Jonesta lost 85 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Jonesta lost 85 pounds. Her motivation is to be a healthy example for her twin daughters. She shared with us the mix of habits that have allowed her to transform, including intermittent fasting and taking Ozempic for appetite control. 

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
I have twin 14-year-old girls who I absolutely live for. I want to set an example for them to prioritize their health. I also want them to know that you can change your life no matter what.

How did you change your eating habits?
I started seeing a doctor who specializes in obesity medicine and began taking Ozempic. Once my appetite was under control, it became so much easier for me to eat better. I wasn’t ravenously hungry all the time, and my cravings were manageable. 

I do intermittent fasting because it’s emotionally better for me not to have to worry about eating around the clock. I have a set time to eat, and then I’m done. I prioritize protein and try to stay away from fast food and junk food.

What is your workout routine?
I do a lot of strength training. I do cardio on my rest days.

How often did you work out?
I work out 4-5 times a week.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I was around 295 pounds (probably more because I stopped weighing myself), and I currently weigh 210 pounds. 

What is your height?
5’4″

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I had high blood pressure and pre-diabetes. In October of last year (right after the before photo was taken in September 2021), I begged my doctor to put me on Ozempic because I heard it worked well. My journey began then. I started seriously losing weight in May 2022 and weight training in September 2022.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No. I was so scared to have weight loss surgery. But it would have been my next step before I got on Ozempic. 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I’m a hard worker. I’ve worked in law enforcement most of my career and am one of those “no excuses” kind of people. If I’m called out in the middle of the night or have to work a 16-hour day – it just gets done. I don’t care what anybody needs. However, I realized I don’t do that with myself. I had all these excuses for not working out and prioritizing myself. 

My biggest lesson is to stop putting people before myself. I keep my promise to myself to train every day. No matter what I’m doing or where I am – I get it done. 

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
You are worth fighting for and working for. As black women, we tend to go so hard for our families and friends. Keep that same energy when dealing with yourself.