Liv Schmidt’s story is not just about losing weight—it’s about the deep emotional and physical transformation that comes with overcoming personal struggles. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the world of dieting, or if you’ve ever faced a moment when the scale seems to mock you, then you will resonate with her journey. Schmidt, once weighing 220 pounds, has shed a remarkable 75 pounds, going from a life constrained by weight to one where she now teaches others how to reclaim their health. But it hasn’t been easy, and her methods have sparked both praise and controversy.

But what exactly led to her dramatic transformation? Let’s dive into her story and the emotional rollercoaster that accompanied her weight loss, exploring the ups, downs, and pivotal moments that shaped the journey.

The Start of the Struggle: Feeling Trapped in Her Own Body

“I was tired of feeling like I was invisible,” Liv admits in a recent interview. “At 220 pounds, I felt like I was hiding behind the fat. I avoided mirrors, stopped attending social events, and worst of all, I didn’t even want to try clothes on anymore.” These powerful words highlight the emotional toll that being overweight had on her self-image and mental health.

For many people, weight gain isn’t just about the numbers on a scale; it’s about how it makes you feel—both physically and mentally. Liv’s experience was no different. She admits that food had become a way to numb the overwhelming stress in her life. As she looks back, Liv recalls a turning point when she realized that her mental health needed to be addressed before any physical transformation could happen.

“Everyone talks about food and exercise, but no one mentions how much the mind affects your body,” she reflects. This realization was the spark that ignited her journey.

The First Step: Breaking Free from Comfort and Facing the Hard Truth

When Liv decided to take control of her health, she began with the most difficult step: confronting her eating habits. She started by reducing processed foods and focusing on whole, unprocessed meals. But this wasn’t just about food—it was about reprogramming her mindset.

“Food wasn’t the enemy, my mindset was,” Liv says. “I had to stop using food as a reward or a comfort. For me, it was about learning to love myself, not punishing myself with unhealthy choices.”

In the first few months, Liv lost 30 pounds—an encouraging sign. But it wasn’t an easy feat. She faced emotional challenges daily: cravings, doubts, and even moments of despair. But through it all, her mantra was simple: “Keep moving forward, even when it’s hard.”

The Physical Transformation: Exercise, Discipline, and Consistency

When Liv talks about her exercise routine, it’s clear that it was not just about burning calories—it was about building mental toughness. She focused on strength training, yoga, and cardio, emphasizing consistency over perfection. “You don’t have to be perfect, but you do have to show up,” she states.

She went from a sedentary lifestyle to working out six days a week, with a mix of weightlifting and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). This combination helped her build lean muscle while burning fat. The physical changes were evident—Liv’s body began to shrink and tone. But, equally important, her confidence grew.

In one emotional Instagram post, Liv shared a before-and-after photo, showing the difference in her appearance after losing 75 pounds. She wrote: “The scale isn’t the only measure of progress. I can now walk into a room and own it—something I never thought I could do.”

Mental Health and Emotional Growth: Overcoming the Inner Battle

But weight loss wasn’t just about shedding pounds—it was about shedding the self-doubt and negativity that had been weighing her down for years. “When I started losing weight, I realized how much of the weight I carried wasn’t physical—it was emotional,” Liv says. “The mental health aspect of this journey has been so much harder than the physical.”

Throughout her transformation, Liv made sure to prioritize her mental well-being. She began journaling, meditating, and seeking therapy to address the emotional triggers that led to overeating. This holistic approach to weight loss, which combined physical fitness with emotional healing, became her secret weapon.

“I needed to face my fears and insecurities,” she admits. “For a long time, I avoided confronting the hard parts of my past because they were uncomfortable. But it was through that discomfort that I truly changed.”

The Controversy: The ‘Skinny Club’ and the Backlash

Liv’s approach to weight loss, however, hasn’t been without controversy. She has received significant backlash from critics who accuse her of promoting toxic diet culture. In particular, her ‘skinny club’ has drawn ire from many, with some claiming that it fosters unhealthy attitudes toward weight loss and body image.

In an exclusive interview with Cosmopolitan, Liv defended her position. “I’m not saying you should starve yourself or follow extreme measures. I’m simply offering a realistic approach to losing weight, one that doesn’t involve self-sabotage or unrealistic expectations.”

She continued, “Yes, I lost weight, but the real transformation happened when I embraced balance. I don’t preach starvation. I preach self-love, discipline, and consistency.” For Liv, the focus is on fostering a sustainable, healthy lifestyle rather than quick fixes or fad diets.

Maintaining Weight Loss and Helping Others

Now, with over 75 pounds gone and a newfound sense of confidence, Liv Schmidt is on a mission to help others through her weight loss advice. She has turned her experience into a platform, offering personalized coaching through her Instagram and private groups. Her approach involves not just fitness tips, but also guidance on mental health and emotional resilience. Liv encourages her followers to take small, manageable steps and to be patient with themselves during the process.

Liv’s advice on maintaining weight loss is rooted in consistency. “There will always be setbacks, but that doesn’t mean you failed. It just means you need to adjust your strategy and keep moving forward,” she says.

Her followers now describe her as a source of inspiration and motivation, not just for weight loss, but for personal growth. Many of them have shared how her honesty and vulnerability helped them overcome their own weight struggles.

Liv Schmidt’s Top Tips for Successful Weight Loss

Liv’s weight loss journey offers invaluable lessons for anyone struggling with their own weight loss challenges. Here are her top tips:

1. Start with Your Mindset: “Before you even begin changing your diet, you need to change the way you think about yourself and food. If you don’t love yourself now, no diet will fix that.”

2. Consistency Is Key: “You won’t see results overnight, but every little bit adds up. Be consistent with your diet, exercise, and mindset, and trust the process.”

3. Embrace a Balanced Diet: “Focus on whole foods—fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. And remember, no food is off-limits. It’s about moderation.”

4. Exercise Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect: “It’s not about doing the hardest workout. It’s about finding something you can do consistently and sticking with it.”

5. Mental Health Matters: “Weight loss isn’t just physical. It’s emotional. Address your mental health as part of your journey.”

Liv Schmidt’s Legacy

Liv Schmidt’s story isn’t just about how she lost 75 pounds; it’s about how she overcame mental obstacles, faced her fears, and rebuilt her life. Her journey serves as a reminder that weight loss is more than just a physical transformation—it’s an emotional and mental breakthrough. By sharing her experiences, Liv has sparked a conversation about the deeper layers of weight loss, encouraging others to not just change their bodies, but to evolve emotionally and mentally as well.

For those ready to embark on their own weight loss journey, Liv’s advice is clear: Start with love, be consistent, and never stop believing in your ability to transform, no matter how tough it gets.