Josie Desgrand, from Queensland, Australia, was constantly bullied for her weight. The 16-year-old weighed almost 300 pounds at her heaviest, and she struggled with all the criticism. She hated the way she looked and even considered getting weight-loss surgery.
The teen decided to embrace a healthier lifestyle and get in shape, but she knew it would be hard. Just 12 months later, Josie had completely transformed, losing 138 pounds — and silencing her bullies.
Now 18-year-old Josie has a popular Instagram account where she shares her journey. Not only did she overhaul her diet, but she completely changed her lifestyle. Nowadays, she works out three or four days a week with a personal trainer.
Josie's body is still a work in progress, but she knows the most important part about her weight-loss journey is the confidence she's gained. She loves encouraging others to be their best selves, and many people see her as an inspiration.
This is Josie Desgrand. She looks like any other happy, confident teen, but two years ago she looked completely different.
In the time since, Josie lost half her body weight, and she's been sharing her journey on Instagram.
Josie explained:
“Hello, I’m Josephine Desgrand. This is my journey to a healthier & fitter me. I’m 18 years old and currently weigh in at 60kgs with a height of 174cm. 2 years ago I weighed 127kgs and decided to change my life.”
“I stuck to a low carb, no sugar diet for TWO WHOLE years. I began to eat natural sugars about six months into my journey. In the first 12 months I lost 63kgs.”
“I do not see this as a diet to lose weight, I see this as my new lifestyle change. In these two years I have faced some very difficult challenges but I have chosen to pick myself up and keep moving. Everybody has bad days, never let a stumble be the end of your journey. Stay positive “
Even though many people would envy Josie's body, she knows it's still a work in progress. And it's not just about weight loss — it's about a mindset. Josie explains:
“The concept of weight loss is simple – ‘burn more calories than you consume’ but in reality it’s certainly not easy! For me, I had to change my mindset.”
“I wanted to lose weight for so long, but it was usually for superficial reasons, wear a bikini, be more popular etc, but I found it wasn’t until I genuinely focussed on me, on my health, on being mindful of what I’m eating that my journey became successful.”
“I realised it was going to be a tough journey and that it wasn’t just about seeing the number on the scales go down, but more about achieving small goals and making myself accountable for them. My next goal is to tone up, and I will get there, I just need to reset my focus.”
On October 5, Josie reached an important milestone: her two-year lifestyle change anniversary. She wrote:
“Today is my 2 year anniversary of the day I decided to change my life. I remember just clearly thinking, this is it – I am going to do this. I took control myself. I knew that it was me, and only me, that could make this change.”
“I lost 60kg in 11 months and have maintained for just over a year. The biggest advice I can give is just keep going. Don’t give up. The time will pass anyway, so spend it creating the life you want. It’s your choice.”
And Josie never shies away from helping others. She loves encouraging people to find their confidence. On one post, she wrote:
“I receive comments daily about how you wish you can change your life, find the motivation and how you wish you can have similar results – well you absolutely CAN!”
“Find out what works for you, really take note of your body and how it responds to certain foods, exercise etc. treat your body like a temple and then make it your lifestyle. If you change your mindset, you will change your life. You’ve got this “
There's no denying that Josie was beautiful before she began her weight-loss journey, but it's obvious that she's so much more confident now.
Josie's always been stunning, but now she's absolutely radiant. Congratulations, Josie!
