Gwendolyn lost 32 lbs*
People following the WeightWatchers weight-loss program can expect to lose 1 to 2 pounds per week. Gwendolyn lost weight on a prior program and is continuing on WeightWatchers.
In Gwendolyn’s words:
When I was in my early 20s, my sister, a budding photographer at the time, asked me to be her test model. Figuring out which poses and angles worked best was fun! After the shoot, she convinced me to try modeling as a fun side gig. Before I knew it, I had paid jobs like runway shows and catalog work in the Denver area.
Striking a pose
Industry pressures
I was in my element in front of the camera. But I almost immediately began to feel judged for the way I looked. I’d go to wardrobe fittings, stressing out about whether I’d fit into a size 0, 2, or 4. If I didn’t fit into a 4, I could lose the job. I had to stay thin to stay in the game. My daily diet consisted of a couple of granola bars and an apple.
Stepping back
After I’d been modeling for about three years, I tore my ACL playing volleyball. I wasn’t as active and I started to put on weight. I eventually decided to leave modeling — and my boyfriend at the time. But I felt vulnerable and lonely, and I wanted companionship. A friendship with a guy turned romantic. But after we moved in together, I found myself eating emotionally — salty snacks at first, then fast food and takeout every night. I felt as though my boyfriend wanted me to pack on the weight so I wouldn’t be attractive to anyone else.
The first step
In October 2017, I had a doctor’s appointment and weighed in at 200.4 pounds. I knew I couldn’t neglect myself any more. My friend Elise was on WW, and I thought I should try it, too. After my first week, I saw results on the scale, but more importantly, I felt my confidence lift. I had to start fresh, so I found the courage to kick out my boyfriend. It was a reawakening; it was life-changing.
How Gwendolyn’s success with WW has improved her life
Loving myself
I wasn’t interested in being in a relationship, so I stayed single for a year. I needed space to focus on myself. I had missed going out, having fun, and being free. Before, my happiness had been based on how my boyfriends felt about me. But this time, I felt independent and strong.
Staying steady
Since joining WW, I’ve never felt like I needed to go to extremes. I’ve learned that I love nutritious foods like fish and grilled chicken, hummus, Greek yogurt, fruit, and vegetables. By tracking and using ZeroPoint™ foods, I can balance out a glass of wine with dinner or a tasty dessert.
On my own
Once I started taking care of myself, my life seemed to fall into place. I go out to restaurants, to the museum — all by myself, without feeling self-conscious. I’m enjoying life solo, and there’s something incredibly freeing in that. I’ve learned to truly love myself, so now, when I’m ready to be in a relationship, I know I’ll be able to find the right person for me.