13 Women Who've Lost 100+ Pounds

Over the years, we've featured incredible before-and-after weight loss success stories from dozens of women. Through exercise, healthy eating, and sheer determination, they said goodbye to unwanted pounds and hello to a healthier and happier way of life. The following 13 real women each lost more than 100 pounds apiece. Get inspired by their stories!

Age:

35
From: Woodbridge, Virginia

Before: 221 lb., size 14-16
Now: 119 lb., size 2-4

Pounds lost: 102

How she did it: Scrolling through old Facebook photos and seeing how much weight she'd gained inspired Stephanie to begin walking for an hour every night. Then, she added a Jillian Michaels DVD and began using the elliptical in her basement. She also tracked her calorie intake with the MyFitnessPal app.

Age:

35
From: Warner Robins, Georgia

Before: 250 lb., size 18-20
Now: 145 lb., size 4

Pounds lost: 105

How she did it: A month after giving birth, Tamyala began telling herself, "I am tall, slender and a size 8!" In addition to her newly found positive inner voice, she traded fast food and sugary treats for lean poultry and lots of veggies. She also joined a local church's aerobics ministry.

Age:

32
From: West New York, New Jersey

Before: 280 lb., size 18-20
Now: 163 lb., size 6-8

Pounds lost: 117

How she did it: Michele signed up for Weight Watchers and lost her first 20 pounds in 8 weeks. With her eating under control, she joined a gym, starting out with short sessions on the elliptical and working up to Zumba classes and barre-based workouts.

Age:

36

Before: 293 lb.
Now: 163 lb.

Pounds lost: 130

How she did it: When Tracie reached nearly 300 pounds she took charge of her health. She started walking on lunch breaks, cutting calories, and facing emotions head-on instead of eating the pain away. Tracie said jogging and a group of supportive friends helped her keep the weight off for good!

Left: Larson, Age: 30
From: Orrville, Ohio
Before: 250 lb.
Now: 135 lb.

Pounds lost: 115

Right: Bard, Age: 27
From: Syracuse, NY
Before: 245 lb.
Now: 149 lb.

Pounds lost: 96

How they did it: Walked, talked, and ran off more than 200 pounds after starting new jobs at the University of Buffalo. They joined Weight Watchers and began walking around campus during their breaks. While they live in different cities now, they have found a great excuse to visit each other—running races together.

Age:

31
From: Lansing, Michigan

Before: 291 lb.
Now: 166 lb.

Pounds lost: 125

How she did it: Melissa her friends held their own Biggest Loser-style weight loss contest, and she won! She worked out on an elliptical four days a week and did two weight-training sessions a week, while tracking calories and using meal ideas from Jillian Michaels.

Age:

33
From: Burbank, California

Before: 312 lb.
Now: 175 lb.

Pounds lost: 137

How she did it: Carter started going to boot camp five mornings a week, and was motivated to stick with it thanks to the camaraderie. She also kept a food journal, swapping chips for veggies along the way, and dropped 137 pounds in just under a year.

Age:

52
From: Deerfield, Illinois

Before: 230 lb., size 20
Now: 126 lb., size 4

Pounds lost: 104

How she did it: Doree started walking (and then running!) and eating six small meals a day full of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean meats.

Age:

35
From: Verona, Wisconsin

Before: 368 lb., size 26-28
Now: 128 lb., size 4-6

Pounds lost: 240

How she did it: Angie cut calories and started exercising. She rewarded herself along the way with a new handbag or workout gear for reaching mini targets, like walking 15 minutes each day.

Age:

36 From: Falls Church, VirginiaBefore: 300 lb., size 28Now: 155 lb., size 10Pounds lost: 145How she did it: Sarah joined Weight Watchers and started biking.

Age:

37
From: San Francisco

Before: 274 lb., size 20
Now: 162 lb., size 12

Pounds lost: 112

How she did it: Petrita traded candy bars, fast food, and soda for veggies, and started jogging and kickboxing.

Age:

32
From: Miami

Before: 287 lb., size 22-24
Now: 125 lb., size 4-6

Pounds lost: 162

How she did it: Sydney started biking, first just a few blocks at a time, eventually building up to longer rides. Sydney also started eating more vegetables and lean protein instead of pizza, and eventually lost 162 pounds!

Michelle DeGennaro Age: 43
From: Warwick, NY

Before: 244 lb.
Now: 142 lb.

Pounds lost: 102

How she did it: On the verge of weight-loss surgery, Michelle gave Nutrisystem and exercise one last try and peeled off an incredible 102 pounds.https://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20572199_4,00.html