> At a Glance
> – Elaine Mehdizadeh, 70, has lost 114 lbs and kept it off for two years
> – She reversed prediabetes, high cholesterol and blood pressure through diet changes
> – Her transformation is featured in News Of Los Angeles‘s new cover story on real-life weight loss
> – Why it matters: Her story proves significant health improvements are possible at any age without medication
After decades of failed diets that began at age 15, a Minnesota grandmother finally cracked the code to lasting weight loss at 70.
A Lifetime of Struggle
Overweight since childhood, Elaine Mehdizadeh found herself burying her grief in food after her husband’s death in 2000. For years, she cycled through weight loss and regain, binge eating as a coping mechanism.
Reviewing her old journals revealed a painful pattern: every goal she’d set-from career milestones to personal achievements-had been accomplished except one. Weight loss remained stubbornly unchecked on her annual lists.
The Turning Point
By 2020, her health had deteriorated significantly. She faced:
- Prediabetes diagnosis
- High cholesterol
- Elevated blood pressure
“I thought, ‘Now’s my time. I’ve got no excuses. I’m retired,'” she told News Of Los Angeles.
Rather than turning to weight loss medications, she rejected them as lifelong solutions. Instead, she pulled out an old copy of The Mayo Clinic Diet and committed to fundamental habit changes.
The Transformation Plan
Her approach was methodical and sustainable:
- Stopped eating in front of screens
- Tracked daily calories
- Replaced chips and Cheetos with fruits and vegetables
- Practiced mindful chewing
Two years into her journey, she joined the Mayo Clinic Diet online program for additional structure and support.
Life After 114 lbs
Today at 179 lbs, Mehdizadeh has achieved what once seemed impossible. Her prediabetes has completely reversed-a particularly meaningful victory given her mother’s battle with Type 2 diabetes.
Her new lifestyle includes:
- Dancing to live music
- Water aerobics
- Hiking through parks and on cobblestone streets
- Guided night hikes in the snow
The transformation extends beyond physical health. Food has shifted from emotional comfort to “medicine for strength, energy, and health.”
Family Impact
The changes ripple through her family. Her teenage grandson noticed the difference immediately, telling her: “Grandma, I’m so happy you did this. You used to have trouble getting out of your chair.”
This moment crystallized her motivation: “I want to be there for my family and live life fully.”
What’s Next
Mehdizadeh hopes to lose another 30 lbs, though she’s abandoned pursuit of the 128 lbs her BMI chart suggests. Perfection isn’t the goal-sustainable health is.
Travel, once hampered by the need for airplane seat belt extenders, has become her joy. She no longer needs the extender and plans to explore as much as possible, believing her husband would be proud of her self-care transformation.
Key Takeaways
- Elaine Mehdizadeh lost 114 lbs through diet changes, not medication
- She reversed prediabetes and other health conditions at age 70
- Her transformation took two years using the Mayo Clinic Diet approach
- She proves significant health improvements are possible at any age
“It’s never too late,” she insists. “You are worth it. Go for it.”
