A woman has shown off her dramatic weight loss transformation while revealing her secrets to shedding off 130 pounds.
Jamie Mills, 31, from Connecticut, has struggled with her weight since she was a child and was branded clinically obese at just nine years old.
And her Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) diagnosis at 14 just made her weight skyrocket. After reaching 290 pounds, Jamie decided to make a change and stick to it - and her hard work paid off as the dietician lost over 100 pounds and now boasts her jaw-dropping figure online while sharing the key to weight loss.
Jamie Mills, from Connecticut , has struggled with her weight since she was a child and was branded clinically obese at just nine years old (seen before her weight loss)
She has shown off her dramatic weight loss transformation while revealing her secrets to shedding off 130 pounds
After reaching 290 pounds, Jamie decided to make a change and stick to it - and her hard work paid off as the dietician lost over 100 pounds (seen left before and right after weight loss)
Her battle with weight began when she was a kid. Despite a healthy upbringing with nutritious home-cooked meals and an active lifestyle, by the time she was nine years old, she weighed over 200 pounds and was classified as clinically obese.
She shared: 'My highest recorded weight was 270 pounds. However, there was a long period when I wasn't weighing myself and, based on pictures taken at the time,
soundlex earbuds Reviews I was likely closer to 290 pounds.
Her weight continued to soar and at 14 years old, the entrepreneur was diagnosed with (PCOS). The condition makes your body resistant to insulin, which can cause your pancreas to make of the hormones. The excess insulin then causes weight gain and increases hunger.
'I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) at the age of 14, which compounded my weight struggles,' she said.
However, Jamie's weight was the worst at 19 and she began to struggle both mentally and physically as she isolated herself.
She explained: 'While my weight impacted me throughout my teens, it was the most challenging when I was 19 and in college. I was miserable and lonely. I didn't have a social life, and I didn't go out.
'I was also struggling physically. Getting to classes on time was hard because I battled to walk to campus and up the stairs.'
In 2012, Jamie decided to take control of her life. She started by being mindful of her diet, keeping a food diary, and increasing her water intake. Over the next year, she lost 50 pounds.
Her battle with weight began when she was a kid. Despite a healthy upbringing with nutritious home-cooked meals and an active lifestyle, by the time she was nine years old, she weighed over 200 pounds (seen after weight loss)
Her weight continued to soar and at 14 years old, the entrepreneur was diagnosed with (PCOS) (seen left before and right after weight loss)
However, Jamie's weight was the worst at 19 and she began to struggle both mentally and physically as she isolated herself (seen after weight loss)
And while her weight loss journey was going well, Jamie then began obsessing over every calorie she put in her body and developed an eating disorder.
'I was doing well for a while, but what started out as healthy habits turned into obsessive thoughts around weight loss. I started exercising longer and eating significantly less until all I consumed daily was a cup of coffee, an apple, and half an avocado.
'I lost another 20 pounds, but it drove me into a really dark place. I ended up going to therapy to get help and recover from the eating disorder I had developed.'
After healing her eating disorder, Jamie started studying nutrition with the hopes of becoming a dietician.
However, over the next four years, the weight slowly creeped back on. And soon after she gained the weight back, she decided to get surgery. 'In 2017, I was starting my dietetic internship and finally decided I needed another tool, which led me to have weight loss surgery.
'I knew I had done all I could, but I needed more to be able to truly overcome obesity. I decided to undergo Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) surgery,' recalled Jamie.
Over the next 18 months, Jamie dropped a whopping 112 pounds. She explained that she started being consistent with both her workout and diet and began to see a change.
And while her weight loss journey was going well, Jamie then began obsessing over every calorie she put in her body and developed an eating disorder (seen left before and right after)
After healing her eating disorder, Jamie started studying nutrition with the hopes of becoming a dietician (seen left before and right after weight loss)
Jamie emphasized that motivation is instrumental in losing weight, but you can't only rely on it alone (seen before weight loss)
Jamie explained: 'Consistency was key. I needed to learn how to be flexible and realistic. It really came from learning good bariatric habits. Protein first at meals. Pairing my protein with a fiber. Getting all my water in throughout the day. Moving my body. Avoiding sweets and trigger foods.
'And for me, that meant finding really great "replacement" options. Around the holidays, I make sugar-free protein hot chocolate and sugar-free/high-protein dessert options.'
She noted that now she doesn't restrict herself, but rather finds healthier 'Today, I'm a firm believer that you can make anything bariatric-friendly. Want a burger? Great - I'd make a cheeseburger salad! Want some pizza? Cool, I'd make a low-carb flatbread.
'All it took was some simple tweaks to find that flexibility and consistency. And it was important for me that I found things I enjoyed so this wouldn't just be another "diet" but a lifestyle.'
Jamie emphasized that motivation is instrumental in losing weight, but you can't only rely on it alone.
She noted that it was difficult for her to ask for help but once she did, Jamie realized it was crucial for her health and well-being.
The dietician explained: 'It's so hard to ask for help when we're struggling. But I'm really glad I finally set my ego and my pride aside and reached out.
'Obesity is a disease, a complex one that comes with many layers and pieces to the puzzle. Lifestyle will always be incredibly important, but sometimes we need other tools to help us as we work through all the habits.
She noted that it was difficult for her to ask for help but once she did, Jamie realized it was crucial for her health and well-being (seen left before and right after weight loss)
She noted that motivation comes in waves - adding that you must have other tools in place to help you achieve your goals (seen before weight loss)
Jamie also shared the habits she has adapted into her daily routines that have helped her throughout her journey (seen before weight loss)
'I joined Join Sequence and I started a GLP-1 medication with their guidance. Losing 45 pounds. I've also gone on anxiety and ADHD medications, and have continued to practice self-care by fueling myself with the foods that make me feel best and working out consistently with my personal trainer.'
She noted that motivation comes in waves - adding that you must have other tools in place to help you achieve your goals.
'Motivation is fleeting. What really counts is routine, habits, and dedication.