At just sixteen years old, Josie Desgrand, a teenager from Queensland, Australia, made a powerful decision. She realized she could no longer continue hiding from the world. For years, cruel classmates had teased her about her weight, leaving deep emotional scars. Their words made her feel small, invisible, and unworthy. Each insult pushed her further into isolation.
Josie felt overwhelmed every time she opened Instagram. The constant stream of perfect bodies and flawless selfies made her feel like she didn’t belong. She compared herself to people online and felt worse each time. At her heaviest, she weighed 280 pounds. But even more painful than the number was how she felt inside—trapped in a body that didn’t reflect who she really was.
She tried many diets over the years, but none brought lasting results. At first, she would feel motivated and excited to begin. But that motivation quickly faded. Each failed attempt made her feel more disappointed. In her sadness, she turned to food for comfort, creating a vicious cycle she couldn’t seem to break.
Josie reached a breaking point one night when she was alone in her room. She took off her clothes and stood in front of the mirror in only her underwear. It was a moment of truth. As she stared at her reflection, she made a life-changing promise: “No more being the ‘fat Josie.’” It was time to take control of her life.
She decided to document everything, starting with photos of her body from all sides. Josie also wrote down her exact body measurements. Instead of focusing on a huge, overwhelming goal, she broke it down into smaller, daily steps. Her plan was simple: just improve a little each day. That mindset became her foundation.
Josie changed the way she ate, one habit at a time. She cut out sugar and reduced the number of carbs she consumed. She began drinking lots of water to stay hydrated. She stopped buying processed snacks and soda, which had always been her comfort foods. This new way of eating was tough at first.
The first few weeks were the hardest for Josie. She struggled with intense cravings, felt tired often, and sometimes doubted whether she could keep going. But slowly, small changes started to appear. Her clothes began fitting a little looser. Her skin looked clearer, and her energy started coming back. Most importantly, she didn’t quit.
One of the biggest sources of strength came from her father. When Josie told him about her decision to change, he didn’t hesitate to join her. They decided to support each other on the journey. Having someone to be accountable to made a big difference. They encouraged each other every single day.
As time passed, Josie’s confidence began to grow. She stayed consistent with her eating habits and slowly saw the weight come off. Eventually, she dropped from 280 pounds to 198 pounds. It was a major milestone. But Josie didn’t stop there. She decided to take her transformation to the next level.
She joined a gym and began working out regularly. Exercise became an important part of her life. It wasn’t just about losing weight anymore—it was about building strength and becoming healthy. At the gym, she pushed herself beyond what she thought she could do. Every workout gave her more confidence.
Before, social media had made her feel small and insecure. But now, she used it to inspire others. Josie created an Instagram account called @nolongerfatjosie. She shared her meals, workout routines, and personal updates. She was honest and real with her followers. Quickly, the account gained thousands of fans.
People from all over the world began following her story. Many saw her as a source of hope and motivation. Josie’s transparency was what made her so relatable. She didn’t pretend it was easy. She shared the struggles as well as the victories. Her message was clear: if she could do it, others could too.
Every night, Josie took time to respond to messages from strangers. Some just needed a kind word. Others asked for advice or shared their own battles with self-image. Josie always took the time to answer. She knew how painful it was to feel alone. Helping people made all her hard work feel worthwhile.
Over two years, Josie lost a total of 138 pounds. That was more than half of her original body weight. But this journey wasn’t just about a number on the scale. It was about reclaiming her life. The discipline, consistency, and self-love she built transformed her completely—inside and out.
She now weighs about 138 pounds and lives by one rule: discipline over motivation. Josie says waiting to feel ready is a trap. “You don’t wait,” she explains. “You just start. The feeling will come later.” Her words resonate with thousands who still struggle to take the first step.
Josie’s story has especially touched young women around the world. In a culture that celebrates physical perfection, her story offers something real. She shows that beauty comes in strength, courage, and honesty. Her transformation is not just physical—it’s emotional and spiritual, too.
She uses her platform to remind others that they are not alone. Through photos and captions, she tells a story of hope. Her journey is a powerful example of how self-belief and patience can change everything. Josie never claimed it was easy—but she proved that it was possible.
The shy girl who once avoided mirrors now speaks to large crowds. She wears clothes that express her confidence. More importantly, she now uses her voice to uplift others. She teaches people to accept themselves while working toward better health. Her words are always honest, never fake.
Josie and her father now travel together to speak at schools and wellness events. They share their personal stories and offer practical tips for building healthy habits. Students listen closely when Josie speaks. Her story feels real to them. It’s not about magic diets—it’s about making small choices daily.
Josie always emphasizes starting small. She tells people not to wait for the perfect moment. “Just start,” she says. “Start where you are, with what you have.” That mindset can open the door to massive change. Her followers repeat her words like a mantra, using them to build their own paths.
When people message her saying they’ve lost hope, Josie listens. She remembers what it felt like to be at rock bottom. She gives them encouragement and reminds them that change begins with a decision. One choice, made in a moment of pain, can lead to something amazing.
Now in her early twenties, Josie continues to live a healthy lifestyle. She still exercises, still eats clean, and still inspires. But her purpose has grown beyond just her personal transformation. She wants to help others feel strong, worthy, and alive. And she’s doing just that—every single day.
The name @nolongerfatjosie was never about hating her past self. It was about growth. It’s a reminder of how far she’s come. Josie speaks with love about the girl she used to be. That girl was strong enough to begin. And because of her, Josie is who she is today.
Today, Josie smiles with pride at the mirror. Not because she’s thin, but because she sees a fighter. Someone who refused to give up. Someone who took control. She knows that her story is helping others. And that knowledge gives her more joy than any number ever could.
She reminds her followers that it’s okay to struggle. It’s okay to fall—as long as you get back up. Progress is not a straight line. It’s about learning, adjusting, and continuing. And most of all, it’s about believing that you are worth the effort.
Josie Desgrand proves that true change comes from within. It starts with a choice—a small moment where you decide you’re ready. Not to be perfect, but to be better. And once you make that decision, everything starts to shift.
“Every photo I share,” Josie says, “is not about showing off.” It’s about reminding people what’s possible. It’s about giving hope. It’s about letting someone else see what can happen when you don’t give up on yourself.
If Josie can do it, she believes anyone can. Her story is not about weight—it’s about self-respect. It’s about showing up for yourself when no one else does. It’s about becoming the person you were always meant to be.