Hanna Kim, a 24-year-old YouTuber from Sydney, successfully lost 22 pounds in 2021 and has maintained the weight loss for over three years. Reflecting on her journey, she shared two important lessons that helped her achieve lasting results.
For years, Kim struggled with restrictive diets that left her feeling defeated and trapped in a cycle of disappointment. “It was just this endless negative loop,” she told Business Insider. Her attempts to lose weight often ended with frustration and self-doubt, leaving her feeling like a failure.
However, things changed when she began to ask herself why these methods weren’t working. Kim started to educate herself on sustainable weight loss and soon realized there was no quick fix. Instead, she learned that small, consistent changes—focused on health rather than appearance—were the key to her success.
Before her weight loss journey, Kim led a largely sedentary lifestyle. She rarely exercised and often relied on fried foods and takeout. Understanding that a drastic change would be overwhelming, she started small. Kim began by incorporating a simple 10-minute walk into her day.
She also adopted the concept of a calorie deficit, which occurs when you burn more calories than you consume—a principle endorsed by health experts for weight loss. Instead of cutting out her favorite foods, Kim focused on staying within her daily calorie limit. “I learned that I can be flexible with what I eat, so having a Kit Kat bar is fine as long as I’m within my calorie budget,” she said.
Kim’s mindset toward weight loss also shifted. Previously, the process had been a source of negativity. But by viewing it as an investment in her long-term health and well-being, she began to see it as an opportunity for growth. “It’s something that can be enjoyable and something that could be fun,” she explained.
Over time, Kim developed a genuine love for exercise and a healthier diet. She approached each day with curiosity, asking herself, “What new recipe can I make today? What exercise will make me feel good today?” This mindset shift helped her focus not just on weight loss but on improving her overall physical and mental health.
Kim also learned to embrace imperfection. She acknowledged that she wouldn’t always stick to her routine perfectly, but by giving herself grace during setbacks—such as eating more than planned—she was able to stay on track. “It’s going to be a long-term investment, and everything that I do is ultimately going to make a difference,” she said.
In the end, Kim discovered that consistency was more important than perfection. She celebrated small wins along the way, which kept her motivated and committed to her health journey.
Kim’s story highlights the power of a sustainable, balanced approach to weight loss, emphasizing long-term health over quick results.
