Stephanie lost 55 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). Stephanie lost weight on a prior program and is continuing on WeightWatchers. Watch Stephanie’s journey of committing to the program and staying healthy for good in the video below.
In Stephanie’s words:
It all began after my first child was born; I struggled to lose the baby weight. For the next couple of decades, I’d join WW, I’d lose 10 to 20 pounds, and then I’d quit. After joining and leaving more than 15 times, I decided that I needed to commit to my health if I wanted to live a long life. I tried WW again.
Changing her “why”
Losing for a healthy life
When I had joined WW in the past, I usually had a short-term goal. It was more about an event, vacation, or a family celebration and wanting to look good there. This most recent time that I joined, it wasn’t about that. It was about the body I wanted to live in for the rest of my life — and it wasn’t the one I was living in now. I was uncomfortable, in pain, and disappointed. I didn’t have a timeline when I moved forward on my journey; I took it one step at a time.
Finding support
When I first joined WW, before I started attending WW Workshops, I was a Digital member. When I was on Instagram one day, I stumbled upon this community of other WW members. I found accounts of men and women who had the same goals as me and were using social media to be accountable to others as they bettered themselves and their health. Reading their honest, open posts helped me say to myself, “It’s not just me who had a bad day.” They could talk about their triumphs and their struggles and still move forward.
Getting Active
Southern California has beautiful weather throughout the year, so I love to stay active by walking outdoors rather than going to the gym. Our neighborhood is hilly so I can get in a good workout when I’m walking our dog. Not too far from our home, we have this trail of steps that I’ve nicknamed, “The Evil Step Trail.” At the beginning of my journey, I could hardly even walk up the steps without being completely out of breath. Now I can jog up them and finish the complete trail, and I feel OK — no, I feel great. I can keep up with the best of them!
How Stephanie’s success with WW has improved her life
Back to school
I have always been someone who loves to learn, but in the past, I’ve been someone who has not only struggled with weight loss, but with my educational goals. I’ve struggled following through with long-term goals. Being successful on WW has helped me follow through with goals that are important to me. I’ve returned to school for my bachelor’s degree, and I believe in myself that I’ll be able to complete it!
Looking forward
Losing this weight has helped me become so optimistic. After having tried and quit on myself so many times before, I have so much more confidence in myself now that I have found success on the program. I know that I can now enjoy life every single day — I can have a drink with my husband after a long day; I can have frozen yogurt with my family; I can go on a Hawaiian vacation and stay in control. Life is fuller than ever.