what I gained when I lost 250 pounds
In 2016 I was 26 years old and weighed over 400 pounds, and I had had enough. I was tired of being in my 20s and not able to keep up with my friends. Tired of my knees and back hurting constantly. Tired of being tired. I started my own weight loss journey and decided it was time to change my life.
My journey has been through ups and downs - and the whole process is a story for another post - but it’s gotten me to a place I never thought I’d be: my most recent weigh in was 167 pounds, a full 250 pounds less than when I started this process.
Weight journeys are generally measured in loss. I get it, 250 pounds is a lot of weight to lose, and I’m very proud of how far I’ve come. But with the weight loss there’s so much more that’s gained - and I don’t think we talk about it enough. Here are some of my favorite things I’ve gained and grown throughout this process:
- strength. I’ve always been strong and able to lift heavy things, but the amount I can carry is so much more than it used to be. I used to carry around so much extra weight in my body that lifting heavy stuff now seems so much easier. I’ve also learned to lift in ways that work with my body to make me even stronger, and seeing that play out brings me so much joy.
- confidence. I’ve always been a self conscious person and I definitely still am, but not having to worry about if I’ll be able to fit in seating or just generally exist comfortably because of my size has taken a mental weight off me as well.
- a willingness to explore style. Plus size clothing is made to accommodate a large range of body shapes within a given size - and it often makes ready to wear options shapeless on fat bodies, regardless of actual shape. I love to sew and have made clothing for myself at every size, but being able to get clothes that fit and flatter me at regular stores has opened up so many avenues for me to explore different aesthetics and styles.
- energy. This one is huge! I have so much more energy now than I ever did, even in my teens and twenties. It couldn’t have come at a better time now that my toddler is mobile & absolutely doesn’t stop 😅
- the ability to ride roller coasters. My family always gets season passes to Dollywood - it’s close & it’s a super fun way to spend the day. There’s not a single ride in the park (except the toddler rides of course!) that I can’t fit into now. I‘ll always be a thrill seeker and this might be my favorite thing on the list 😂
It’s incredible to look back at my journey and realize just how far I’ve come. When I started in August 2016, I was over 400 pounds – specifically, 417 pounds. I remember trying to find clothes that fit, often settling for size 26 pants and 3XL t-shirts, which can be really disheartening. For anyone wondering 'what does 250 pounds look like' or 'is 250 pounds obese,' let me tell you, at over 400 pounds, everyday tasks felt monumental. My initial motivation wasn't just about the number on the scale; it was about reclaiming my life and my health. Many people ask me, 'how to lose 250 pounds?' and honestly, there's no single magic answer. For me, it started with a single decision: enough is enough. My knees and back were constantly hurting, and I was perpetually tired. I knew I needed a complete lifestyle overhaul. The idea of losing 250 pounds felt overwhelming at first, almost impossible. I focused on small, sustainable changes rather than drastic ones. This meant learning about nutrition, understanding portion control, and finding ways to incorporate movement that I actually enjoyed. It definitely wasn't about quick fixes or crash diets; it was about building new habits, one day at a time. One of the biggest challenges wasn't just the physical aspect, but the mental one. There were days when I felt like giving up, especially when the scale didn't budge or I faced setbacks. That’s where the 'ups and downs' really come into play. It's easy to get discouraged when you're not seeing immediate results, or when you accidentally 'gained pounds' back after a challenging week. But I learned to view these moments not as failures, but as learning opportunities. Each slip-up taught me something about my triggers, my relationship with food, and how to bounce back stronger. I realized that true progress isn't linear. Looking at my 'after' photo from July 2025, now at 167 pounds and fitting comfortably into size 6 pants and a small t-shirt, it’s a stark reminder of the 60% weight loss I achieved. It wasn't just the weight that changed; my entire perspective did. I wish I could tell my past self, sitting at 417 pounds, that it's all going to be worth it. The journey from being 250 pounds woman (or more!) to a healthier, more energetic me has been the hardest, yet most rewarding thing I've ever done. And if you're feeling overwhelmed by the thought of losing a significant amount of weight, just remember: it starts with one step, one decision, and a whole lot of self-compassion.
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