Gloria L. Decides to Lose 50 lbs* in 6 Months at Age 79, and as a Result, Improves Key Heart Health Markers
- laurincampos
- 26 minutes ago
- 6 min read
Down 50 lbs. Improved metabolic health, including improvements in blood pressure and insulin levels.
For decades, Gloria L. battled her weight, cycling through countless popular programs – counting points, eating packaged nutrition without support, even extreme measures like the cabbage diet. But nothing provided lasting results.
Her body bore the brunt of the struggle: chronic inflammation, swollen hands and feet, dangerously high blood sugar levels and, ultimately, worsening metabolic health. Three years ago, her health hit a terrifying low when she temporarily lost her eyesight due to complications associated with blood glucose and insulin regulation.
“I could have died that day,” Gloria recalls. “A stroke, a heart attack — either could have taken me. I had to make a choice: remain a victim or fight for my life. I chose to fight.”
With a deep family history of heart disease — and eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren she wanted to watch grow up, alongside a loving, supportive husband —Gloria knew she needed a solution.
This wasn’t just about weight loss. Gloria knew improving her metabolic health was critical — not only to protect her heart, but to gain more memories and the chance to be fully present for the moments that mattered most.
Finding the Best Way to Lose 50 lbs*
For a year, Gloria watched her friend and future coach, Tisha, improve her metabolic health, build sustainable daily habits and thrive in a way that went far beyond weight loss. “If she can do that, I can do it,” Gloria thought. But fear held her back — until one day, she reached out to her for support. That single decision became her turning point.
Her coach got her set up on OPTAVIA’s flagship weight loss program and within three months, Gloria had lost 30 pounds.* “When I started OPTAVIA, it was different. In three days I was already in fat burn. I was already feeling more energy.” Gloria reminisces.
After reaching her goal to lose 50 lbs, Gloria didn’t stop there. By five and a half months, she'd xshed 57 pounds.* “I'd never felt that good in — I don’t know — forever. I could tell my body was finally working with me — not against me,” she says.
Her Transformation Left Her Doctors In Awe
Gloria’s transformation didn’t just change how she felt — it stunned her doctors. Her endocrinologist, who'd treated her for more than 30 years, was amazed. “I’ve never seen you like this. Keep doing what you’re doing,” she told Gloria. Her results reflected a dramatic improvement in metabolic health, including healthier blood sugar regulation and improved insulin response.
Her general practitioner was equally astonished. During a visit after a fall, he asked Gloria three times what her age was. Looking at her joints and overall health, he told her, “Your joints are working well. Keep doing what you’re doing.”
Even her cardiologist was impressed. While a stress test before her weight loss had revealed serious heart concerns, a follow-up after her transformation showed results better than they had been eight years earlier — reinforcing the powerful connection between metabolic health, weight loss and heart function.
More Active Than Ever
After her 50 lb weight loss journey*, Gloria's never felt more active and vibrant. Six months after reaching her goal, she joined a “Walk for Heart” Facebook challenge, committing to walk two miles a day. What began as a small step quickly became a daily habit, transforming her lifestyle — and since August 2023, she's consistently walked 100 miles every month, proving just how powerful simple, repeatable habits can be.
She also can plank up to three minutes, often leaving online viewers amazed. “People watch and cheer me on,” she says. “I can plank for three minutes. I think at 78 that’s pretty good!”
Gloria and her husband are now joining the YMCA to add strength training to their routine, further supporting her heart and body. She's living proof that staying active supports metabolic health, mobility and vitality — no matter your age.
Now at her goal weight, Gloria continues to support her active lifestyle by incorporating OPTAVIA ACTIVE Essential Amino Acids and Whey Protein, helping fuel her walks, recovery and strength as she stays committed to lifelong health.
The Power of Support
Gloria credits her husband, her dedicated coach and the OPTAVIA community for keeping her on track — a powerful reminder that social connection plays a meaningful role in health. “I love the connection OPTAVIA gives us,” Gloria says.
Her husband prepared healthy and nutritious Lean & Green™ meals and stayed committed alongside her, while also helping manage his own Type 1 diabetes.
“The support's been incredible,” she says. “I couldn’t have done this alone. OPTAVIA gave me tools, education and a community that made this journey possible.”
Did you know?
Clients with coach support lost 10x more weight and 17x more fat** compared to those who tried to go it alone?
Support matters. Get the guidance, accountability and encouragement you deserve.
From Transformation to Inspiration: Becoming a Coach
Gloria’s journey didn’t stop with her own success. After a colleague saw her incredible weight loss and said they wanted to do the same, Gloria’s coach encouraged her to become a coach and guide her friend.
“I realized I was the walking testimony of what I had done,” Gloria recalls. “I accepted that opportunity with my whole heart, knowing I could help others transform their lives just as I had.”
Today, Gloria shares her knowledge, support and encouragement with others on their own health journeys. She says, “I’m excited to help every client I have and to watch them reach milestones they never thought possible.”
Her role as a coach has also allowed her to inspire her family and community, teaching her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren about healthy habits, nutrition and the importance of movement. “I never dreamed that helping others would become such a compassionate and rewarding part of my life,” she says.
Gloria’s coaching journey proves that transformation isn’t just personal — it’s contagious. By turning her experience into guidance for others, she continues to multiply the impact of her health and habits, creating a legacy that goes far beyond herself.
A Message of Hope
Gloria L.’s journey is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to take control of your health, your heart and your life. From losing 50 lbs in 6 months*, reclaiming her heart health and building a daily exercise habit, to inspiring her family and becoming a coach, Gloria proves that transformation is possible at any age.
Her story is a testament to courage, consistency and the power of support — showing that change isn’t just personal, it can ripple out and impact everyone around you.
For anyone feeling hesitant about starting their own health journey, Gloria has a simple but powerful message: age is not a limitation — mindset is.
“Age is just a number,” she says. “I don’t care how old you are. You start with one step and one decision. That’s the key. I chose to do this. I chose myself. And when you make that choice and take a chance on yourself, everything can change. If I can do it, you can too.”
*Average weight loss on the Optimal Weight 5 & 1 Plan® is 12 pounds. Clients are in weight loss, on average, for 12 weeks.
**Those on the Optimal Weight 5&1 Plan with support of an OPTAVIA coach successfully lost 10x more weight and 17x more fat than those who tried to lose weight on their own.
Arterburn LM, Coleman CD, Kiel J, et al. Randomized controlled trial assessing two commercial weight loss programs in adults with overweight or obesity. Obes Sci Pract. Feb 2019;5(1):3-14. doi:10.1002/osp4.312.