If you’re like any of the women in these incredible weight-loss transformation stories, you’ve struggled with hitting walls while trying to drop pounds and, at least once or twice, felt the temptation to throw in the towel on the whole d*mn thing. That just means you’re human.
It also means that you might benefit from a serious dose of inspo from ladies who have stuck out their journey long enough to see real success. Because let’s face it: Losing weight is hard, and it’s even harder for women than men, thanks to metabolic and hormonal differences, research shows.
Most of the weight-loss warriors here tried multiple avenues, from going vegan to intermittent fasting to at-home Pilates workouts, before finding the methods and eating regimes that worked with their lifestyles. And part of their success was being realistic about what was achievable in the long run. Take it from one wise woman: “I promised in the beginning that I wouldn’t want to eat or do anything while losing weight that I wouldn’t want to eat or do once I hit [my] goal, even if that meant it took a little bit longer,” says @ashleys_officially_lost_it.
Finding a workout routine you love can also help keep you on track throughout the ups and downs. As one woman, @kaitlynesse, says, “Truly all of my weight loss came from working out to feel better and not to look a certain way. I just found this passion for it weightlifting I never had before,” she says, noting that lifting helped her fight through a bout of depression after a breakup.
Together, these powerful women lost more than 4,000 pounds—and gained so much strength along the way—which you’ll see in these dramatic before-and-afters. Take them in as needed to stay focused, inspired, and invested in your journey toward achieving your own health goals. They did it—and so can you.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5thwaHnkhZ/
A post shared by Kelly Cantrell (@kellykcantrell)
@kcantrell has lost 111 pounds since she started her journey in January 2019, and she credits Beachbody and 2B Mindset nutrition for her weight loss.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4gCcC8AnBv/
A post shared by Jess [-130 Lbs] (@jessmeetsthegym)
@jessmeetsthegym has lost over 130 pounds since July 2018 with consistent gym workouts and a new-found love for running.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5vgfYugAUT/
A post shared by Rayy Syymone (@iamrayysyymone)
By following a vegan diet and HIIT/circuit training, @iamrayysyymone has lost 100 pounds.
https://www.instagram.com/p/COOInPeAiGw/
A post shared by Rayy Syymone (@iamrayysyymone)
@jocelynthrivingfit has lost 166 pounds naturally following a “calories in, calories out” style of dieting and regular exercise.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6PPaBeJyyk/
A post shared by Laurie Gaal (@laurieforpresident)
@laurieforpresident is down more than 170 pounds after weight loss surgery in 2018. She keeps a food diary and tracks her macros.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6OKTQ9APjP/
A post shared by Jessica | Personal Trainer 🇨🇦 (@jessmakesgains)
Now a personal trainer, @jessmakesgains has lost over 150 pounds naturally by doing carb cycling and strength workouts.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6d1ljUg4p6/
A post shared by Shannon Little Johnson (@a.little.less.shannon)
@a.little.less.shannon is down 107 pounds naturally by following a “lazy” keto diet.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6E27ZljtaM/
A post shared by Taylor Prince (@tay_getting_fit)
@tay_getting_fit has lost 114 pounds naturally thanks to running and using the fitness app Shreddy. She also cut out red meat.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6LXPfTJGlQ/
A post shared by Nay Nay (@familytofunsize)
@familytofunsize has lost an *incredible* 233 pounds after gastric bypass surgery in 2017 that kickstarted her transition to a low-carb, low-sugar diet.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6MOk5vJQYg/
A post shared by Peggy (@watchpeggyloseit)
@watchpeggyloseit has lost more than 150 pounds naturally in 13 months by getting in 5 a.m. HIIT classes at the gym and tracking her calories in the MyFitnessPal app.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B58Ih5YgnT9/
A post shared by Keto Allie (@keto_allie)
@keto_allie has lost more than 100 pounds since 2017 after starting the keto diet and incorporating running into her fitness regime. She ran her first 10k in September 2019.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5mu2ovBoIR/
A post shared by Debiluv4health (@debiluv4health)
After reaching a place of recovery for binge eating disorder, @debiluv4health has lost over 80 pounds since she started WW (formerly Weight Watchers) and regular gym workouts.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B01OsFeFlr4/
A post shared by ALI BRUCH | HAIR ARTIST (@alicutsmyhair)
@alicutsmyhair has lost over 105 pounds by combining intermittent fasting and keto.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6K6QTAgGfG/
A post shared by Danni⭐️ (@dannidoesww)
After years of yo-yo dieting, @ketowithdanni weighed in at over 400 pounds. She learned how to count her macros after finding the keto diet and has lost 102 pounds in the process.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4NpvN_BwTr/
A post shared by Taylor Register ♡ (@chip0ltay)
@chip0ltay described herself as a closet eater before joining WW (formerly Weight Watchers). Now, she’s lost 109 pounds.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4yMBszAqeG/
A post shared by Jasmine Parent • CPT, PN1, BCS (@jasminelosingit)
@jasminelosingit lost over 120 pounds after doing Jillian Michaels workouts and starting the 21-Day Meal Plan.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2Pf3DggkwN/
A post shared by The PALEO Pharmacist (@thepaleopharmacist)
@thepaleopharmacist transformed her body after going on the paleo diet and eventually the carnivore diet. She’s lost over 90 pounds.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B1r3F1UgZf5/
A post shared by Allie B. (@alliedoesliving)
After struggling with emotional eating for years, @alliedoesketo discovered the keto diet and added in 16:8 intermittent fasting. She’s lost over 80 pounds.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4xGAf0gYw7/
A post shared by Charity Sands (@just_you_weight)
@just_you_weight lost 106 pounds in just over a year naturally by using MyFitnessPal to 50 percent fruits and veggies, 25 percent protein, and 25 percent whole grains.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B55NG2CBfOB/
A post shared by Lauren ☾ (@kickinitwithlauren)
@kickinitwithlauren lost almost half of her body weight (a total of 120 pounds) in about two years with the help of a vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) surgery and a love of lifting weights.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5DJPw8Bw8X/
A post shared by Mari WW Lifetime Member 🔑 (@cake_2_5k)
@cake_2_5k used WW (formerly known as Weight Watchers) to help her lose 90 pounds after struggling with postpartum depression after she went through a devastating miscarriage.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6Dv5jqgkY4/
A post shared by Regan Patterson (@regan_patterson)
@regan_patterson lost 80 pounds by starting to count her macros and calories and getting back into strength training. Her fave workout now? Weight lifting.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bvy_e3TgCUA/
A post shared by Keesh Nicole (@keeshnicoletv)
@keeshnicoletv lost 94 pounds after she started meal prepping and doing light workouts, which turned into a serious passion for running.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5DQB3hAxS4/
A post shared by Stella (@stellaisstriving)
@stellaisstriving lost 243 pounds—more than 42 percent of her starting body weight—by overhauling her eating habits with the keto diet and focusing on fat loss (not just losing pounds).
https://www.instagram.com/p/B0XNkQugysd/
A post shared by Jen ⬇️100 lbs naturally (@_jens_journey_)
@_jens_journey_ started out doing keto but didn’t feel that it worked for her, so she stuck with intermittent fasting, a sugar-free diet, and keeping her carbs down. She dropped more than 100 pounds—then gained back about 15 of those pounds to feel her healthiest, she previously told Women’s Health.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B19vfcOAS5k/
A post shared by Erica Leigh (@sweet_pea_leigh)
It was WW that got @sweet_pea_leigh to a place of kicking her food addiction, which had been causing her to keep gaining weight as well as numerous body aches and pains. She’slost over 150 pounds.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkTjeUlHwZM/
A post shared by The Liz Rock Project (@lizzy_rockz)
The Couch to 5K app was hugely transformative for @lizzy_rockz—soon after hopping on the app, she started triathlon training and subsequently ran four marathons. Meal prepping with lots of protein and few carbs was huge for her, too, in her journey to lose about 150 pounds.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B24l9qdgvxE/
A post shared by Rachel Sharp (@rachellsharp93)
@rachellsharp93 went down a little more than 100 pounds, starting with her own version of alternate-day fasting, consuming small amounts of food in between days, and then segueing into another type of intermittent fasting.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwnOsIjgrsA/
A post shared by Stacy Blair (@losing_for_health)
Down about 220 pounds, @losing_for_health started out doing keto, then continued to count her macros with a free online calculator.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BzLvbvkgrvH/
A post shared by Kathleen Golding (@kathleeng1112)
Originally through gastric bypass surgery, @kathleeng1112 shed 179 pounds, but she kept it up by eating tons of protein and few carbs. She stays active with Pilates, yoga, and at-home workouts.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Ky5Fzgct_/
A post shared by Gessica Parisi-Rodriguez (@gessisfitnessjourney)
@gessisfitnessjourney hit her goal of losing 124 pounds first by trying going vegan, then vegetarian, and low-carb, but she ultimately succeeded by tracking everything—calories, steps—on her Fitbit.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B37tkNwFty0/
A post shared by Elizabeth Influencer+Creator (@gritandgrace__)
It was a combination of keto and intermittent fasting that helped @gritandgrace__ lose more than 50 pounds and her status as prediabetic. Once she cut out sugar, her PCOS symptoms were more manageable, too.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CH_X8ItJ0hL/
A post shared by Hannah Day (@hannah_day28)
@hannah_day28’s big turnaround came from BeachBody toning workouts. She also began practicing clean eating and portion control. She still eats buffalo chicken, but in a zucchini boat rather than fried.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CMQc0cKB-J6/
A post shared by Cambria Harris✨ (@cam_bree_uhhh)
She started out with VSG surgery, but @cam_bree_uhhh kept off 148 pounds by eating a vegan diet. She now belongs to two different gyms to stick with her love of weight lifting and doing circuits.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BulrF6NA5SU/
A post shared by Health & Fitness Enthusiast (@carlywontquit)
@carlywontquit lost 108 pounds with a strict policy of no added sugar, even in her coffee. She’s also a cardio fanatic and can’t get enough of Zumba or Total Body Pump.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bf825XsFICl/
A post shared by Meghan (@_iwokeupinbeastmode)
Realizing the power of a nutritious home-cooked meal turned @_iwokeupinbeastmode;s nutrition around, helping her to lose a total of 130 pounds. She started out tracking every macro, but after hitting her goal, she stopped counting calories and focused on just eating clean instead.
https://www.instagram.com/p/ByThgtEpX5r/
A post shared by Lauren Losing (@laurenlosing)
@laurenlosing did VSG surgery in 2013 as a tool to change her lifestyle. She kept going with eating a high-protein diet, counting macros, and weight lifting.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5EzM-3lrBs/
A post shared by Kaitlyn Raquel (@kaitlynesse)
A new-found love of lifting heavy was a major transforming factor for @kaitlynesse. She lost 80 pounds in about a year, focusing on squats and deadlifts, which she says made her feel strong and powerful. She also put on about 10 pounds of solid muscle in the process.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3FIXBvAeLw/
A post shared by Elena (@thestairlady)
Keto and kickboxing were the power duo for @thestairlady.She went down 100 pounds in a year without giving up her favorite food, pizza.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CObo9vqBdkC/
A post shared by @tash2pointo
@tashpointo’s weight-loss journey started with VSG surgery. She continued to drop 150 pounds through the keto diet, and then a general low-carb eating plan. She alsosupplemented with a hot-yoga routine to help with her anxiety and started running and amping up her core workouts, too.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BxvJzNllzF4/
A post shared by Monique Collier (@get_moefit)
Struggling with symptoms of both PCOS and IBS, @get_moefitfirst cut carbs and started going beast mode in the gym, and then worked with a nutritionist to do an elimination diet. She cut out some cruciferous veggies that bothered her, as well as beef and pork (but kept other types of lean meat) to reduce GI issues and lose 80 pounds.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B1HCWhggeO8/
A post shared by 𝐆𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐖𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐬⇣𝟏𝟐𝟎 𝐥𝐛𝐬 (@gi_sciortino)
Starting with gastric-sleeve surgery, @gi_sciortino shed 120 pounds and kept it off with intense strength-training and HIIT workouts.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5FpHoPhgCc/
A post shared by Weightloss Blog 70lb down 👊🏾 (@hayleysweightlossjourneyx)
Counting calories with the My Fitness Pal app was a factor for @hayleysweightlossjourneyx to lose 70 pounds. “It was the simple science of tracking calories in vs. out, mixed with self-discipline and self belief,” she says.
https://www.instagram.com/p/COegs9Ahzn_/
A post shared by Desiree Alexis-Kae Mize (@wokeuplikedez)
@wokeuplikedez dropped 150 pounds after having gastric-bypass surgery, and then continued the momentum with a high-protein diet. She kept consuming fewer calories and working out more consistently than she had in the past, too. And she’s currently prepping for her second body building show.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3t–2BhhzN/
A post shared by Ashley (@ashleys_officially_lost_it)
In the beginning, @ashleys_officially_lost_it tried losing weight simply by counting calories, but she needed more accountability and support, she says. She jumped on the WW (formerly Weight Watchers) bandwagon and later became an ambassador in the midst of her 120-pound weight loss, which she’s maintained for almost two years. Her transformation was mostly accomplished via healthier food swaps—she loves to make cleaner versions of favorite fast-food dishes, like a chipotle chicken avocado sandwich from Panera.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3pYtN5jP7p/
A post shared by Kathleen Howard, PT (@beast_girl_22)
Down 80 pounds from clean eating and at-home workouts, @beast_girl_22 toned up using BeachBody Body Beast. She also made a major change in her eating routine: switching from eating three healthy meals a day to eating smaller healthy meals every two to three hours, with lots of water.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CNpqjflHlAQ/
A post shared by Melissa Gardner (@getfitwithmeliss)
After dealing with postpartum anxiety, @getfitwithmeliss discovered Andy Frisella’s 75 Hard mental toughness program and lost 20 pounds. In total, with the help of calorie counting, she lost 64 pounds.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CNtgu8IFJ8i/
A post shared by W H I T N E YY .B U R K (@thisiswhitneyburk)
@thisiswhitneyburk struggled with my weight my whole life until she started following a pescatarian diet and doing Beachbody workout programs and lost 66 pounds.
https://www.instagram.com/p/COcwlajgYR3/
A post shared by Nicki (@rose_vibez19)
@rose_vibes19followed the keto diet and cut out sugar and alcohol for weight loss and lost over 60 pounds.
https://www.instagram.com/p/COL_R1nFLn4/
A post shared by Rose ⬇️ 𝟔𝟎𝐥𝐛𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐨 (@shrinkingbyfaith)
@shrinkingbyfaith committed to eating a plant-based keto diet and got into Peloton and Rebounder workouts to lose 60 pounds.
https://www.instagram.com/p/COSozdpgxDs/
A post shared by Shianne Smith (@shiannesmithfit)
@shiannesmithfit used Beachbody workouts and the portion control-focused eating plan and calorie counting to undo pregnancy weight gain and lost 100 pounds.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CGlSm-hFo9G/
A post shared by 🌟Nisha Washington (@nishafitness_)
After struggling with her weight my entire life, @nishafitness learned how to make my favorite meals using healthier ingredients and started doing HIIT cardio and strength training and lost 103pounds.
https://www.instagram.com/p/COeXV62pz02/
A post shared by PAIGE ⬇️ 110 lbs Weightloss (@justdreampaige)
@justdreampaige struggled with her weight for her whole life until she cut out junk food, starting following a Mediterranean diet, and began running and doing Zumba workouts and lost 105 pounds.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CLNKQXADz6i/
A post shared by Hannah Curlee Young (@bl11hannah)
After a back injury, @bl11hannah gained weight rapidly. She went on The Biggest Loser and started eating a low-carb, low-sugar PCOS diet and walking for weight loss, as well as incorporated strength training and HIIT, to reach a healthy weight.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CMLVkdAgMD8/
A post shared by Denise-Marie 🦋 (@dmarie_rochelle)
@dmarie_rochelle practiced portion control and did low-impact cardio, like walking and hiking, for weight loss after her C-section and lost 72 pounds.
https://www.instagram.com/p/COYMf8_hVc9/
A post shared by megan ✌🏼 (@megans.mission)
@megans.mission tried Weight Watchers, followed by intuitive eating, and Orangetheory Fitness workouts to lose 100 pounds and keep it off.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CNsNSQDl_RO/
A post shared by beginwithBri (@beginwithbri)
@beginwithbri tried intermittent fasting and YouTube Workouts and lost 120 pounds during the pandemic.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CKhRduAAUCP/
A post shared by Kaila Ann Duncan (@kaila_a_duncan)
@kaila_a_duncan struggled with her weight until she decided to get in shape for her wedding by meal prepping, doing Tone It Up! workouts, and indoor cycling, and lost 85 pounds.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CMNVbG4Fxut/
A post shared by Kayla Rusiecki (@kayfit_rusiecki)
@kayfit_rusiecki stopped drinking and started keeping a food journal to develop a better relationship with food, lifted weights, and lost 70 pounds.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CMUl9Jqh3fu/
A post shared by A B S (@findingabs11)
@findingabs11 struggled with her weight her whole life until she started Weight Watchers (WW) and food tracking with iTrackBites, and began to understand portion sizes. She lost 80 pounds with her new eating style and indoor cycling at CycleBar.
https://www.instagram.com/p/COdAZnFh2og/
A post shared by Sim Godoy | MyWW💙 WWLifetime (@sim_on_ww)
@sim_on_ww used WW and walking for weight loss 5 days and lost 123 pounds in 18 months.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CL733EQDckv/
A post shared by Shica💋💅🏾❤️♓🏋🏾♀️ (@imjustshica)
After years of yo-yo dieting, @imjustshica tried 16:8 intermittent fasting and began walking for weight loss and lost 102 pounds.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CLHUh7-AI1P/
A post shared by Miss.Dede (@so_damthicknbad)
@so_damthicknbad cut out processed foods and did sprinting workouts and fitness boot camps to lose 85 pounds.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CN5A8Eyh7SA/
A post shared by Sarah | Wellness Journey 🦋 (@nomo.yoyo)
By using WW and the iTrackBites app and working out with an elliptical and Les Mills classes, @nomo.yoyo has been able to lose 80 pounds.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CNf0lnGBLxS/
A post shared by Victoria | Glowing & Growing (@vickinosecrets)
@vickinosecrets started eating a low-carb, high-protein diet and walking and doing YouTube workouts to lose weight and manage PCOS symptoms.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CMfndf0Hrcm/
A post shared by hope 🏳️🌈 NASM CPT (@hopebby_fit)
After gaining weight in high school, @hopebby_fit started a vegan diet and started lifting weights and doing cardio to lose 50 pounds.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CN-GzdOjo8U/
A post shared by BreYajiah Curry (@__jerrseyyy)
By going keto, then switching to a less restrictive low-carb diet, and lifting weights, @_jerrseyyy lost 80 pounds in 10 months.
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