In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jennifer Brown, also known as @thisiowamom on social media, about her incredible weight loss journey.

Jennifer has become an inspiration to many, not just because of the pounds she has shed but because of the mental and physical transformation she has undergone in the process.

One topic that stood out during our conversation was the role of weight loss medications in helping her regain control of her health—particularly managing her blood sugar levels and achieving sustainable weight loss.

The Turning Point: When Health Became a Priority

Jennifer shared that her journey began six years ago when she weighed 342 pounds. She had faced multiple health scares, including a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome, and her husband had recently suffered a heart attack. With two children, she realized she needed to prioritize her health for herself and her family.

At [2:55], Jennifer reflected, “I didn’t want to cause my family to have to deal with me not being here simply because I wasn’t willing to take care of myself.”

This realization led her to make gradual lifestyle changes, starting with daily walks and increasing her water intake. Though small, these changes were her first steps toward a healthier future.

Overcoming Stigma: The Role of Weight Loss Medications

Like many who have embarked on a weight loss journey, Jennifer experienced plateaus. Even after losing 100 pounds, she struggled to shed the remaining weight.

It was during this period of frustration that she decided to consult with an obesity specialist. At [24:05], she said, “I told myself, if I can’t break through this, I’m going to see a doctor because there’s got to be something that I’m not doing correctly.” 

Her doctor recommended GLP-1 medications, a class of weight loss drugs, including tirzepatide (Mounjaro), recently approved by the FDA. These medications are designed to control blood sugar levels and reduce appetite, and they can be a game-changer for those dealing with metabolic issues like Jennifer’s.

Jennifer openly discussed the stigma around weight loss medications at [30:24]: “People say, ‘Oh, you cheated, you used medication,’ not realizing that it’s not a cheat. I need help.”

She emphasized that using these medications isn’t about taking the easy way out—it’s about addressing the underlying issues, such as her high blood sugar levels, which were preventing her from reaching her goals.

Balancing Medications and Healthy Habits

One of the most important points Jennifer made was that weight loss medications are not a magic solution. As she explained at [31:17], “I’ve still had to continue doing all the same things I was doing before while using the medication. It has just helped make it slightly easier.”

For Jennifer, the key to success has been finding balance—using medications to manage her blood sugar while also maintaining healthy habits like eating nutritious foods, focusing on protein, and exercising regularly.

Over time, she has been able to reduce her blood sugar levels, no longer needs high blood pressure medication, and has maintained her weight loss for over a year. At [29:45], she shared, “Now my blood sugars range between 75 and 80 regularly, and I’m no longer on high blood pressure medicine.”

Breaking the Stigma: Personalizing the Journey

Jennifer’s story serves as a reminder that everyone’s health journey is unique. While weight loss medications have helped her achieve and maintain her health goals, she stressed that these medications are not for everyone.

The most important takeaway is that you need to find what works for your body and lifestyle. At [37:53], she reflected, “At the end of the day, everybody does have a reason, and we don’t all necessarily know all the pieces of it.”

Jennifer encourages anyone considering weight loss medications to focus on building healthy habits and not to judge themselves or others for using the tools available to them. She is proof that with the right mindset, dedication, and help from medical professionals, extraordinary things are possible.

Final Thoughts: Small Wins Add Up

As Jennifer shared at [19:42], “If you don’t hit two of your goals in a day, but you hit the other two, that’s still a win.”

Her journey has been all about consistency and simplifying the process—focusing on manageable goals like drinking more water, moving a little each day, and gradually adjusting her habits.

Her story is an inspiration for anyone feeling overwhelmed or stuck in their journey. Whether it’s through medications, lifestyle changes, or a combination of both, the key is to find what works for you and stick with it.

Jennifer’s transparency about her struggles and successes is a powerful reminder that ordinary people do extraordinary things every day.

For more insights and to follow Jennifer’s journey, find her on Instagram and TikTok at @thisiowamom. And if you know someone who might benefit from hearing her story, share this post or listen to the full episode on the *Daily Dietitian Podcast*.

—

Are you ready to take the first step in your own health journey? Let Jennifer’s story remind you that small, consistent changes lead to big results, and sometimes, it’s okay to ask for help along the way