Dramatic weight loss is a long journey in which you’re forced to confront your demons and take responsibility for behavior that has been holding you back from the body you want.

These 15 people met the challenge head-on and changed their lives significantly in order to accomplish their weight loss goals.

Take a look at these before and after photos – they’re a testament to just how much patience, consistency, and hard work can change your body.

1. Lost over 300 pounds

In 3 years, this woman went from weighing 600 pounds to 230 pounds – incredible.

It’s a feat of both emotional and physical strength!

In fact, the second photo shows her at 20 pounds UNDER her original weight loss goal.

2. Lost 140 pounds

This woman went from 264 pounds to 124 pounds by significantly reducing her calorie intake and portion sizes as well as cutting fast food and alcohol out of her diet.

She started with cardio for exercise and then moved to Crossfit and weight training.

This shows 18 months of hard work and discipline.

3. Lost nearly 200 pounds

This man went from 335 to 155 pounds and achieved a healthy BMI.

It took two years, but changes in diet as well as starting a running regimen alongside his wife helped him reach his goal. And his wife lost 145 pounds herself!

4. Lost 127 pounds

This woman took it slow and steady and eventually ended up on an entirely raw, fresh, plant-based diet. This shows 4 years’ worth of progress after a major change in her diet and exercise habits.

It’s hard to argue with these results!

“Every time you put something in your mouth you are choosing what you become,” she said.

5. 180 pounds lost

It looks like a lot more weight loss, but this guy gained some major muscle from working out as well.

His Instagram is full of fitness inspo in case you want to use some of his training regimen in your own home.

6. Lost 70 pounds

While it might not seem as dramatic as losing over 100 pounds, this woman came a very long way to ensure herself a healthier future.

While she didn’t share her specific secrets to success, this kind of weight loss almost always involves both diet and exercise.

7. Lost 55 pounds

This woman had enough in March 2015 at her heaviest and “most ill.”

13 months later she had worked hard to lose 55 pounds, which took her halfway to her goal weight.

She’s certainly looking a lot happier in that second photo!

8. 213 pounds of weight loss

This man was 435 pounds at his heaviest. In the second photo, he was down to 222.

By focusing on nutrition and using meal prepping to keep to his diet in order, as well as spending time regularly at the gym, he’s been able to work towards his ultimate goal.

“While I’ve come a long way, I’m not done yet,” he said.

9. 130 pounds of weight loss and counting

On January 6th, 2014, this woman weighed 253 pounds with an unhealthy BMI of 44.9.

Her second photo was taken at age 25 when she weighed just 119lbs.

Her secret?

“I was so tired of being fat and tired of being laughed at. So I went cold turkey, I stopped eating rice (I always overeat when it comes to rice because it’s our staple food and rice is super delicious :p), I stopped eating out and cook my own meals from scratch and I eat mostly fish, chicken breast, and vegetables. I exercise 2 times a day, mostly cardio, using what I have at home. I play Just Dance on my Wii and exercise using a rowing machine.”

10. Lost 118 pounds

Going from 285 pounds to 167 pounds is quite a feat.

After a health scare, this man decided that two decades of being technically obese was just not going to work and embarked on a well-rounded fitness journey including lots of exercise.

11. Whoa – he lost 340 pounds!

What an incredible transformation!

These photos were taken 3 and a half years apart.

Originally, he felt lost when there was no one who could understand the situation he was in as a 605-pound man trying to lose weight.

But eventually, he took matters into his own hands and now helps train others struggling to lose large amounts of weight.

12. 90-pound difference

Donning the same dress, this woman showed the difference between her 225-pound frame and her 165-pound new body.

13. Lost 200 pounds

This woman’s switch to veganism is a big part of her 200-pound weight loss.

You can see her journey as well as get some meal ideas on her Instagram.

Of course, this much weight loss required exercise as well as a new diet.

14. Over 150 pounds dropped

After a bad breakup, this 425+ pound man decided to change his life.

The second photo was taken after a rigorous diet and exercise regime that allowed him to drop to 257 pounds.

He credits the support of friends and family for his success.

15. Lost over 120 pounds

After thyroid tumors and “multiple endocrine system failures” that made her weight “balloon uncontrollably,” this woman had to undergo surgery for her health issues before she could concentrate on weight loss.

But once she did, she worked hard for 12 months to try to get to under 200 pounds.

She succeeded with 3 weeks to spare!

***

These photos show that no matter how heavy you are, weight loss is possible if that’s your goal.

But they also show the results of hard work and determination and prove that there’s no magic bullet or quick way to get there.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.