Jennifer lost 133 lbs*
*At 6 months, participants in a clinical trial of the WW weight-loss program lost an average of 9.7 lbs (5% of body weight). And, people who track their food more often lose more weight. When actual WW members track their food at least two times a week for 6 months they lose on average 16.6 lbs. (7.9% body weight). Jennifer lost weight on a prior program and is continuing on WeightWatchers. Watch how this opera singer transformed her life in the video below.
In Jennifer’s words:
There was no defining moment that triggered me to join WW, but I do remember the week right before I joined: I went to Universal Studios with my friends and the Harry Potter exhibit has just opened, and I couldn’t wait to get on the ride. But I couldn’t fit in the seat. You’d think that would’ve driven me to join WW, but it didn’t. But when my friend insisted that we start together, I finally joined and stuck to the program.
Adjusting to her new life
Counting on Mom
When I started on WW, I didn’t tell anyone expect my mother. I’m an opera singer, and I didn’t want any outside pressure from the business. I wanted this journey to be about me, not my career. My mother has been my biggest supporter. When I was about to reach my goal, I told my mom, “You must come to my WW Workshop when I hit it.” My mother doesn’t usually show much emotion, but she shed a few tears at the Workshop. My WW Coach thanked my mom for all the love and care she showed me throughout my journey.
Making adjustments
It wasn’t until I lost 75 pounds* that I hit an obstacle with my breathing while singing. I met with my singing coach, and she was able to help me realize something: Before, whenever I’d take a breath, my rib cage would expand and my arms would move with my body. After I had shed some weight, my arms no longer moved because there was less of me. I learned to trust myself again in this new body of mine.
Moving more
Running clears my head — it’s my me-time. Thanks to the Couch to 5K program, I’m now running three miles regularly, without stopping. Sometimes I’ll listen to music I’m singing so I can drill words, or I’ll put on some pop beats and enjoy the scenery. At other times, I’ll think to myself, “OK, I have rehearsal at 11 a.m. What scene am I working on today?” And I’ll replay the blocking in my head so that I know how to move on the stage. Running makes me feel like I’ve done something good for myself.
How Jennifer’s success with WW has improved her life
Making it permanent
I recently purchased my first home. It was a long process, but once I got through it, I felt a sense of accomplishment, fear, and excitement all at once. I saved the tears until the last signature was on paper—and then they came pouring down. With my crazy travel schedule, it’s comforting to know that I have my very own home back in New Jersey.
A tasty hobby
Baking runs in the family. My grandmother taught us to bake ethnic Hungarian treats for Christmas and Easter. I have a cookie jar from my grandparents’ kitchen counter. I have fond memories of spending summers with them in Florida. No matter where I live, that cat cookie jar is always with me. My mother and I have carried on the baking tradition. I bake in times of happiness, and I bake when I’m stressed. Whatever the case, I save a few pieces to eat at home, and bring the rest to my cast members. It’s all about staying in control.
Expanding my range
I’m a soprano with the Metropolitan Opera in NYC. Through my weight loss, I’ve expanded my repertoire with more dramatic romantic roles because I fit in more categories. I remember being in this new body in the Met, and I took in this 4,000-seat house. I had to tell myself, “It was just like any other day, but you just look a little different.” My weight loss affected the way I moved on stage because I had nothing to hide. I used to hide behind my size; I used to hide behind being the funny person. And all of a sudden, I got to take the stage and relish that moment.
Dreaming big
I’ve dreamed big in every aspect of my life. A career in opera is big, but so is losing 133 pounds*. The elation I felt after reaching my weight-loss goal was similar to what I felt walking on the Metropolitan Opera stage for the first time. And that was similar to what I felt when I went back to Universal Studios three years after that time they wouldn’t let me on: I went back and I rode the Harry Potter ride three times in a row. I cried, I laughed, and I screamed like a 12-year-old again. What an amazing feeling it was!
