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Nutrition & Diet

I Melted 80 Pounds of Fat in 9 Months: My Top 5 Keto Tricks

Discover how one man transformed his body.

Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackOct 09, 2024
Christopher Roback
Health & Wellness Writer | Author | Exclusive Contributor at Body Network
Christopher Roback is a health and wellness writer and exclusive contributor to Body Network.
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
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Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackOct 09, 2024
Christopher Roback
Health & Wellness Writer | Author | Exclusive Contributor at Body Network
Christopher Roback is a health and wellness writer and exclusive contributor to Body Network.
See Full Bio
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Nutrition & Diet

Have you ever felt trapped in a body that doesn't reflect your true potential? In 2008, Ben Azadi found himself obese, depressed, and desperate for change. Fast forward to today, and Azadi is a renowned functional health practitioner with over 16 years of experience, the author of four best-selling books, and host of the award-winning Metabolic Freedom Podcast. His personal journey of losing 80 pounds in just 9 months sparked a mission to help people live healthier lives. Let's dive into Azadi's transformative approach to melting fat and stopping aging.

Unlock Your Body's Fat-Burning Potential with Ketosis

Azadi's weight loss journey began with understanding the science of ketosis. "When we lower our carbohydrate intake, we allow our body to turn on a switch that allows us to burn body fat," he explains in the video. By reducing carbs, insulin levels drop, unlocking the key to fat burning. The liver then produces ketones, which fuel the body and brain while reducing inflammation.

Discover the Ancient Roots of the Keto Diet

While keto has become a popular weight loss strategy, Azadi emphasizes it's more than just a diet. "It's a metabolic process that our ancestors all went through," he notes. This natural state offers benefits beyond fat loss, including improved mental clarity and energy production.

Leverage Keto for Disease Prevention

Jeff Volek, PhD, RD, supports this approach, adding: "We've reached a critical mass of scientific evidence at this point. Nutrition experts now agree that low-carb diets provide benefits beyond disease management. In other words, they've been shown to not only help people with diet-related diseases, like heart disease and type 2 diabetes, they can also help generally healthy people reduce their risk of developing those diseases in the first place."

Choose Clean Keto for Optimal Results

Not all keto diets are created equal. Azadi stresses the importance of "clean keto" versus "dirty keto." He warns against inflammatory fats, stating, "There are a set of fats, these dietary fats that are arguably more inflammatory than sugar and smoking." Instead, focus on high-quality proteins and healthy fats like coconut oil, olive oil, seafood, and eggs.

Master the Art of Healthy Fat Selection

"Fats, for example, when you do keto, you're going to eat more fats, but not all fats are created equal," Azadi explains. He recommends focusing on "saturated fats and monounsaturated fats to give your audience an example: coconut, coconut oil, olive, olive oil, seafood, eggs, et cetera. Those would be healthy fats."

Avoid the Hidden Dangers of Seed Oils

Azadi is particularly cautious about seed oils. "These seed oils, these vegetable oils you mentioned, they stick around in your body for years. The half-life is 680 days," he warns. This means that even after stopping consumption, these oils can continue to cause inflammation in your body for a long time.

Navigate Restaurants with a Seed Oil Allergy Card

To avoid these harmful oils, Azadi suggests using a "seed oil allergy card" when dining out. This card politely informs restaurants of your need to avoid certain oils, helping you maintain your clean keto diet even when eating out.

Amplify Your Results with Intermittent Fasting

Azadi combines keto with intermittent fasting for enhanced results. "When we are in a fasted state, so many things happen in the body that are remarkable," he says. Fasting triggers autophagy, a cellular cleanup process that can help prevent diseases like cancer and autoimmune conditions.

RELATED:Top 7 Carbs You Should Eat Every Day to Lose Weight, According to a Kinesiologist

Ease into Fasting Gradually

However, he cautions against jumping into fasting too quickly. "The first step is to gradually decrease their total carbs," Azadi advises. Start with keto to become fat-adapted, then gradually introduce fasting periods.

Become Your Own Health Experiment

One size doesn't fit all when it comes to health. "Do your own experiment and see what works for you," Azadi suggests. This approach allows you to fine-tune your diet and lifestyle based on your unique needs and responses.

Customize Your Approach Based on Gender

This is particularly important for women, as Azadi notes: "Men and women definitely do it differently. So men could be more aggressive... Menstruating women want to go with their hormonal cycle."

Prioritize Nutrient-Dense Foods

While following a keto diet, it's crucial to focus on nutrient-dense foods. Franziska Spritzler, RD, CDE, notes about eggs: "Eggs are a great source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, selenium, and iron." These nutrient-rich foods can help support overall health while following a low-carb lifestyle.

RELATED:The Ultimate Guide to Getting Your Best Body as a Mesomorph

Boost Heart Health with Keto-Friendly Foods

Flora Clarke, MSc, adds to this, explaining the benefits of keto-friendly foods like avocados: "Research shows that eating avocados regularly can reduce levels of 'bad' cholesterol and improve your heart health."

Stabilize Blood Sugar for Steady Energy

A key benefit of the keto diet is its ability to manage blood sugar levels. "Low-carb meals and snacks are ideal if you want to maintain steady energy throughout the day without blood sugar spiking and dropping," says Volek.

Enhance Satiety with Protein-Rich Foods

Regarding keto-friendly foods like cottage cheese, OSF Healthcare states, "Cottage cheese is especially good for people living with diabetes. It is low in carbohydrates. In addition, the protein in cottage cheese slows digestion, which promotes satiety and can prevent blood sugar spikes."

RELATED:I'm a Dietitian and These 7 Morning Habits Changed My Life

Harness the Healing Power of Positive Thoughts

Perhaps Azadi's most powerful insight is the impact of our thoughts on our health. "Our thoughts have the ability to communicate with our DNA," he explains. Positive, grateful thoughts can create anti-inflammatory proteins and protect our DNA, while negative thoughts do the opposite.

Transform Your Health with Daily Thought Practices

Azadi considers this the ultimate biohack: "We have 60,000 opportunities every day to put the body in either a healing state or an inflammatory state." By cultivating awareness of our thoughts and creating a supportive environment, we can significantly impact our health and longevity.

RELATED:Believing These 5 Weight Loss Lies Kept Me Obese

Shape Your Health Journey Through Your Environment

Azadi underlines the importance of your environment in shaping your health journey. "Our environment determines the thoughts that we think and the values that we have, the values that we have, and the thoughts that we think determine the actions we take or don't take. And that determines the results we get," he explains. He advises being mindful of the people and influences in your life. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss I’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

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Nutrition & Diet

I Lost 130 Pounds on the Keto Diet and This Is How

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Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJun 07, 2024
Leah Groth
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Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

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If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Are you thinking about going on the keto diet? Lots of people claim that the low-carb way of eating has helped them lose tons of weight. Mayra Wendolyne (@LowCarbLove) is a keto devotee and weight loss influencer who lost 130 pounds on the diet. “Today I'm going to be telling you about my journey, how long I've been keto, low carb, the whole nine,” she says at the start of the clip. Here is exactly how she did it.

She Learned About Keto From a Friend

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“Let's talk about my story,” she says. “A lot of people always ask me how I found out about keto because I actually started keto before it became a trend before it was all trendy and viral and everything.” She explains that a friend of hers, who “had always dealt with weight issues,” was introduced to the low-carb lifestyle” and ended up doing “more of a carnivore keto diet.”

She explains that a lot of his diet consisted of ribeyes with eggs, meats, “a protein style burger with no tomato, no onion,” she says. “It was just a very carnivore focused, keto lifestyle.” After not seeing him for three months, he sent her a photo and he had lost 70 pounds.

She Learned It Was Similar to Atikins

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“After that, I just started looking more and more into it, and I realized that it was somewhat like the Atkins diet, and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh.” She tried it for a week, lost 10 pounds, and was “sold after that.”

She Loves It Because She Is Willing to Sacrifice Carbs

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“I was like, keto is for me because I love veggies, and I love my proteins. And so I was willing to sacrifice the carbs – the rice, the pasta, the bread – in order to have those satiating fats that are so delicious and especially that gave me the results that I saw. So I was sold.”

“So a lot of you guys wonder how long have I been keto? So the answer is I have been on keto for about five years now, and I have been living a low-carb lifestyle for over ten years,” she reveals.

She Topped the Scale at 315 and Lost 135 Pounds

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“I originally started my journey at about 315 pounds. I've lost a total of 135 pounds,” she reveals. However, she admits that she goes up or down “10 pounds here or there, not gonna lie.”

RELATED: 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week

You Have to Be Mindful of Snacks

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“I'm always just snacking and things like that. So, of course, if you are on a weight loss journey, you always have to be mindful and keep in mind that you have to eat to your goals, right? So even if something is keto, it doesn't mean that you go and eat like a whole box of cookies just because they're low carb or keto,” she says.

You Also Need to Be Calorie Conscious

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“You need to be mindful, you need to be calorie conscious, because no matter what, in order for you to lose body fat and weight, you need to be in a calorie deficit. In order to lose weight, you need to be in a calorie deficit,” she points out.

You Can Build Muscle Without Being in a Deficit

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“You can lose body fat and convert it into muscle while not being in a calorie deficit. But you're, you're not gonna see the scale go down,” she points out.

She Lost 100 Pounds Twice

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“So I have actually lost a hundred pounds twice in my life,” she continues. “So the first time I lost a hundred pounds in my first year, I was super, super strict. I was working out twice a day. I was in between a low-carb diet and severe calorie restriction, which is not what I recommend at all. It's actually really unhealthy. You mess up your metabolism; you slow it down.”

The Second Year It Was Harder to Lose Weight

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She lost 100 pounds the first year and 35 the second. “Remember, the closer you get to your goal weight, the harder it is for that weight to come off,” she says. However, “it was really, really difficult for me to keep that weight down. But I did it because I was always just so worried about being skinny or trying to be skinny. So, like my whole life, that's what was going through my head. I'm just so happy to be out of that mentality now.”

RELATED: This Plan Is How to Lose 5 Percent Body Fat In 2 Weeks

After Having a Baby, She Discovered Atkins

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The second time she lost 100 pounds was after she had a baby. “Everyone was telling me like, ‘It's over for you. You're not gonna lose that weight.’” This was when she discovered Atkins. “I thought it was like the weirdest thing ever because you can eat bacon and mayonnaise, meats and cheese, and everything that, basically, for 15 years, I was programmed to be afraid of. All of a sudden, it was like what you could do to lose weight.”

She Lost Weight Fast with Low-Carb, Low-Fat Eating

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She tried it for a week and lost weight, starting with low-carb, low-fat, not incorporating bacon and mayo, losing 100 pounds in 6 months. “If you're not putting fats into your body, your body is going to burn your own fat,” she says.

Then, Embraced Higher Fat Foods

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Then she switched to low carb, “but I did high fats,” she says, which included salmon and meats, ground beef, and avocado.

In General, She Doesn’t “Go Super, Super Crazy on Fats”

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“So, for me personally, I have lived a keto lifestyle focused on protein and healthy fats. So I don't go super, super crazy on fats. Like, I'm never the person who’s gonna add a ton of butter to my steak. I just usually have a steak with some veggies and add maybe a little bit of butter, like a cream sauce, things like that. But I'm not like the one that's going to pour butter and coconut oil and, you know, things like that into my coffee.”

RELATED: The Ultimate Guide to Getting Fit as a Pear Body Type

She Tracks Her Carbs, Not Calories

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“I'm still very calorie conscious, and I track my carbs versus calories. But I don't have to worry about that so much because I'm just naturally conscious of what I'm having and mindful,” she says.

She Lives a Keto Lifestyle

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“So now I am currently living a keto lifestyle. I am a little more flexible with what I do. I don't weigh myself, I just kind of go gauged off of how my clothes are fitting me,” she says.

She Also Does Intermittent Fasting

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“I am actively trying to intermittent fast a lot more and be more strict because that's kind of how I maintain my weight. I intermittently fast, and I don't like to track a lot,” she says. “So what I do is I fast and once I eat, I sit down and eat like a big meal or even like two small meals or medium-sized meals.”

Body Network’s Expert Weighs In on Keto

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While most experts agree that the keto diet will result in quick weight loss, many maintain it is not sustainable. “Ketogenic diets should not be followed long term,” says Body Network’s Resident RDN, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian and co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies. “Your body needs carbohydrates, specifically from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains for overall health but especially digestive health and disease prevention.”

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

Body Network’s Expert Weighs In on Intermittent Fasting

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As for intermittent fasting, it works by “prolonging the period when your body has burned through the calories consumed during your last meal and begins burning fat,” explains Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Intermittent fasting is also not a guarantee of weight loss, and often people see plateaus and weight gain after a period of time of intermittent fasting,” notes Collingwood.

💪🔥Body Booster: To lose body fat and weight, create a calorie deficit by being mindful and conscious of your calorie intake.

Fitness & Workouts

This Fitness Trainer's 5 Tricks Melt 12 Pounds of Fat in Just 3 Months

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Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackApr 17, 2025
Christopher Roback
Health & Wellness Writer | Author | Exclusive Contributor at Body Network
Christopher Roback is a health and wellness writer and exclusive contributor to Body Network.
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This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Most of us have tried crash diets or intense workout plans only to give up weeks later. Ellen Thompson, a certified personal trainer with over 15 years in the fitness industry, understands this struggle. As Area Personal Training Manager at Blink Fitness, she's helped hundreds of clients achieve sustainable weight loss through simple, consistent habits. Read on to discover the practical strategies that actually work in the real world.

Set Realistic Expectations

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Weight loss doesn't happen overnight, and that's perfectly normal. "The main challenge I see people facing is unrealistic expectations," says Thompson. Most people give up because they don't see dramatic results within days. Sustainable weight loss takes time, and understanding this from the start sets you up for success. Thompson emphasizes that consistency with both training and nutrition will eventually yield results, but patience is essential. Remember that gradual changes are more likely to become permanent parts of your lifestyle.

Balance Cardio With Strength Training

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Hitting the treadmill isn't enough if you want lasting results. "Another challenge I see is people only focusing on cardio and neglecting weights," Thompson points out. While cardiovascular exercise burns calories during your workout, strength training builds muscle that increases your metabolism all day long. Thompson recommends incorporating some form of resistance training into your routine at least twice weekly. This doesn't necessarily mean heavy weightlifting—bodyweight exercises, resistance bands, or even household items can provide enough resistance to preserve and build muscle.

Choose Small Habits Over Dramatic Changes

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You don't need to overhaul your entire life to lose weight. "Small habits are easier to stick with! They are realistic!" Thompson explains. Rather than attempting to follow a perfect diet or intense exercise regimen, focus on adding simple, sustainable changes to your routine. Thompson suggests starting with basic adjustments like drinking more water or taking short daily walks. These small shifts require minimal effort but compound over time to create significant results, making them much more likely to become permanent parts of your lifestyle.

Prioritize Protein With Every Meal

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One simple change can dramatically impact your weight loss journey. "Eat a palm-sized portion of protein with every meal—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—yes, breakfast too!" says Thompson. Protein keeps you feeling full longer, which naturally reduces snacking and overeating. Thompson recommends options like lentils, beans, tofu, eggs, or protein powder to satisfy this requirement. For busy days, keep protein bars or pre-made shakes on hand to ensure you never miss this crucial nutritional element. Just be mindful of added sugars in packaged protein products.

Take A Post-Meal Walk

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Movement doesn't require a gym membership or special equipment. "Do a ten-minute walk after lunch or dinner," Thompson advises. This brief activity improves digestion, helps balance blood sugar levels, and increases your daily calorie burn. Thompson suggests making these walks enjoyable by taking phone calls, listening to podcasts, or simply using the time to decompress from your day. The key is consistency—even on busy days, ten minutes is short enough to fit into most schedules but long enough to provide real benefits.

Hydrate Before Eating

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This simple trick helps distinguish between hunger and thirst. "Drink a full glass of water 10-15 minutes before you eat," Thompson recommends. Our bodies often confuse thirst signals with hunger, leading to unnecessary calorie consumption. By hydrating before meals and snacks, you'll naturally eat less while staying properly hydrated. Thompson suggests keeping a water bottle with you throughout the day as a visual reminder. If you dislike plain water, try adding slices of fruit or herbs for natural flavor without calories.

Fill Half Your Plate With Vegetables

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Create a simple visual guide for portion control. "At lunch and dinner, fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables before adding other foods," says Thompson. This strategy automatically controls calories while ensuring you get crucial nutrients and fiber. Thompson emphasizes that convenience is key—frozen vegetables and pre-packaged salads are perfectly acceptable options. The fiber in vegetables helps you feel satisfied with fewer calories, making this perhaps the simplest yet most effective strategy for natural portion control.

Establish a Kitchen "Closing Time"

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Evening snacking often sabotages weight loss efforts. "Pick a time to 'close' your kitchen—meaning no more snacking for the night," Thompson suggests. Late-night eating frequently stems from boredom or habit rather than genuine hunger. Thompson recommends setting a reasonable cutoff time, such as 8:00 PM, and sticking to it consistently. However, she adds an important caveat: "If you are actually hungry, plan a snack before closing time." This approach respects your body's needs while preventing mindless grazing.

What to Expect: The First Weeks

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Your efforts will show results sooner than you might think. "Within 1-2 weeks you can expect to lose 2-4 pounds," Thompson says. Beyond the scale, you'll likely notice improved digestion and growing awareness of your body's true hunger signals. Thompson explains that energy levels typically begin improving during this initial period as well. These early wins, while modest, provide crucial motivation to continue with your new habits.

What to Expect: The First Months

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Consistency pays off with visible changes. "Within 2-3 months you can expect to lose 4-12+ pounds," says Thompson. Your clothes will fit differently, your endurance will improve, and you'll have established a sustainable routine. Thompson notes that by this point, many of these initially challenging habits will have become second nature. The compound effect of small, consistent changes becomes increasingly apparent, reinforcing your commitment to maintaining these simple but effective strategies. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Nutrition & Diet

I Lost 20 Lbs in 4 Months With 4 Changes

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Leah Groth
By Leah GrothMay 05, 2025
Leah Groth
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Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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Losing weight and achieving your weight loss goals may seem daunting. However, dropping a few dress sizes can be as simple as making a few changes to your routine. Weight loss coach Sydney St-Aubin, who goes by the TikTok handle @sydneystaubin, boasts over 126,000 followers on the video-sharing site, where she shares tips and secrets about her weight loss. In a recent video, she revealed that she lost a whopping 20 pounds in less than four months, simply by incorporating four easy changes into her lifestyle. “If I had to lose 19 pounds in the next four months, again, here's what I would do, which by the way, I do have to lose 19 pounds in the next four months again,” she starts explaining in the viral TikTok video. She did it "by making four effortless changes in my life," she told us here at Body Network. "I did things one step at a time so that I wouldn't get too overwhelmed." Here's exactly what she did.

[slidetitle num="1"]Drink Three Liters of Water Per Day[/slidetitle]

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Her first suggestion is to drink three liters of water every day. “That's what your body needs. One and a half of these at the minimum, okay? If you're exercising, drink two at a minimum,” she says, pointing to her water bottle. According to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, men should drink about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day and women about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids. What health benefits can you reap from hydration?

According to the Mayo Clini,c water helps get rid of waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature normal, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues. "There are so many benefits to drinking the amount of water that your body needs, and making this small adjustment to be more intentional with your water can tremendously support your weight-loss journey," St-Aubin tells Body Network.

Related: I'm a Personal Trainer With a Flat Belly and Here's How to Get Yours

[slidetitle num="2"]Amp Up Your Protein Intake[/slidetitle]

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While there is no “need to track your food,” Sydney strongly suggests amping up your protein intake. “No counting, no weighing, no measuring. I'm learning that right now. You don't even need to do that. But something that's helped me so, so much in the past four months is just making every single meal protein oriented, just focus on protein,” she says. For breakfast, she suggests an omelet with “eggs for my protein with some added meat in there", and lunch, “some tuna concoction or salad with chicken,” and for dinner, salmon. “When you're prioritizing protein, you're seriously not going to be as hungry. You're going to be saying goodbye to all the snacks. You're not going to feel hungry late at night. Your body can then burn fat while you're sleeping. Trust me, it's so important.”

When we reached out to her, she reiterated this fact: "I started to make every meal protein-oriented. If you make protein the focus in each of your meals, you'll stay full for longer periods of time, and there won't be a need for as many snacks throughout the day. When I felt snackish, I started grabbing things that were higher in protein rather than carbs, so that they would actually tide me over until the next meal."

[slidetitle num="3"]Stay in a Caloric Deficit[/slidetitle]

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While “you don't even need to count or weigh if you don't want to,” you should choose wisely about what you're putting on your plate and what your portions look like,” she says. “At the end of the day, we're staying in a caloric deficit.”

[slidetitle num="4"]Get Your Steps In[/slidetitle]

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Not only should you “get your steps in,” says Sydney, but “increase your steps every single day,” she suggests. “Try to get a little bit better.” How many steps should you strive for? A 2018 study published in the journal Obesity found a link between walking 10,000 steps a day and weight loss and weight management. Other studies published by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in JAMA Neurology and in JAMA Internal Medicine also linked walking 10,000 steps a day to less dementia and less cardiovascular disease overall, with less heart disease, less heart failure, and fewer strokes.

"I started parking further away from the places I needed to go. This way, I was getting in more steps and therefore burning more calories without putting too much pressure on myself to do any specific type of exercise," she told us.

Related: 6 Body Changes Caused by Drinking Soda, According to a Diet Expert

[slidetitle num="5"]Final Suggestion: Don’t Overcomplicate Weight Loss[/slidetitle]

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“You don't have to overcomplicate the whole thing. You don't need to feel like you're on this insane diet. You don't need to cut out your favorite foods. Eat everything in moderation. Let me help you because I've finally figured it out. Let's do it,” Sydney says at the end of the video.

Or as she told us: "I started to incorporate exercise by creating a set schedule and routine for myself. I knew that in order to see results, I needed to be consistent, but in order to be consistent, I needed to enjoy the movement. I don't believe in having to lift weights, run marathons, or go to the gym in order to lose weight. I believe that any movement is a good one because the results come from consistency. I love mini trampoline fitness workouts because they're fun and can be done from the comfort of my own home. I love them so much that I teach my own classes online and have built an incredible community of ladies from all over the world. Don't over-complicate the weight-loss process. Do what you can every single day, and the results will follow."

💪🔥Body Booster: If you want to lose weight, increase your protein intake. Proteins like lean meats, eggs, and legumes fill you up while fueling your workouts, making you less likely to snack on unhealthy food.

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Coach Reveals 5 Ways She Dropped 100 Pounds

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Coach Dropped 100 Pounds After She Stopped Believing These 5 Lies
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Leah Groth
By Leah GrothMar 11, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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Are you struggling to lose weight? You might need to make some lifestyle shifts, says one weight loss warrior-slash-expert. Hilary Carver is a fat loss coach who lost 100 pounds naturally and helps her clients do the same. In a new post, she reveals a few key things she learned on her journey that can help you lose weight as well. “I lost 100 pounds naturally. Here’s what I learned,” she writes.

She Started Taking Action

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“A decade ago, I stood exactly where you are. I felt stuck in my body. Tired. Frustrated. Overwhelmed by the thought of starting again because, honestly, I wasn’t sure if I could follow through this time. But something shifted. I realized that if I wanted my life to change, I had to stop waiting for the ‘perfect time’ and start taking imperfect action,” she says.

She Lost 100 Pounds with No Crash Diets or Quick Fixes

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“Over the next few years, I lost 100 pounds naturally. No crash diets. No quick fixes. I followed the exact framework I teach my clients—and it didn’t just transform my body... it changed my life. Here are the MOST important lessons I learned along the way,” she continued.

You Can’t Outwork a Bad Diet

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First, she learned that you can’t outwork a bad diet. “For years, I thought I could exercise my way to results without addressing what I was eating. Spoiler: It didn’t work. When I finally learned how to make meal prep & planning simple, track my food without obsessing, and eat in a way that didn’t feel restrictive—everything changed,” she writes.

Mindset is the Real Work

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Next, she realized that changing her mindset is the hardest part. “I had to face the excuses, the self-sabotage, and the limiting beliefs that kept me stuck. It wasn’t about motivation—it was about choosing to show up for myself, even on the hard days,” she says.

Your Lifestyle Will Make or Break You

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Lifestyle is also important. “The secret to losing 100 pounds wasn’t in doing more. It was in building small, consistent habits that worked with my life—not against it. These small changes stacked up into a BIG transformation,” she says.

Nobody Is Coming to Save You

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She also learned that “nobody is coming to save you.” “This one stings, but it’s the truth: If you want the transformation, you have to take accountability. You have to stop blaming your circumstances and start owning your choices. The moment I stopped making excuses, I started making progress.”

It’s Worth It

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“This journey isn’t just about losing weight. It’s about gaining confidence, energy, and control over your life. It’s about becoming the version of you who feels proud when she looks in the mirror,” she concludes. “I know how overwhelming it feels to start, but I also know what’s waiting for you on the other side of your excuses—and it is SO worth it.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Nutrition & Diet

5 Habits That Helped This Woman Lose 60 Pounds and Melt Fat Fast

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I Dropped 50 Pounds and Lost My “Pooch” by Doing This One, Simple Exercise
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Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMay 05, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
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✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Do you want to drop fat fast? Incorporate a few healthy habits into your routine. Gina Frattini is a weight loss warrior who dropped 60 pounds in 16 months without Ozempic or other weight loss drugs. In a new post, she reveals her simple changes that enabled her to finally lose weight quickly. “Five things I wish I started five years ago,” she writes.

Protein

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Amping up protein was pivotal in her journey. “Minimum 30g protein 3x a day is always my goal! Ensure you are putting real protein before processed proteins. You can’t expect to lose weight and tone up when you’re eating less than a good chunk of protein daily or if you aren’t eating at all. Stop skipping meals! If you’re serious about weight loss and muscle building, this is non-negotiable. Also, hello, you must be expending more than you are consuming to be in a deficit, she says.

Waking Up Earlier

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Next, you need to wake up earlier. “Before work, before kids, before anything. 5-530am is the quietest time to get in a weighted walk for me or a run on the treadmill. Make a habit of getting up early. Make it a habit to move your body during that time,” she says.

Lift Weight

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Strength training is also important. “Lift as heavy as you can while challenging yourself, every time! Listen, you will not get bulky. You will get toned. You need to lift 3x a week. Start light, start building consistency and do full body,” she says, “but keep at it and increase weights gradually!”

Hydrate

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Drink enough water. “Ensure you are properly hydrated. I drink half my body weight in ounces of water! Example 120 lbs, I stick with 60 ounces of water daily! I love having electrolytes and colostrum in my cup daily! I can immediately tell when I haven’t hit my water intake for the day,” she says.

Get Enough Sleep

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She also recommends 8 to 9 hours of sleep a night. “SKIP the Netflix and go to bed earlier so you can wake up earlier and hit the 2nd one. Proper sleep is crucial for recovery, fat burn, muscle gain and proper health. You have to get enough sleep! I’m not your mom so don’t complain to me about your responsibilities. IDGAF. I have 7 kids and I’m not crying to you,” she says.

Be Consistent

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Be consistent. “Nothing happens overnight, so stick with the plan not your mood. Good things take time and great things take longer. Try these 5 things the next 6-12 weeks and you’ll feel like a completely different person,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Nutrition & Diet

116-Pound Ozempic Weight Loss: 7 Key Mistakes

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She Lost 115 Pounds on Ozempic After Experiencing These 8 Surprising Side Effects
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Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMay 08, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
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✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Are you standing in your own way of losing weight on a GLP-1 weight loss drug? Brittany Ainsworth is a weight loss warrior who has dropped 116 pounds on a weight loss drug. In a new social media post, she reveals a few mistakes people make while on them, which prevent them from losing weight. “7 surefire ways to derail your Ozempic/Mounjaro, GLP-1 journey. Speaking from experience as someone down 116 pounds on one so far.”

Overeating

If you are eating the same amount of food while on a weight loss drug, it will prevent you from dropping pounds. “Relying solely on Ozempic while continuing to overeat with the assumption that the medication will handle everything can seriously stall your progress,” she says.

Skipping Meals

Alternately, if you miss meals, it will have repercussions. “Skipping meals or drastically undereating may seem like a shortcut to faster weight loss, but it can actually slow your metabolism and leave you feeling fatigued and unmotivated,” she says.

Not Exercising

Failing to exercise is another common mistake. “Avoiding regular physical activity limits the overall effectiveness of Ozempic, as exercise plays a crucial role in weight management and metabolic health,” she writes.

Not Following Directions

Make sure to follow directions. “Disregarding our healthcare provider’s instructions—such as skipping doses, missing follow-ups, or adjusting the medication on your own—can lead to poor results and unwanted side effects,” she adds.

Not Eating the Right Food

Not eating healthy food can also derail your progress. “Consuming too many processed or high-sugar foods can overwhelm your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar and diminish the appetite-control benefits of Ozempic,” she says.

Drinking Alcohol

You might want to put down the botte. “Drinking alcohol excessively not only affects blood sugar balance but can also lead to impulsive eating and poor dietary decisions,” she says.

Not Being Patient

The last way to derail your weight loss experience? “Expecting instant results from Ozempic can set you up for disappointment, making it more tempting to quit before the medication has had time to work effectively,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Nutrition & Diet

9 Foods That Trigger the Ozempic Effect Naturally, According to a Nutrition Coach

Dr. Becky Gillaspy
7 Tips for Losing Weight After Age 50
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Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackMay 08, 2025
Christopher Roback
Health & Wellness Writer | Author | Exclusive Contributor at Body Network
Christopher Roback is a health and wellness writer and exclusive contributor to Body Network.
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✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

In recent years, Ozempic has become one of the most talked-about weight loss solutions on the market. While effective, it comes with a hefty price tag and potential side effects that many find uncomfortable. But what if you could trigger similar weight-loss benefits naturally through your diet? Dr. Becky Gillaspy, with over 24 years of experience teaching college courses from Anatomy to Nutrition and certified as a health and wellness coach, offers a compelling alternative. Read on to discover how specific foods can naturally boost the same hormone that Ozempic mimics—without the injections or side effects.

Understanding How Ozempic Works

Ozempic works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone in your body called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), Dr. Becky explains in her post. "GLP-1 is a hormone naturally produced in your small intestine in response to food intake," she notes. This important hormone helps bring down your blood sugar after meals and increases feelings of fullness. By acting as what scientists call an "agonist," Ozempic essentially tricks your body into thinking there's more GLP-1 present than there actually is.


RELATED: 15 Things to Know Before Requesting Ozempic for Weight Loss

Your Body Already Makes This Weight-Loss Hormone

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The good news is that your body naturally produces GLP-1 after you eat, according to Dr. Becky. "Its responsibility is to help bring your blood sugar level back down after the meal and ensure you feel full," she explains. This means you can strategically choose foods that enhance your body's natural GLP-1 production. The hormone offers three key benefits: it triggers a robust insulin response, slows digestion, and increases fullness—all contributing to better blood sugar control and weight management.

Start Your Day With Yogurt

Healthy Greek yogurt bowl with fresh berry​Breakfast Bowls: Berry Yogurt Power BowlShutterstock

Beginning your day with yogurt can naturally boost your GLP-1 levels, Dr. Becky advises. "The prebiotics and probiotics in fermented foods like yogurt can enhance gut health by influencing the gut microbiota, which plays a role in GLP-1 secretion," she says. As a fermented food containing both protein and calcium, yogurt offers a powerful combination for stimulating this important hormone. The protein triggers GLP-1 release as your body metabolizes amino acids, while calcium enhances this process for an even stronger effect.

Choose Your Yogurt Wisely

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When selecting yogurt at the grocery store, Dr. Becky recommends avoiding low-fat varieties with added sugar. "Added sugar spikes your blood sugar," she cautions. Instead, opt for unsweetened Greek yogurt (higher in protein) or regular yogurt (higher in calcium). Either way, you're getting the benefits of fermentation plus that powerful protein-calcium combination. For flavor without the sugar spike, add berries to your yogurt for natural sweetness and additional health benefits.


RELATED: 5 Things to Know Before Taking a GLP-1 Drug, According to a Nurse Who Takes It

Boost Your Breakfast With Berries

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Adding berries to your morning yogurt doesn't just make it taste better—it actually enhances its GLP-1-boosting effects. "By stirring in some sweetness in the berries, you boost the meal's polyphenol content, giving yourself a third GLP-1 advantage," explains Dr. Becky. Polyphenols are beneficial compounds that give colorful plants their vibrant hues, and they positively influence gut microbiota, supporting GLP-1 production. This is why eating a "rainbow" of foods each day can be so beneficial for your health and weight management goals.

Don't Forget Your Daily Coffee or Tea

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Good news for coffee and tea lovers—these beverages contain polyphenols that can help boost GLP-1 production. "Polyphenols are also found in coffee and green tea, so feel free to enjoy a cup or two with your yogurt," Dr. Becky suggests. This means your morning ritual might already be supporting your natural weight management efforts. The polyphenols in these beverages work similarly to those in colorful fruits and vegetables, positively affecting your gut microbiome and enhancing GLP-1 secretion.

Make a Daily Salad Your Secret Weapon

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A daily salad is one of the most powerful tools in your natural GLP-1-boosting arsenal, according to Dr. Becky. "Non-starchy vegetables like leafy greens, cucumbers, onions, peppers, and tomatoes are going to build on your polyphenol intake for the day and also provide fiber," she explains. This fiber not only slows digestion but also feeds beneficial gut bacteria, which produce short-chain fatty acids that stimulate GLP-1 release. Plus, the volume of vegetables physically stretches your stomach, activating receptors that signal fullness to your brain.

Top Your Salad Strategically

Healthy Salad - spinach baby leaves and boiled eggs cut in a half on wooden table.Shutterstock

The toppings you choose for your salad can significantly enhance its GLP-1-boosting power. "Load up your salad with protein and healthy fats such as meat, salmon, cheese, hard-boiled eggs, avocados, nuts, seeds, and an olive oil-based dressing," recommends Dr. Becky. While she's already discussed the benefits of protein for GLP-1 production, healthy fats provide additional advantages. These fats stimulate the secretion of cholecystokinin, a hormone that slows stomach emptying and enhances digestion, keeping you fuller longer.

Design Your Dinner for Sustained Fullness

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To maintain elevated GLP-1 levels throughout the evening, Dr. Becky suggests structuring your dinner around non-starchy vegetables and protein. "Serve a healthy portion of non-starchy vegetables alongside a protein-rich entree like meat, chicken, or fish," she advises. This combination creates a meal that digests slowly, producing a steady blood sugar response that helps you avoid evening snacking. Including healthy cooking fats like butter, avocado oil, or high-quality olive oil adds to the meal's satisfaction factor.

Why Timing Matters for GLP-1 Production

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The timing of your meals can impact your natural GLP-1 production and weight loss results. "Eating too close to bedtime elevates blood sugar and insulin overnight, blocking fat loss," warns Dr. Becky. This means that allowing several hours between your dinner and bedtime can enhance your body's natural fat-burning potential. A well-timed, GLP-1-promoting dinner helps you move comfortably through the evening without the urge to snack, supporting your weight management goals even while you sleep.

The Mediterranean Keto Connection

Food products representing the Mediterranean diet which may improve overall health status​Natural Booster #7: Mediterranean DietShutterstock

Many of the GLP-1-boosting foods highlighted by Dr. Becky come from the Mediterranean Keto approach. "The foods I highlighted in this video are from my Mediterranean Keto Cookbook," she mentions. This eating style emphasizes fermented foods, protein paired with calcium, polyphenol-rich plants, fiber, and healthy fats—all key nutrients for enhancing your body's natural GLP-1 production. By following this approach, you can experience improved hunger satisfaction while potentially achieving similar benefits to GLP-1 medications without the cost or side effects.


RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

Simple Daily Habits for Natural Weight Control

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Dr. Becky recommends incorporating her "0123 strategy" into your daily routine for enhanced weight management. This approach outlines four daily habits that support weight loss naturally, including the daily salad she discussed for GLP-1 production. By focusing on these simple, sustainable practices rather than restrictive dieting, you can create an eating pattern that naturally enhances your body's GLP-1 production. These habits work with your body's natural systems rather than fighting against them, making weight management more comfortable and sustainable. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Nutrition & Diet

She Lost 225 Pounds with Mounjaro and Reveals the Truth About GLP-1 Meds

Carolin Tyler RNY carolin_rny
Copyright carolin_rny/Instagram
Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackMay 08, 2025
Christopher Roback
Health & Wellness Writer | Author | Exclusive Contributor at Body Network
Christopher Roback is a health and wellness writer and exclusive contributor to Body Network.
See Full Bio
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Weight loss journeys rarely follow a straight path. Carolyn (@carolyrny) knows this firsthand, having lost an impressive 225 pounds through a combination of gastric bypass surgery and GLP-1 medication. At 28 years old and standing 5'7", she's transformed from 401.6 pounds to 125 pounds today. "I totally, totally altered my whole life when I had gastric bypass surgery," Carolyn shares. Through her YouTube channel, she documents her health journey to help others facing similar challenges. Discover the unfiltered reality of GLP-1 medications that most doctors won't tell you about.

Your First Steps With GLP-1 Medications

"I started Monjaro back in September of 2022. I had heard about it that summer," Carolyn explains in her post. Her timing proved fortunate: "I was very lucky and downloaded the savings coupon in August of 2022, when the terms and conditions were still allowing people to get the medication when it wasn't covered by insurance at only $25 a month."

Like most patients, she began at the lowest dose. "I started at the lowest dose, 2.5 milligrams, and I was on that dose for just one month. That's the loading dose. It's kind of a way for your body to get adjusted to the medication." For medical supervision, Carolyn chose a virtual option: "I use the Weight Watchers Clinic. I have used them from the start with my GLP-1 medication journey."

Finding Your Ideal Dosage

"I moved up to the five milligram dose. And I was at five milligrams, I wanna say for three or four months," Carolyn shares. Her experience at this level was positive: "I had really, really great results with five milligram. And had it not been for the medication shortages at the time, I think I would have stayed and should have stayed at the five milligram, just because I was losing."

She emphasizes an important principle: "If you're still losing at a good rate, you really shouldn't need to go up in dose." Unfortunately, circumstances forced changes: "Because of the shortages and the mess that that was, I had to move up to the 7.5 dose because that was what was available."

Navigating Medication Shortages and Insurance Hurdles

"The savings card ran out in June of 2023, but I had started sort of stockpiling, and I was only taking the medication every two weeks," Carolyn reveals. The timeline became complicated: "In September of 2023, somehow my insurance covered Monjaro without a prior authorization. And I was able to get a three-month supply."

This didn't last: "The beginning of this year in 2024, I started, you know, I needed a prior authorization for Monjaro. And I ran out of the medication at the end of December." Persistence eventually paid off: "I put in prior authorizations for Monjaro, Saxenda, Trulicity, Ozempic, Wigovi, and they were all denied. I finally was able to get Ozempic."

Later came better news: "ZepBound, which is the same medication as Monjaro, it's just FDA approved for weight loss... I have a prior authorization approval for ZepBound until January of next year, which is great."

Managing Potential Side Effects

"Initially starting out the medication, I experienced headaches and insomnia. Mainly insomnia with the five milligram dose," Carolyn reveals. The sleep disturbances were striking: "I would wake up at like three or four in the morning and feel wide awake. Wide awake. It was the craziest thing." Fortunately, this wasn't permanent: "But I think as I got used to being on the medication, that subsided and I don't experience insomnia anymore."

Other side effects varied by dosage: "I experienced the most amount of nausea on the 7.5 milligram dose. That for some reason, that dosage, I don't know. I just experienced nausea on it to the point where I asked my doctor for Zofran." Looking back, she considers herself fortunate: "I've been very, very lucky with side effects. And I know that's not the case for everyone."

Comparing Different GLP-1 Medications

When it comes to different GLP-1 options, Carolyn has clear preferences. "A lot of people ask me what I thought was more effective or what I liked better, Manjaro or Ozempic. And I preferred Manjaro," she states. She backs this with her understanding of research: "I think the studies show that terzapotide is much more an effective GLP-1 agonist. And I definitely experienced that."

Her experience switching medications wasn't ideal: "When I was on Ozempic for a few months earlier this year, my weight slowly, slowly started to creep up, which was very difficult. And it just felt like I was more inflamed and it felt like I was back in that place of struggling to keep my weight off." The difference was noticeable when she returned to her preferred medication: "Now back on terzapotide, I feel much better and I'm very happy about it to be on ZepBound for the next however long."

Tracking Your Results Realistically

"I started my GLP-1 journey at 230 pounds even. And today I'm sitting at 180. So I've lost a total of 50 pounds," Carolyn shares. She's experienced some fluctuation: "My lowest I've gotten down to is 175. I was 175 back in November of last year when I was taking the 12.5 milligram of Monjaro." Her upcoming wedding influenced recent choices: "I didn't wanna lose more because of my wedding dress."

She reflects on her current state: "I'm very happy here at 180. I think I look really good. I feel really good at this weight." Like many, she considers future goals: "I've always had in my head the number 170 to get down to, and I don't know, 170, 160, I don't know. I'm kind of in that like, do I attempt, do I try, or do I just kind of be happy where I am and focus on getting plastic surgery next year, hopefully."

Combining GLP-1 With Proper Nutrition

"I like to have a protein shake in the morning just to get in a good amount of protein before I start my day," Carolyn explains. She sees clear benefits from this approach: "It's really helped me on my GLP-1 journey because you really wanna focus on protein to build muscle. It helps so, so much, not only with maintaining your muscle mass, but also I've noticed it helps just make sure that I'm full a lot longer."

The strategic focus on protein serves multiple purposes: "By prioritizing protein, I'm less tempted to like grab, you know, sweet treats or things like that that don't always serve me best when I'm trying to lose weight." She emphasizes this nutrient above others: "My GLP-1 journey has been over the past almost two years, and I have really made sure to focus on protein. It's really the most important macronutrient when you're on a GLP-1 journey or a weight loss journey."

Building a Sustainable Exercise Routine

Even with medication, lifestyle changes remain crucial. "I still diet and exercise. I still am very mindful of my diet and I work out. And those things are very important to me," Carolyn emphasizes. She connects this to her broader transformation: "I totally, totally altered my whole life when I had gastric bypass surgery."

The medication doesn't replace these foundational habits: "Those things work hand in hand. It's not, you take this medication and the weight magically falls off, quite the, you have to put in the work. It's the same with bariatric surgery. It's only a tool. And the only way to work, to get it to work, is if you put in the work."

Planning for Pregnancy While on GLP-1

Family planning affects medication decisions. "We're getting married, and we are hoping to start having kids in about two or three years," Carolyn shares. This timeline shapes her GLP-1 strategy: "So over the next two or three years, I'm probably going to work my way down in dosage and figure out a good spot there, and then eventually come off of it completely to get pregnant. You can't be on it when you're pregnant."

She's practical about the future: "I am not opposed to getting back on it after having kids. If I need to, if I feel like I need to get back on it after kids, I will." This approach aligns with her understanding of obesity treatment: "I went into this knowing this was a long-term solution, that it was a long-term medication for maintenance, and I'm perfectly okay with that."

Treating Obesity as a Chronic Condition

"My obesity is a chronic illness, and these medications are revolutionary," Carolyn affirms. "They are truly, have changed the game when it comes to treating obesity." She compares this to other health conditions she manages: "I have other chronic illnesses. I have psoriasis that I take an injection for four times a year. I have hypothyroidism that I take medication for every single day."

This perspective shapes her approach to long-term treatment: "I went into this knowing this was a long-term solution, that it was a long-term medication for maintenance, and I'm perfectly okay with that. That doesn't bother me."

She sees GLP-1 medications as valuable additions to surgical options: "Bariatric surgery is still the number one treatment that we have with studies and stuff. You're going to lose the most amount of weight and keep it off with that. But these medications are such great adjunct treatments for people like me who never got down to the weight they wanted to, or who struggled to just stay where they are."

Creating Your Long-Term Maintenance Plan

Long-term planning is essential for sustained success. When asked about staying on medication, Carolyn explains: "Do I plan to stay on it long-term? Like, what are the long-term effects? Do you gain weight back? Statistically, you do gain some weight back if you go off of it, cold turkey, I think, but you're supposed to wean down and wean off of it."

She's already considering her future approach: "My plan, so we're getting married, and we are hoping to start having kids in about two or three years. So over the next two or three years, I'm probably going to work my way down in dosage and figure out a good spot there." She remains flexible about post-pregnancy treatment: "I am not opposed to getting back on it after having kids. If I need to, if I feel like I need to get back on it after kids, I will."

Addressing Access and Stigma Barriers

Broader issues affect many GLP-1 users. "The biggest issue we have is accessibility. Insurance coverage, which I have struggled with, and just being able to get them. There are so many shortages right now," Carolyn points out. She envisions positive change: "I hope that over time, in the next five years, I really hope we see a huge shift in how not only the accessibility, but also the stigma towards people who struggle with obesity and who live in larger bodies and who want help and who want to lose weight or want to be healthier."

This includes changing perceptions: "That that stigma changes from, well, they're just lazy and fat to, no, they have an illness, they have a disease that's preventing them from being compliant with the diet and exercise." Her enthusiasm for these medications is evident: "I'm a huge, huge advocate for these medications."

The Reality Check: GLP-1 Is a Tool, Not Magic

"It's not, you take this medication and the weight magically falls off, quite the, you have to put in the work," Carolyn emphasizes. She draws a parallel to bariatric surgery: "It's the same with bariatric surgery. It's only a tool. And the only way to work, to get it to work, is if you put in the work." Beyond physical changes, she values the mental benefits: "It has helped so much with the food noise to the point where I don't feel like I'm obsessing about food or feeling consumed by thoughts of it. It feels very manageable to live my life on a day-to-day basis."

For Carolyn, this psychological relief outweighs even the weight loss: "Honestly, if I never lost another pound, or if I never lost a pound to begin with, I would stay on this medication." Her perspective is both realistic and hopeful: "These medications are revolutionary. They are truly, have changed the game when it comes to treating obesity." And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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