Cheat Day: Rosenthal enjoys a "cheat meal" every Tuesday night, avoiding an entire day of unrestricted eating. She incorporates all food groups into her diet to prevent cravings, believing in balance rather than deprivation.
- Fitting in Exercise After Diet: Both women prioritized diet before incorporating exercise. Rosenthal started with 30-minute daily walks on a treadmill, while Brady participated in group fitness sessions and walked regularly. As they lost weight, they explored more intense workouts like HIIT and weight lifting.
- Staying Committed: Brady acknowledged days of discouragement but remained steadfast in her commitment.
Ricki Lake's Empowering Journey
Media mogul Ricki Lake recently shared her weight loss journey, revealing that she shed 35 pounds without medication. Lake decided to "take a bet on herself" and discovered newfound happiness. "I feel the best I can remember feeling in my life," Lake told ABC News' Kayna Whitworth. "I have this new marriage, and I'm so blissfully happy with this amazing man, my perfect man. And if I pinpoint one thing that was not working in our lives, is that we were carrying this extra weight."
Lake and her husband, Ross Burningham, embarked on this journey together, sharing their progress on Instagram. At 55, Lake, who is in perimenopause, was advised by a doctor to use medication for weight loss, but she chose a different path.
Lake and Burningham adopted intermittent fasting, followed the keto diet, and incorporated exercise, including Pilates and sleep tracking. Lake emphasized that it's a "lifestyle change" that has become her "joy."
Burningham praised Lake's "dedication," describing her as "tenacious" and "all in" when she commits to something. Lake advises others to start with positivity and gratitude and then work hard to achieve their goals.
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Emily Simpson's Experience and the Stigma of Weight Loss Drugs
Emily Simpson, from "Real Housewives of Orange County," openly discussed her weight loss journey, which included using Ozempic for a brief period. She expressed surprise at the shaming she received for using the medication, especially compared to the acceptance of liposuction.
Simpson clarified that she used Ozempic by prescription for about six weeks, losing between five and 10 pounds. She also underwent liposuction on her arms and a breast lift and reduction. Since then, she has focused on diet and exercise to lose over 30 pounds.
Simpson highlighted the societal pressure and judgment surrounding women's bodies, regardless of their choices. She felt "forced" to discuss her weight loss publicly after a photo sparked speculation about Ozempic use.
The Broader Issue: Weight Loss Drugs and Societal Stigma
The use of weight loss drugs like Ozempic has sparked considerable debate and controversy. While these medications can be effective, they are often met with skepticism and judgment. Some argue that using drugs for weight loss is "the easy way out," while others highlight the medical complexities of obesity and the hormonal factors that can make weight loss challenging.
Dr. Caroline Apovian, an endocrinologist, emphasizes that weight is not simply a matter of willpower or calories. Ozempic and similar drugs mimic the effects of GLP-1, a hormone that impacts various bodily functions. Without medical intervention, some individuals may find it nearly impossible to lose weight and keep it off due to hormonal imbalances.
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Dr. Terry Dubrow, a plastic surgeon, warns that shaming people for using prescribed weight loss medication can have dangerous medical consequences, such as patients not disclosing their medication use before surgery.
Leah Hope: Gaining Life, Not Just Losing Weight
Leah Hope shared her story of losing over 200 pounds by focusing on "gaining life" rather than just losing weight. She hit a "rock bottom" moment during a visit to Disneyland, which motivated her to make a change.
Hope started with small, gradual changes, such as adding one nutritious food to her diet each day. She then layered on more changes, including nutritious meals, walking, and food journaling. Her approach was centered on holistic health, both internally and emotionally.
Hope emphasized that while a natural approach worked for her, everyone should consult with their healthcare provider to determine the best route for them.
Earlier Success Stories on "Good Morning America"
"Good Morning America" has also featured other remarkable weight loss stories. In 2010, Kim Eidson, Eric Freemyer, Wendi Tillem, Marty Moorehead, and Ken Schooltz shared their journeys, having lost a combined total of 696 pounds.
- Eric Freemyer: A Dallas attorney who lost 130 pounds on the Medifast diet.
- Wendi Tillem: Lost 124 pounds in 18 months on the Younger (Thinner) You Diet after her father's health complications motivated her to change.
- Kim Eidson: A nurse who lost 159 pounds in about 18 months on the Atkins Diet.
- Marty Moorehead: A cabinet salesman who lost 163 pounds on Dr. Siegal's Cookie Diet.
- Ken Schooltz: Lost 120 pounds on Nutrisystem, improving his blood sugar and cholesterol levels.