I went from 220-155! (5'1")
I posted earlier, and a few people suggested to post a full body picture. I had to dig deep for the first one because I took very few pictures when I was that big. I feel amazing!
I don’t really have anyone IRL to share with so posting my progress here!
Started IF 8/12/26.
Left: 8/29/26
Right: 10/4/26
5’3, SW: 128lb. Current weight unsure - I don’t weigh myself.
HUGE disclaimer that the starting photo was taken at 6pm so I did not have an empty stomach. The right photo was taken this morning before eating anything. My tummy is definitely bloated/bigger throughout the day when I’m eating. I didn’t know I was supposed to take all my progress photos in the AM before eating for accurate comparison lol but now I know. I tried to let my body be as relaxed as possible/no flexing to also get a better idea of how I look.
I would say that this morning I look my best compared to an average day. I have the usual fluctuations of water weight, feel and appear to have some bloating/fullness due to the foods I eat, etc.
Super happy with the progress though. I struggled a bit with the adjustment and hunger during the first 2.5 weeks of IF. Once my body adjusted, I only occasionally feel hunger that is uncomfortable but it’s not terrible. I aim to eat in a deficit but I don’t count my calories. I eat 2 meals a day, with high protein or healthy snacks in between, and a protein shake. I aim to eat at least 100g protein a day for body recomp.
In addition to IF, I’ve increased my physical activity. I strength train 3x a week, indoor climb 2x a week, and I try to get at least 1 cardio session a week (either swim or run/walk on treadmill). I also try to reach at least 8-10k steps daily, although if I’m already pretty active during the day then I’m not as strict with the steps (like if I climb and strength train on the same day).
My previous activity level was just climbing 2-3x a week but nothing else. I didn’t count my steps or care about walking before.
Current focus is body recomp by eating at a slight deficit, high protein, eat healthy whole foods when possible, strength training with some light cardio and increased average daily steps.
Feeling positive and hoping to reach my body goals next year! (Goal to reduce body fat to reduce the lower belly pooch and also grow my muscles, especially my glutes)
Thanks for reading! And thanks everyone for this community. I’ve been reading the posts here since I started and it has been very encouraging and motivating to me.
220 pounds to 155
ETA: I made another post showing more of my body. Check it out https://www.reddit.com/r/intermittentfasting/s/obefjaVK5r
15 months in and my progress continues. Between 6’3 and 6’4. Starting weight 430. Current weight 200. Started with calorie deficit (1200-1500 per day). Added16/8 IF a couple of months in. Started cycling in December. Kept up the defect and IF for 1 full year. Now I’ve added more calories back in to help fuel my workouts. I continue to lose fat and currently 9.9% body fat (7.5 subcutaneous and just under 2 visceral).
My first bike ride was 4 miles and my heart rate was close to 200 ( thought I was going to die lol). Around 6 weeks ago, I and my longest ride of 102 miles with a max heart rate of 145.
I’ve gone from a size 56 waste to a size 34. I wore a 66” jacket and now 39-40.
While I no longer stick to the 16/8 IF as I need fuel for my rides, there’s zero doubt that it was the reason I was able to go from too big to want to get out of my chair to the point I was able to actually add activity.
I ride 150 to 300 miles in a given week and walk my pup around 9 miles per week at a 4mph pace.
I now own a mountain bike, an EMTB, a gravel bike, an endurance road bike and a performance road bike and just bought a Zwift (2 rides in) as I’m in Florida and hate when the rain keeps me from riding.
(I had several questions about loose skin last time and while it’s not tight, fortunately, I don’t have a hanging skin issue. I’m not sure why as I expected it.)
Each step of my journey: deficit, IF, cycling and then even adding calories back seem to kick start the next 30-40 pound drop.
In May of 2025, I didn’t want to walk to the mailbox. Today, I can ride a bike over 100 miles…if you’re struggling, know that when you decide to do something about it, you can (assuming you don’t have some health related issue that I didn’t have to deal with). I was likely at the end of my journey a year ago…with my will to change and the support received from those around me, my new journey is well underway.
I apologize if anyone is tired of seeing my post here but my progress keeps getting better (along with my blood pressure, resting heart rate, vo2max, etc.)
Pics obviously not in order (sorry)