Victoria's health triumphs with the Mayo Clinic Diet

Victoria found a healthier life with the Mayo Clinic Diet

In January 2024, Victoria Hailey began her journey with the Mayo Clinic Diet, determined to improve her health and quality of life. More than two years later, she has lost 101 pounds, brought her lab results back to normal, and built a sustainable, healthier lifestyle. Her secret? A commitment to real habit change and the willingness to use every tool available to her, including weight-loss medication.

Why the Mayo Clinic Diet was the right fit for Victoria

Victoria had tried multiple diets over the years, including Weight Watchers and Atkins, but found it hard to sustain the results. A recommendation from her physician at Mayo Clinic encouraged her to try something new. "I trusted the science behind the Mayo Clinic Diet," she said. "The meal plans, grocery lists, and habit-forming guidance made it easy to follow and stick with."

What set this program apart was its focus beyond the scale. "It's not just about what you eat; it's about making lasting changes," Victoria said.

Reflecting on life before the Mayo Clinic Diet

Before starting the program, Victoria faced serious health challenges. She had difficulty climbing stairs, persistent knee and back pain, and lab results that raised serious concerns.

"I felt like I was carrying an extra 80-pound weight everywhere I went," she said.

Her eating habits included oversized portions and meals high in carbohydrates and sugar, with little emphasis on vegetables or lean proteins. She knew she needed a change.

Adding weight-loss medication to the mix

When Victoria decided to get healthy in January 2024, she was more than 80 pounds overweight, her lab numbers were outside the normal range, and she felt out of shape.

She made a deliberate choice to start a GLP-1 weight-loss medication at the same time she joined the Mayo Clinic Diet.

Victoria lost 101 lbs* with a combination of the Mayo Clinic Diet and weight-loss medication

The reason came down to something she calls "food noise."

"I'm constantly thinking about food — what will I eat, when will I eat, how much will I eat, I ate too much, I didn't eat the right food, I've blown it," she explained. "The medicine helps quiet this noise."

With that mental static reduced, Victoria could focus on building the habits the Mayo Clinic Diet was designed to help her create. "The medicine helped with all that, and the noise disappeared," she said. "It allowed me to create new health habits and eat more fruits, vegetables, and lean meats."

She experienced one side effect from the medication: constipation. The program's emphasis on whole foods helped her manage it. "The plan is high in fiber and encourages drinking a lot of water," she said.

Victoria is clear that the medication alone would not have produced the same results. "I know people that take the medicine but don't make any changes to what they are eating, nor do they do any exercise," she said. "They have more side effects and feel sluggish, with less consistent weight loss. I firmly believe I would not have had the results without the Mayo Clinic Diet."

Small changes that made a big difference

One of the most valuable tools Victoria discovered was the Mayo Clinic Diet app, which allowed her to track her meals, activity, and progress. She particularly loved the grocery list feature.

"I know exactly what to buy and can swap ingredients based on what I have at home," she said.

She also found joy in simple, satisfying recipes. One of her favorites is a chicken wrap with cabbage, carrots, and a flavorful sauce. "It's quick, easy, and delicious," she said.

Before the program, Victoria struggled with cravings for sugar, alcohol, and fatty or processed foods. Those cravings faded. "I was completely satisfied with the meals on the plan," she said.

Her activity level grew alongside her confidence. She started with gentle yoga and walking. After losing about 30 pounds, she felt ready for water aerobics and strength training three to four times a week.

Victoria was able to overcome cravings for sugar, alcohol, and fatty or processed foods on the Mayo Clinic Diet

A new chapter of health and vitality

The results came steadily. Victoria lost about 10 pounds during the Lose It! phase (the first two weeks of the program) and roughly 20 pounds in her first three months. After that, she averaged about 1 pound a week. She has now lost a total of 101 pounds and is focused on maintaining that progress.

Her lab results are back to normal, her blood pressure is under control, and her knee and back pain are gone. "I can run up the stairs now — something I never thought I'd be able to do," she said.

She is not planning to stop the medication. "Even though I have formed very healthy habits, I am very nervous about stopping," she said. "I'm afraid the food noise will return and I will lose portion control." It is an honest reflection of what long-term weight management looks like for many people, and a reminder that using the right tools is part of the process.

A community that inspires

Victoria found motivation in the Mayo Clinic Diet's Facebook community, which she checked multiple times a day.

"Reading others' stories — both their struggles and their successes — kept me motivated," she said.

She also encouraged her sister to join the program. Her sister has lost 40 pounds and, as Victoria puts it, "loves the program as much as I do." Having that shared accountability made a real difference.

In 2025, Victoria visited Mayo Clinic to meet fellow Mayo Clinic Diet members

Advice for others considering the program

For anyone thinking about starting their own health journey — with or without weight-loss medication — Victoria's advice is direct: combine it with a healthy food plan and regular exercise. "I always recommend the Mayo Clinic Diet and share how it helped me do it the right way," she said. "You need to change habits."

Her journey reflects what it looks like to trust a science-backed program, use every resource available, and commit to long-term success. "Trust the process," she said. "It works."

Inspired by Victoria? Join Mayo Clinic Diet to start your own health journey today.