Jess started her weight-loss journey in 2012. At 24 years old and 215 pounds (just over 15 stone), she felt insecure and unhappy with herself. After graduating University, Jess started going out to lunch with coworkers, going to happy hour, and skipping the gym. With a desk job, she didn't get a lot of activity in.
"I became really addicted to food and my every thought was consumed by what I was going to be able to eat next. I was winded after walking up a flight of stairs and didn't even recognise myself anymore," Jess shared. She had a wake-up call at a work event she attended and realised that a lot of her unhappiness stemmed from her weight. "It held me back from dating, going after my goals, and social gatherings, etc. Until then, I didn't realise how much my weight had held me back from living my life," Jess said.
Image Source: Jess Dukes