Amanda Johnson’s Weight Loss Story (Diet & Workout Revealed)

Christiana Mikesch, CPT
Published by Christiana Mikesch, CPT | Senior Coach
Last updated: January 9, 2024
Our content is meticulously researched and reviewed by an expert team of fact checkers and medical professionals. They ensure accuracy, relevance, and timeliness using the latest reputable sources, which are cited within the text and listed at the end of the article. Before publication and upon significant updates, we confirm factual accuracy, committed to providing readers with well-informed content. Learn more.

If you’ve ever followed the TV show "Family by the Ton," you’ll know how many people TLC has helped with life-changing weight loss.

The one season that still stands out the most for me, though, is the one that includes Amanda Johnson’s weight loss journey.

She achieved one of the most significant weight changes one could imagine, and she has dedicated herself to healthy living and inspiring others.

Our team got together to do some research and look at quite a few episode recordings to see how exactly she managed to lose all that weight.

Amanda Johnson’s Body Transformation

Amanda Johnson working out in the gym

Amanda started her weight loss journey in season two of Family by the Ton.

While her friends and dad had long been urging her to do something about her weight, it wasn’t until she was diagnosed with endometrial cancer that she knew things had to change [1].

The problem was that she couldn’t start her cancer treatment because of her weight.

She started the process in January 2018 and, based on her social media accounts, lost over 500 pounds.

It started with diet and physical activity, and that got her to a stage where she could undergo gastric surgery.

“Every day that I don’t do something about my weight is one second and step closer to the grave for me.”

- Amanda Johnson

Stats

  • Age: 41
  • Starting Weight: 650 lbs
  • Total Weight Loss: 500 lbs

How Did She Change Her Diet?

Amanda Johnson changed her diet by getting help with the volume and quality of food. The first part of her weight loss journey involved solving her massive overeating problem.

Not only was she eating enough food for multiple people, but her diet was packed with junk food and sugar.

While taking part in Family by the Ton on TLC, she got professional help to change her diet and balance her nutrient intake. This alone started to make a difference in her weight and health.

And I tell all my clients and readers that 70% of their health and weight management efforts will come down to what they put in their bodies.

A Tailored Exercise Routine

A gym coach writing things down on a clipboard

The next part of her health journey on Family By The Ton involved getting active.

Now, I have to say that for Amanda, regular exercising for weight loss at the gym wasn’t going to be viable.

Her journey had to involve simply getting out of the house more regularly, and even just walking was enough to burn a lot of calories.

Reflecting on my experience with my clients, I understand how daunting regular gym sessions can feel at the start. I found that the key is to start with manageable activities. Getting active, even in small ways, was a critical step in weight loss journeys.

But the concept is essentially the same for everyone. According to Harvard Health, to effectively lose weight, you have to burn more calories than you’re taking in [2].

Related Articles:

Did Amanda Johnson Have Weight Loss Surgery?

Yes, Amanda Johnson had weight loss surgery to achieve her transformation.

This involved making her stomach smaller, and according to the Mayo Clinic, it’s been shown to have huge effects on morbidly obese people [3].

One of the reasons for this surgery was also the urgency, as Amanda also needed to be treated for cancer. 

After her successful weight loss journey, Amanda also had skin surgery to remove the excess skin from where all the fat used to be.

Amanda’s Supplements

A person pouring pills from a bottle

Amanda hasn’t talked about the supplements she used, but given her condition, she must’ve incorporated some multivitamins to boost her immune system.

Secondly, she probably used some form of protein supplementation to increase the protein-to-energy ratio of her food and nurture her body and muscles without adding extra energy.

While there are many good reasons to explore protein and workout supplements for your health, the one thing I recommend for people who want to lose weight at a faster pace and consistently is trying fat burners.

I don't mean those dodgy snake oil products that claim to work while you spend your life on the couch.

My clients found that these fat burners based on natural ingredients can significantly help curb hunger cravings, speed up the metabolism, and burn more energy from fat reserves.

Mental Health and Its Relation to Obesity

Amanda Johnson's weight loss journey is not just a story of physical transformation; it's also a profound narrative about the intricate relationship between mental health and obesity.

For Amanda, the emotional burden of obesity has been as challenging as the physical one. The societal judgment, personal disappointment, and constant battle with self-image have significantly impacted her mental well-being.

Emotional eating is a common response to stress, where food becomes a source of comfort. For Amanda, turning to food in times of emotional distress has been a coping mechanism, albeit one that further contributed to her weight issues.

Overall, the stigma associated with obesity can lead to a negative self-image and low self-esteem, further impacting mental health.

For Amanda, overcoming this stigma and rebuilding her self-perception is a critical part of her weight loss journey. Promoting a more positive body image and self-acceptance is essential, regardless of the scale's readings.

FAQs

Has Amanda Johnson Kept off the Weight?

Yes, Amanda Johnson has kept off the weight. And she has become very active on social media to promote her achievement through Family By The Ton. Many people would simply not recognize her today; the transformation has been that extreme.

Was Amanda Johnson Morbidly Overweight?

Yes, Amanda Johnson was morbidly overweight. At over 600 pounds, she wasn’t just in danger due to the weight, but it also meant she couldn’t undergo treatment for her cancer.


References:

  1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endometrial-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352461
  2. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/diets-weight-loss-carbohydrate-protein-fat/
  3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bariatric-surgery/about/pac-20394258
Was this article helpful?
YesNo

About The Author

Christiana Mikesch, CPT
Senior Coach
Christiana Mikesch, CPT is a personal trainer and author with contributions to publications like the Chicago Tribune and Yahoo. She emphasizes a holistic approach to weight loss, combining an energy-fueling diet, goal-oriented workouts, and daily habits. Her approach avoids short-term goals and fosters a lifelong commitment to health and well-being.
Learn more about our editorial policy
Lisa Lorraine Taylor, BSc, CPT
Staff Writer
Lisa Lorraine Taylor, BSc, CPT holds a BSc degree in Holistic Nutrition from Clayton College of Natural Health and is the owner of Taylor Made Fitness. Her philosophy centers on cutting through the hype and misinformation surrounding dietary supplements, focusing instead on practical, science-backed strategies for health and weight loss.
Learn more about our editorial policy

You May Also Like

A weight loss comparison image of Dan Fogler
By James Cunningham, BSc, CPT 2 months ago
Dan Fogler’s Weight Loss Journey (Diet & Exercise Revealed)
A journey picture of Chaz Bono's weight loss
By James Cunningham, BSc, CPT 2 months ago
Chaz Bono’s Weight Loss Story (Diet and Exercise Revealed)
Claudia Sulewski weight loss journey side by side comparison
By Lisa Lorraine Taylor, BSc, CPT 5 months ago
Claudia Sulewski’s Weight Loss Story (Secrets Uncovered)
Christina Haack images of weight loss
By Lisa Lorraine Taylor, BSc, CPT 3 months ago
Christina Haack Weight Loss Story (Workout & Diet Revealed)
Christine Brown image of weight loss journey
By Christiana Mikesch, CPT 3 months ago
Christine Brown's Weight Loss Story (Secrets Revealed)

Write a Reply or Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Our scoring system is the result of objective testing data and subjective expert analysis by a team of fitness coaches and medical experts. Our scoring factors are weighted based on importance. For more information, see our product review guidelines.