In the quest for losing weight, you might have tried a handful of approaches: restrictive eating, fad diets, intense workouts, you name it. We’ve all been there, surfing the endless forums, looking for practical pound-shedding tips, but nothing seemed to work well enough.

If all the yo-yo diets seem too restrictive for you, and you want to try a new, healthier, and more mindful approach – meet intermittent fasting motivational weight loss stories! While diets are about what you eat, fasting focuses on when you do it. It’s far from restrictive; you can choose when to eat and adapt your fasting to your busy lifestyle.

Intermittent fasting has helped thousands of people rewire their relationship with food and enhance their metabolic health, and they have shared their success stories with us. Read on, get inspired, and join those who have transformed their lives with intermittent fasting. 

Table Of Contents

How Much Weight Can You Lose on Intermittent Fasting?

It depends! Just as all fasts are different, based on people’s lifestyles, so is the amount of weight you can lose. It depends on your genetics, starting weight, activity level, metabolism, and how many calories you eat. 

Recent studies have shown that people typically lose 7 to 11 pounds over ten weeks of intermittent fasting. 

When you start fasting for the first time, you might lose weight quicker; it’s your body adjusting to the new eating patterns and a reduced calorie intake. As you adapt to IF, weight loss can slow down, and the progress will become more gradual. 

Your before and after fasting results should only be about the number on the scale! If you focus on your weight, you may overlook other health benefits of IF, so look at it as a way to enhance your well-being and become a healthier version of yourself. 

motivational weight loss stories

What Are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Intermittent Fasting?

Everyone’s raving about intermittent fasting; fasting before and after pics on the web seem impressive, but what other health benefits does it have? Is it a flawless dietary pattern, or does it have its drawbacks?

Let’s be honest and explore.

Intermittent Fasting Benefits: Beyond Weightloss

1. Weight loss: Intermittent fasting promotes weight loss by reducing calorie intake and boosting fat burning. 

2. Improved metabolic health: IF shows promise for improving glycemic control, an excellent solution for insulin resistance. Moreover, IF helps reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes

3. Brain health: Intermittent fasting may help support brain health by strengthening the production of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor). This protein is a crucial regulator of cognitive performance and brain health, and IF upregulates BDNF and improves mental performance. 

4. Heart health: IF decreases the risk of heart diseases due to weight loss and healthier dietary choices. 

5. Longevity: Aminal research shows that sticking to intermittent fasting and calorie restriction over a lifetime increases lifespan. 

Image The Most Inspiring Fasting Weight Loss Success Stories

Intermittent Fasting Disadvantages: Nothing is Perfect

1. Hunger and cravings: Hunger is among the top side effects of IF, especially at the start. Hunger symptoms tend to go away after the first few days of the new regimen, so it’s important to stick to it.

2. Headaches: Any type of fasting may cause headaches and lightheadedness. Just like hunger, headaches occur during the first few days of fasting when your body is getting used to skipping meals. 

3. Digestive issues: Diarrhea, nausea, indigestion, and bloating – all of these symptoms are common during intermittent fasting. These side effects are connected to a reduction in calories, so start reducing the amount of food gradually to avoid digestive issues. 


4. Mood changes:
When you first start fasting, you may notice that you’re more irritable than usual, your mood changes more often, and you feel anxious. This can occur as a result of low blood sugar levels during periods of calorie restriction. Once your body adapts, the symptoms should go away. 

5. Low energy: Fasting can also lead to low energy levels and fatigue; again, calorie restriction is the reason. On the other hand, a recent study found that IF may reduce fatigue, especially when you adapt to a fasting period. Listen to your body’s signals and vary your food choices if you feel fatigued or sleepy during IF.

6. Sleep issues: According to a 2019 study, 15% of participants reported sleep problems related to fasting. Other studies, however, don’t report the same results, so that IF may affect your sleep due to your unique body reaction to a fast, but it’s an exception rather than a rule. 

Intermittent Fasting Success Stories

Ready to fast your way towards health and well-being? You don’t have to do it alone; hundreds of intermittent fasting testimonials prove that it’s never too late to make a positive change and build a new lifestyle. If you’re reading this – you’ve already laid a foundation for success. 

Let these tales of triumph inspire you and power your determination and willpower to overcome challenges, enjoy the fast, and build a new, more confident you. You’ve got this! 

Intermittent Fasting 4 to 3 Success Story 

Sumaya Kazi started at 205; after 7.5 months, she dropped more than 50 pounds! It’s 10.5% in body fat and 40 inches around her body. Impressive!

How Sumaya Kazi Lost 50 pounds through Intermittent Fasting 4 to 3
How Sumaya Kazi Lost 50 pounds through Intermittent Fasting 4 to 3 (Associated Press)

She ate junk food frequently when she first started her weight loss excursion. She lacked time for workouts due to extensive travel and spent more than five years overweight, which occurred shortly after she graduated from college. 

Sumaya ate at restaurants the majority of the time, didn’t have time to cook, and didn’t care about the nutritional value of her meals. 

As time passed, she felt dissatisfied with her appearance and tried Weight Watchers in conjunction with gym sessions four to five times each week. Spoiler: it didn’t help. 

Even if she lost a bit of weight, she yo-yos to being overweight before she began intermittent fasting (IF) 4:3 diet.

The 4 to 3 IF approach enabled her to fast three out of seven days a week while eating the rest of the day. Intermittent fasting has  served to assist her track her weight and enhance her health and confidence.

Intermittent fasting has allowed her to track her weight and appetite while additionally boosting her health and confidence.

OMAD Success Stories: Sara Walton Steele from Texas

Like many others, Sara Walton Steele has struggled with weight gain after she gave birth to her two daughters. 

At 64 years old, 5’3’’, Sara had a peak weight of 242 pounds. The number on the scale made her realize that it was time to make fundamental changes, and Sara began practicing OMAD (one meal a day). 

Sara practiced OMAD for a year and managed to lose an incredible 50 pounds! She attributes this result to the flexibility and simplicity of her fasting schedule. Despite her love for carbs and dessert, Sara found success without feeling deprived. 

Once she hit a plateau, which is normal, Sara decided to shake things up and incorporate ADF (alternate daily fasting) into her life. Even though it was initially challenging, Sara managed to break her plateau, and the weight started moving again. Her fasting weight loss before and after results impressed everyone around her!

Now, Sara plans to stick to this way of eating for life, as it lets her take control of her health and weight and feel fabulous. 

Hey! My name is Miranda, I'm 22 years old, and I used intermittent fasting to lose 66 pounds

16 8 Intermittent Fasting Success Stories: Dr. Kevin Gendreau

This weight loss story started from receiving tragic news: when Dr. Kevin Gendreau learned that his sister was diagnosed with cancer, he realized that it was time to take charge of his health. 

At that time, he weighed 300 pounds and suffered from diabetes, hypertension, and fatty liver disease. There was no more time to waste – he had to act. 

Dr. Gendreau made a firm decision to change his diet and lifestyle drastically and adopted a strict regimen – he focused on eating veggies, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Processed foods and snacks became a no-no; from then on, Dr. Gendreau’s diet became healthy and nutrient-rich. 

As it often happens, Dr. Gendreau hit a plateau, but he was determined to break through and continue his journey. That’s when he incorporated intermittent fasting into his routine. His eating window was from 12 pm to 8 pm daily, allowing him to break through the plateau and get the weight moving. 

Intermittent fasting and a healthy diet helped Dr. Kevin Gendreau shed 125 pounds! This journey also helped him enhance his insulin sensitivity and become a healthier version of himself. 

Also, read – How Does a Pedometer Help People Smash Their Fitness Goals? Step Up Your Game!

Alternate Day Fasting Success Stories: Rachel Sharp 

Rachel Sharp’s weight loss and transformation story is nothing short of inspiring. She had been battling with weight issues her entire life, feeling lost and helpless as nothing seemed to work. 

One day, when Rachel was 26, she stumbled upon intermittent fasting, and a new hope was born. Seeing 236 pounds on the scale, she was dedicated to losing weight and living a new, healthier, and happier life. 

A desire to feel healthy and confident drove Rachel to embark on an alternate-day fasting (ADF) journey. Even though she was initially skeptical and hesitant, she decided to fully commit to this approach and eat only every other day, especially after seeing all the intermittent fasting success stories pictures. 

The journey might have been a challenge the first few weeks, but Racheled powered through and managed to lose 100 pounds in one year! What an incredible story of transformation, persistence, and resilience. Rachel is proof that anyone can regain control of their life and overcome any obstacles with a clear goal in mind and enough determination! 

18 6 Diet Success Stories: Charmaine Canida from Texas

Meet Charmaine Canida – a 28-year-old case manager and wellness coach from Houston, Texas, who’s here to share her inspiring journey of health and fitness transformation. 

Charmaine’s childhood was marked by struggles with weight and the use of food as a coping strategy for stress and depression – a vicious cycle from which she could not break free. 

In 2016, Charmaine decided to change her life and embark on a journey of wellness and health, especially after witnessing her grandmother’s health struggles due to poor nutrition. 

Once Charmaine joined a metabolic program, she lost 80 pounds – her first colossal milestone! A new portion of stress hit when she had to move to a new city and settle down, leading her to regain the weight she had worked so hard to lose. 

Charmaine saw this not as a failure but as a new possibility to work even harder and try a new approach – intermittent fasting. She started fasting for 18 hours and eating within a six-hour window, limiting her food intake to two meals a day. 

A nutritious diet combined with fasting and exercising helped Charmaine lose an impressive 70 pounds, proving that with determination and self-care, it is possible to transform her body and mind. We’re proud of you, Charmaine! 

Michael Dolan Lost 40 Lbc Through Intermittent Fasting 16:8

Intermittent fasting works for both men and women. Look at the case of Michael Dolan, who claimed that his significant weight gain was caused by his addiction to soda, his job, which keeps him always busy, and a lousy eating habit. 

His weight was 208 pounds, which was abnormal. He wanted to get down to at least 168 pounds. 

First, he took care of his habit of always eating pizza and pasta and drinking soda. This dietary change helped him lose 20 pounds in a few weeks. 

Then, Michael hit a plateau. Despite hitting the gym regularly, the weight didn’t want to change. That’s when he found out about intermittent fasting

Micheal Dolan began fasting from 16 to 8 hours per day, in addition to working out and healthy eating well during his eating window. He was able to reduce his weight to 154 pounds, which was 10 pounds less than his original objective.

Intermittent fasting helped Michael hit his target without depriving himself; eating enough calories during the eating window helped him stay satiated during the fast. 

Also, read – 28 Day Fasting Challenge – Unleash Your Potential for a Healthier, Happier You!

Juice Fasting Weight Loss Success Stories: Jasmin Singer 

Jasmin Singer’s quest for health and peace began with a transformative juice-fasting experience. There are plenty of water fast for weight loss success stories, but what about juice fasting? 

Jasmine was growing up as a “fat kid,” struggling with bullying at school and using junk food as her primary source of solace and escape from the cruel world of her peers. Even after adopting a vegan lifestyle, her eating habits didn’t change, making her gain even more weight. 

One day, Jasmine discovered a documentary, “Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead,” which inspired her to embark on a juice-fasting journey. 

Juice fasting helped Jasmin Singer lose an impressive 100 pounds and gain the clarity she lacked in her relationship with food and her body. By putting herself first, Jasmine discovered what it means to put herself first and prioritize abundance over deprivation.

If you want to start a juice fast, Jasmin advises to begin with at least a seven-day fast to experience actual results. Don’t be afraid to seek community support and celebrate even the tiniest milestones! 

14/10 Intermittent Fasting Success Stories: Nissa Graun

Nissa Graun, a mom from Mesa, Arizona, was a yo-yo dieter for many years, fluctuating in weight due to various restrictive diets and excessive exercise. 

When she was pregnant with her first child in 2014, Nissa gained 65 pounds and developed gestational diabetes, making her concerned about her health. An attempt after attempt to lose weight, nothing seemed to help until Lisa read the intermittent fasting weight loss success stories and discovered a high-fat, low-carb diet combined with intermittent fasting. 

She cut out processed carbs, incorporated healthy fats, and noticed that her weight started decreasing and her blood sugar levels lowered. 

Like many people, Nissa was skeptical about intermittent fasting, but the approach proved incredibly effective. She started fasting for 14 hours and gradually extended the fasting window to 16 hours, shedding 105 pounds as a result.

After losing an impressive amount of weight and caring for her health, Nissa waved goodbye to health issues and gained a newfound sense of clarity and well-being. Let her story inspire you and testify that a holistic approach like intermittent fasting can help you achieve mind-blowing results without deprivation and restrictions. 

Dirty Fasting Success Stories: Kayla Cox

Kayla Cox managed to lose 80 pounds on her dirty fasting journey! How did she do it?

Kayla’s weight loss journey began in 2015 when she weighed 222 pounds. She had explored numerous diets and weight loss methods but had yet to find lasting success. After trying intermittent fasting for some time, she realized that clean fasting was too strict for her, and she needed a more versatile option.

Dirty fasting was her choice; it allowed Kayla to still enjoy her coffee with half and half and even sugar during her fasting windows and have a cheat day on Sundays. Even though she broke the conventional fasting rules, dirty fasting still allowed her to reach her weight loss goals.

Kayla’s journey is a story of a personalized approach, demonstrating that you don’t have to adhere to strict rules and restrictions if you feel that they’re not for you. Find what works best for you, emphasize simplicity, and stay consistent on your journey. You’ve got this! 

Martine Etienne-Mesubi Lost 80 Lbs with Intermittent Fasting

Martine Etienne-Mesubi is a 24-year-old woman with 225 pounds at her peak weight.

Martine’s daughter was six years old then, and the woman couldn’t play outdoors with her daughter without catching her breath every few minutes. 

martine mesubi weight loss
NBC News Martine Etienne-Mesubi

When Martine got pregnant with her second child, she satisfied all her food cravings, eating whatever she wanted. She soon realized that it was time to take control of her weight, one of the reasons being diabetes and hypertension running in her family.

For the longest time, Martine was in her diet mentality, having dozens of restrictions and being scared of gaining a single pound. After bearing her second child, Martine didn’t have enough energy to do weight training, running, or HIIT exercises. 

That’s when she stumbled upon intermittent fasting on Instagram. Martine researched the topic from A to Z, discovering all the health benefits of IF, and decided to give it a go. Starting from 18/6 fasting, she gradually moved to eating for 5-6 hours/day. She could also fast for 48 to 72 hours weekly; by April 2019, she had lost 30 pounds. 

In the long run, intermittent fasting helped Martine lose 80 pounds and regain her confidence and over-the-roof energy levels. 

Wrapping Up: Your Fast to Wellness Begins Now

If you’ve been hesitant about starting your intermittent fasting journey, let these motivational stories prove that everything is possible with enough confidence, determination, and a personalized approach. 

Accept the power of your decisions, listen to your body, and recognize the transformative potential that has always existed inside you. Each fasting window brings you closer to success with intermittent fasting; all you have to do is believe in yourself. 

Take your first step today, and let intermittent fasting help you rewrite your life story. If you need more inspiration any step of the way, just look in the mirror – the most assertive person capable of achieving anything is in front of you. 

We are an Inspired team of writers who are passionate about writing on the topic of a healthy approach to Nutrition and Wellness. We are guided in our writing by our knowledge and experience as well as open official medical and health sources.

William is from Canada, he is passionate nutrition & wellness writer. William understands that the topic of wellness is still not well understood, so his goal is to enlighten and teach people how to live healthier and happier in their bodies.

Intermittent fasting transformation