At the age of 16, Josie Desgrand found herself weighing 127 kilograms and feeling disheartened as she scrolled through Instagram, filled with images of slim models. Multiple failed attempts at dieting had trapped her in a cycle of indulging in junk food to cope with her emotions.
Compounding her struggles, Josie was also a target of bullying at school. It was this toxic mix of factors that finally prompted her to take a stand.
One day, Josie decided to confront her reality. She went into her room and stripped down to her underwear. In that moment, she made a promise to herself: “No longer fat Josie.”
Josie took pictures of herself from various angles, marking the beginning of her weight loss journey. She used a tape measure to record her dimensions, fully aware that her path ahead was long, given her significant overweight status. But she was determined to document every change, no matter how small.
Setting small, achievable goals, Josie adhered to her fitness plan and diligently tracked her progress. She began noticing positive changes and made significant alterations to her diet by adopting a low-carb, no-sugar regimen. Increasing her water intake became a key part of her routine.
Josie’s father, Mark, joined her in this challenge, and their mutual support and friendly competition spurred them both to go the extra mile.
“Being competitive with him pushed us both to go the extra mile, it was great to have my dad along for the ride,” Josie shared.
Once Josie reached 90 kilograms through her healthy eating habits, she decided to add another element to her journey by joining a gym.
“No longer fat Josie. Sticking with the exercise program gave me the extra push to reach my goal weight,” she exclaimed.
Josie found Instagram to be an invaluable source of inspiration and support. She started sharing her meals and progress on her Instagram account, @nolongerfatjosie. Her followers quickly multiplied, and their encouragement buoyed her spirits.
With people from all corners of the world joining her journey, Josie never contemplated giving up. She dedicated an hour each night to responding to every message. Having been in their shoes before, she was determined to help as many people as possible.
Josie offered words of encouragement, reminding others to keep going when they felt like giving up. Her followers cheered her on with comments like, “You look great!” and “Can I have the recipe?”
At the age of 18, weighing 63 kilograms, Josie was overjoyed with her transformation. Her friends and family marveled at her new figure, which allowed her to confidently slip into a tight dress, flaunting her newfound curves.
Now, Josie’s mission is to be a source of motivation for others. She believes that everyone deserves to experience the happiness she now enjoys. This motivation has driven her to write a book about her remarkable journey, with the aim of inspiring and helping others regain their confidence and well-being.
Josie Desgrand’s story is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and the support of a global community. Her journey from self-doubt to self-empowerment serves as a beacon of hope for those facing similar challenges, showing that with dedication and a strong support network, transformation is possible.