Here are 10 inspirational stories of people who achieved incredible transformations losing over 100 pounds.
- dcheeks01
- Jul 16, 2025
- 7 min read
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1. Alex & Reana Kaminsky
These two sisters both lost over 100 pounds during the pandemic. They started with Whole30, then shifted to plant-based eating and HIIT workouts. Alex dropped from 330 to 210 lbs; Reana went from 298 to 195 lbs. Their journey highlights the power of consistency and holistic wellness .
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2. Corky Stanton
At age 56, Corky weighed 310 lbs and took six medications. He used visualization techniques from The Gabriel Method, shifted his self-image, and lost 105 lbs in one year. Now, he’s back to backpacking and feels “20 years younger” .
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3. Lynn – ShapeFit Success
Lynn, a 43-year-old nurse from Texarkana, Texas, went from 266 to 143 lbs—shedding 123 pounds & dropping 20 dress sizes in 18 months. She ditched sugar, cleaned out her kitchen, and lost the weight naturally, with no surgery .
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4. Roxanne
Starting at 388 lbs, Roxanne lost 111 lbs in 11 months. She embraced small meals, clear nutrition planning, and regular exercise (Zumba, weightlifting, jogging). Her journey was both emotional and spiritual, shifting mindset and building self-worth .
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5. Melissa Forehand – Keto Success
At around 240–250 lbs, Melissa embraced a low-carb, high-fat (keto) lifestyle. Over a sustained period, she lost over 100 pounds and maintained it for years, overcoming depression and prioritizing her health ().
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6. Ally – Keto Journey
Weighing 290 lbs, healthcare professional Ally lost 120 lbs in 15 months following a ketogenic diet. Her transformation was life-changing, driven by discipline and a structured eating plan .
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7. Brianna Oyewo
Mother of two, Brianna lost 100 pounds during the pandemic. She started with carb reduction and intermittent fasting, and later adopted a sustainable high-protein, balanced diet. She continues healthy workouts, often involving her kids .
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8. Patsy Schisler
After trauma and pregnancy, Patsy went from 215 to around 125 lbs in a year by changing her mindset from “I can’t” to “I can,” walking with her children, and making small, gradual fitness progress. She now teaches dance fitness classes .
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9. Dee – Trans Man & Trainer
At 360 lbs, Dee lost 150 lbs after transitioning, starting with simple daily walks and expanding to gym workouts. Now a trainer, he guides other trans individuals. His journey spans seven years and has inspired many .
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10. Reddit User “3XL to Marathon”
A reddit user sharing they lost over 100 pounds and went from 3XL clothing to marathon training. They attribute their transformation to intermittent fasting, running, and a mindset shift sparked by a tough haircut moment:
“It all started with a haircut… gave me a glimpse of what it felt like to reclaim myself.”
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Let me know if you’d like deeper analysis—such as what strategies worked best, downloadable before/after summaries, or ways to apply their methods to your own journey!
Absolutely! Here’s an expanded summary of each of the 10 motivational stories, now with added detail about their personal strategies, emotional journeys, and how they maintained their transformation:
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1. 🟣 Alex & Reana Kaminsky – Sisters Who Slimmed Down Together
Summary: In 2020, sisters Alex and Reana made a pact to improve their health. Initially trying the Whole30 diet, they transitioned to a plant-based lifestyle with structured fitness (HIIT, yoga, walking). Alex lost 120 pounds; Reana, 103. They attribute their success to mutual accountability, journaling, and meal prep. Beyond weight, they report massive boosts in confidence, sleep, and energy.
💡 Lesson: Find a support partner who shares your goals—it doubles accountability and joy.
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2. 🟡 Corky Stanton – Mindset Over Medicine
Summary: At age 56 and 310 lbs, Corky was on multiple medications and mentally exhausted. Inspired by The Gabriel Method, he reprogrammed his mind with visualization techniques and meditation. He didn’t rely on restrictive diets but focused on self-image and nourishment. Within a year, he dropped 105 lbs and came off medications.
💡 Lesson: Mindset is a powerful tool—reimagine your future, then become it.
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3. 🟠 Lynn from Texas – From Size 24 to Size 4
Summary: Lynn, a nurse and mom, lost 123 lbs by cutting sugar and processed foods cold turkey. She cleaned out her pantry, meal-prepped on Sundays, and made water her go-to beverage. Over 18 months, she shrunk from 266 to 143 lbs, regained control over emotional eating, and inspired her family to follow her lead.
💡 Lesson: Drastic results can follow simple but unwavering commitment.
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4. 🔴 Roxanne – Rebuilding Through Routine
Summary: At 388 lbs, Roxanne made a promise to herself: live better for her future family. She created a 5-meals-a-day plan and joined Zumba and strength classes. Within 11 months, she lost 111 lbs. More than pounds, she shed anxiety and self-doubt. Her transformation was deeply rooted in prayer, faith, and mindset shifts.
💡 Lesson: Create a personal “why” so strong it pulls you through the tough days.
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5. 🟤 Melissa Forehand – Healing with Keto
🔗 Story Source (IG: @melissas_keto_journey)
Summary: Tired of fatigue, Melissa committed to a ketogenic lifestyle. By embracing low-carb, high-fat eating, she lost over 100 lbs in two years. Her transformation helped her beat depression, restore energy, and fall in love with meal planning. She now mentors others online through her journey.
💡 Lesson: Choose a sustainable approach that fits your personality and palate.
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6. 🔵 Ally – Diet Doctor Story
Summary: Ally, a nurse, found herself exhausted at nearly 300 lbs. She switched to a ketogenic diet and implemented daily 30-minute walks. She lost 120 lbs in 15 months and transformed her confidence and ability to do her job. Her secret? Simplicity, structure, and meal consistency.
💡 Lesson: The combination of clean eating and movement—even walking—can completely rebuild your life.
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7. 🟢 Brianna Oyewo – The Busy Mom Who Did It Her Way
Summary: Brianna dropped over 100 pounds in one year by taking a three-step approach: reduce carbs, practice intermittent fasting, and focus on protein. She exercised while her kids napped and meal-prepped in batches. Her biggest win? Making it a lifestyle and inspiring her husband to lose weight too.
💡 Lesson: Fitness can be family-friendly and flexible if you prioritize consistency over perfection.
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8. 🟣 Patsy Schisler – Dancing Her Way to Health
Summary: After experiencing trauma, Patsy gained weight rapidly. At 215 lbs, she felt stuck. By choosing positive thinking and daily walks, she began rebuilding confidence. She eventually lost 90+ lbs and now teaches fitness dance classes to empower other women.
💡 Lesson: Positivity is powerful. Joyful movement is a gateway to health.
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9. 🔴 Dee – The Trans Man Trainer Who Rebuilt His Body and Identity
Summary: Starting at 360 lbs, Dee struggled with body dysmorphia and identity. Transitioning gave him the motivation to reclaim his body. He started walking, then strength training. He lost over 150 lbs in 7 years and now trains trans clients full-time.
💡 Lesson: True transformation starts when your physical and mental identity align.
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10. ⚪ Reddit User “3XL to Marathon”
Summary: A Reddit user lost over 100 lbs through consistent running, calorie tracking, and intermittent fasting. What triggered change? A visit to the barber and seeing their reflection with honest eyes. Today, they’re training for marathons and inspiring thousands
Here are 10 inspiring stories of people who lost 100 pounds or more on vegan or whole-food plant-based diets, highlighting their approach, mindset, and results:
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1. Jacob Batalon – Plant-Based & 100‑lb Actor Transformation
Summary: Jacob, the actor from Spider-Man, shed 100 pounds during the pandemic through a plant-based diet, weightlifting, and cardio (6 days/week). Encouraged by his girlfriend and professional trainer, his transformation boosted his energy, performance, and overall well-being .
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2. Reddit: “Vegan for 10 Years – 110-lb Loss”
Reddit user lost 110 lbs of fat over 10+ years on a vegan diet, gaining muscle along the way. Their story disproves the myth that vegan diets hinder muscle growth, and highlights long-term commitment and improved health .
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3. Sarah Goodenough – Nurse Turns Vegan & Drops 141 lbs
Summary: At 299 lbs with asthma and fatty liver, Sarah adopted a whole-food vegan diet after reading The China Study. Within a year, she lost around 100 lbs and ultimately 141 lbs. She now runs a plant-based meal service and trains for half-marathons — fully reclaiming her health .
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4. Pamela Footman – Pandemic Plant-Based Rebirth
Summary: After weight gain and endometriosis, Pamela embraced a plant-based diet during the pandemic. She lost over 100 lbs in a year, regaining energy, mobility, and joy. Her transformation highlights the healing power of food, movement, and self-care .
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5. Nalida Lacet Besson – From Size 24 to 6
Summary: Nalida lost 100+ lbs between 2013–2015 through whole-food plant-based eating, running, walking, and strength training. Her motivation was her children’s health and fear. Her journey shows that combining plant-based nutrition with exercise can rebuild life and provide long-term vitality .
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6. Amy B. – Post-Miscarriage Vegan Turnaround
Summary: At nearly 40, after miscarriages and emotional eating, Amy adopted Rip Esselstyn’s whole-food plant-based plan and lost 100+ lbs in under a year. She lowered blood pressure, cholesterol, and found joy in running 5Ks — a testament to healing through compassionate food choices .
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7. Kelvin Suarez – 103‑lb Loss with Forks Over Knives
Summary: Kelvin hit 331 lbs, with diabetes and fatty liver. After discovering Forks Over Knives and switching to a plant-based diet, he lost 103 lbs and 12 inches off his waist in a year—restoring his health and hope .
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8. Ashley & Andrew Chong – 200 lbs Lost Together
Summary: Ashley lost 125 lbs and fiancé Andrew lost 75 lbs over two years after going 100% vegan. Their shared journey illustrates the power of partnership, clear food education, and unwavering lifestyle change .
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9. Cydney – 85-lb Loss with Plant-Based & Workouts
Summary: Though just shy of 100 lbs, Cydney lost 85 lbs via plant-based eating and exercise. Inspired by her vegan partner’s documentaries (e.g., Cowspiracy, What the Health), she improved migraines, energy, and self-confidence .
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10. Reddit User – Vegan+Intermittent Fasting: 174‑lb Drop
Redditor went from 397 lbs down to 223 lbs (~174 lbs lost) using vegan diet + intermittent fasting (23:1 schedule). Contributors praised nutrient-dense plant-foods and dramatic fat loss without surgery .
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🌱 Common Themes Across These Journeys
• Whole-food plant-based focus (less processed, nutrient-rich meals)
• Mindset & awareness fostered by documentaries, books, or community
• Combination of diet and movement, from walking to strength training
• Gradual, sustainable change, not short-term quick fixes
• Support systems—partners, social media, or online groups
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