The Truth About Weight Loss Transformations: What Really Changes (and What Doesn’t)
As heard on A Holistic Dose, Episode 2
By Tiffany Castillo & Jeanette Soltys
Co-hosts, A Holistic Dose
When we talk about weight loss, we tend to focus on numbers: pounds lost, sizes dropped, calories burned. But anyone who’s been through a major weight loss transformation knows—it’s never just about the weight.
Between the two of us, we’ve lost over 200 pounds. That journey has been emotional, liberating, frustrating, and at times, deeply confusing. And while we’re proud of the transformation, we’re here to tell you: it’s more complicated than a “before and after” photo.
Here’s what we uncovered in our latest episode of A Holistic Dose—and what we wish more people talked about.
Is Wanting to Lose Weight Anti-Body Positivity?
This was our starting question—and it’s one that sits in a lot of people’s minds.
We both believe in body acceptance. But we also believe it’s okay to want change. The real conversation is this: can you love your body and still want to improve it?
We’ve seen the shift in society. The pendulum swung from fat-shaming to radical acceptance to now—where GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro have entered the spotlight, and suddenly everyone’s shrinking again.
Wanting to feel stronger, healthier, or more confident in your body doesn’t mean you hate it. It means you're evolving with it.
The Emotional Side of Weight Loss No One Talks About
Most of the transformation happens internally—and not always in ways we expect.
Identity Crisis, Anyone?
Jeanette shared how she always identified as “the curvy girl.” When she dropped to 180 pounds, she felt unanchored. “Who am I now?” became a daily question. Tiffany echoed this: our self-worth often gets tied up in how others see us—and how we see ourselves.
Living in a Smaller Body Isn’t Pure Bliss
Yes, there are wins. But also: loose skin. Muscle loss. Lingering insecurities. There’s a moment post-transformation where you realize—“I thought everything would feel better. And some of it does. But some of it… doesn’t.”
What Maintenance Really Looks Like
Let’s be honest: maintaining weight loss can be harder than the loss itself.
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The fear of regaining weight is real.
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The pressure to stay “on track” can become toxic.
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The goal weight you worked so hard for might not even feel like success when you get there.
We talked about how we had to shift from a “losing” mindset to a “living” mindset. No more chasing a number. It became about finding routines that support our mental and physical health—without punishment or restriction.
Redefining What Success Means
Success isn’t always a flat stomach or perfect meal plan. It’s:
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Saying no to “all or nothing” thinking.
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Accepting that body image can fluctuate—even after the scale drops.
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Continuing healthy habits because they feel good, not because they’re “working.”
Progress isn’t a straight line. And the work doesn’t end when the weight is gone.
🎧 Listen to the Episode
This episode is for anyone who has ever:
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Battled with their body and self-image
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Tried to lose weight and felt like they failed
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Wondered what life after weight loss is really like
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Felt conflicted between self-love and the desire to change
🎙️ Listen to A Holistic Dose Episode 2:
“Weight Loss Transformations: The Emotional, Physical, and Identity Shift No One Talks About”
Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-holistic-dose/id1811201632?i=1000706321675
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1rB4489ZJPGph2AWaAEDlP?si=q9_W9hE3TAC7e-7nySU8vQ
Listen on Youtube: https://youtu.be/E7mOk__qpkY?si=uuI3p0KcIYPjzYZ7
Here's a few other resources to check out:
• Telemeds: Interested in trying GLP-1's, here's a link Telemed company Tiffany mentions on the episode:
https://partners.orderlymeds.com/24XQ000/Home
• YouAte – Mindful Eating Photo Journal | www.youate.com
It helps people track meals with photos and reflections, not calories.
Here's a few people to check out on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thebirdspapaya/(body image + real motherhood)
https://www.instagram.com/drjoshuawolrich/(evidence-based anti-diet doctor)
https://www.instagram.com/mynameisjessamyn/(yoga + body liberation)
Until next time!
xo, Tiffany & Jeanette
photo credit: http://catmaxphotography.com
