A WOMAN has shared how she lost over 15 stone without relying on weight loss drugs or surgery.
Leah Hope, from the US, revealed that instead, she focused on shifting the weight gradually and naturally over the last three years.
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Taking to social media, Leah revealed that she struggled with her weight for most of her life, often complaining about it while not doing anything to solve it.
In a recent clip, she shared what she looked like in 2022 before her weight loss journey vs now.
Now, Leah looked much happier as she smiled at the camera after losing 15.5 stone.
She wore the exact same blue T-shirt she wore before her weight loss, showing off just how hard she worked for her new body.
Leah revealed that she never thought she would see the day she actually slimmed down.
She added: “I really didn’t know if it was possible for me. Throughout so much of my life, I’d think things like, “When I lose weight, I’ll do this,” as if part of me believed it would happen.
“But deep down, I don’t think I really knew. I hoped. I wanted it. I prayed for it. But it took me a long time to reach the point where I actually wanted to change my life for it.”
Leah added that she was stuck in a ‘destructive’ cycle, ‘living with unhealthy habits and making excuses to stay the same.’
But she finally had enough and now reveals how she started her weight loss journey and how she made it stick.
The first thing she did was start off small with healthy habits and coming to terms there would be no ‘end’ to her journey.
Unlike fad diets, Leah wanted to change her lifestyle for good.
She revealed there were two main ways she focused on shifting the weight – exercising and a calorie deficit.
Another key element to her dramatic weight loss was focusing on living a healthier life over having a smaller body.
She said: “I tracked my calories and exercised regularly to reach a daily calorie deficit! That is key!
“And it’s important to shift your mindset to focus on gaining health over losing weight so that you can keep moving forward when you’re not seeing the results you hoped for!”
The clip has since gone viral on her TikTok account @leahhopehealth with over 37 million views and 2 million likes.
People were quick to congratulate Leah in the comments.
How cutting out sugar can help you lose weight
It might sound obvious, but cutting out sugar can help you lose weight – and this is why
- Reduced alorie intake: Sugar is calorie-dense but not nutrient-dense, meaning it provides a lot of calories without making you feel full. By cutting out sugar, you naturally reduce your overall caloric intake, which can create a calorie deficit and lead to weight loss.
- Lower Insulin Levels: Consuming sugar, especially in large amounts, causes spikes in blood sugar levels, leading to increased insulin production. Insulin is a hormone that promotes fat storage. By reducing sugar intake, you can help stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels, making it easier for your body to burn fat.
- Decreased Cravings: Sugar can be addictive and lead to cravings for more sugary foods. By cutting it out, you may find that your cravings for unhealthy, high-calorie foods decrease, making it easier to stick to a healthier diet.
- Improved Satiety: Foods high in sugar are often low in fiber and protein, which are essential for feeling full and satisfied. By replacing sugary foods with more nutrient-dense options like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, you can increase your satiety and reduce overall calorie consumption.
- Better Nutrient Intake: When you cut out sugary foods, you often make room for more nutritious foods. This can improve your overall diet quality, providing your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to function optimally, which can support weight loss efforts.
- Reduced Fat Storage: High sugar intake, particularly from fructose, can lead to increased fat production in the liver, contributing to weight gain and obesity. Cutting out sugar helps to reduce this effect.
- Enhanced Metabolism: Reducing sugar can improve metabolic health, including better insulin sensitivity and lower risk of metabolic syndrome, which can facilitate weight loss.
By cutting out sugar and replacing it with healthier options, you can create a more balanced and sustainable diet that supports weight loss and overall well-being.
One person wrote: “Amazing! What an inspiration you are! Do you have any tips or advice for others on the same journey of weight loss?”
Another commented: “She looks so much happier.”
“My jaw dropped. Just wow!!!! You did that!!” penned a third.
Meanwhile a fourth said: “I’m so proud of you.”
“Your smile is so beautiful, best glow up,” claimed a fifth.
Someone else added: “You did it, congratulations!”
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