How J'Anna Lost 66 Pounds* Despite A Difficult Break Up

With this member’s sadness came inspiration, motivation, and a will to succeed in the New Year.
Published December 13, 2018

J’Anna lost 66 lbs*


*At 6 months, participants in a clinical trial of the WeightWatchers® weight-loss program lost an average of 9.7 lbs (5% of body weight). And, people who track their food more often lose more weight. When actual WW members track their food at least two times a week for 6 months they lose on average 16.6 lbs. (7.9% body weight). J'Anna lost weight on a prior program and is continuing on WeightWatchers.

In J’Anna’s words:
I remember having a weight problem since I was in middle school. I still recall the comments of other kids in my school around that time, and that type of trauma stuck with me. Over the years, I tried to lose weight on my own, but nothing stuck. I remember my mom’s friend suggesting joining WW. I went to a WW Workshop and I realized how warm and welcoming the other members were.

J’Anna never gives up


A second try
That first time joining didn’t stick for me. But a few years later, when I thought about getting healthy, WW came to mind. I went back to my Workshop, sat in the last row and took in all of the advice and tips from the Coach and the members. I was no longer enjoying the things I used to do. I stopped going out with friends, I stopped going to the state fair. I wanted to live, so I stuck with WW.

Taking a left turn
About six months into my journey, my boyfriend, the father of my daughter, and I broke up. It was around November 2016. I had a few weeks of crying and eating my feelings, and then I had this moment of realization: “Why am I sitting around being sad?” I was ready to find my happiness again.

New Year’s momentum
I made a decision to go out and do what makes me happy. Yoga was something I wanted to give a go. I realized that I’m not a big fan of yoga but I’m proud that I went out and tried it. I always thought longboarding was cool so I tried it, too. I thought to myself, “What’s holding you back?” My next goal: Dating!

How J’Anna’s success with WW has improved her life


A healthy role model
I have a four-year-old daughter, Kosi. Being a mom has its hard days, but it’s the best feeling in the entire world. I feel like I’m a healthier example when it comes to food. I used to have a bunch of junk food around the house, but now we’ll make green smoothies together instead. We like to do things together, like going to the state fair.

Back in the pool
I grew up swimming; I joined the swim team and I was a lifeguard years ago. But there was a time that I wasn’t as active in the pool. As I continued on WW, I was motivated to get back in the water. Now, I go swimming twice a week in the evening, for about 45 minutes and then 15 minutes in the sauna. Life can get crazy, but when you push off the wall and you’re under water, it’s complete silence. You’re in your own world.

A different mind-set
My mind-set is in a completely different space. Before, I felt like I was putting someone else before myself. I felt like I had to change who I was to make them happy, to make them stay. Now I’m in this mind-set where I know that I have to do what’s best for me. If they don’t like it, then they’re not the person for me. I won’t be settling for less.

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