> At a Glance
> – Rose Vitetta, 50, lost nearly 110 lbs after a 2022 heart crisis
> – She now weighs 191 lbs, down from 300 lbs, and wears size 8 jeans
> – The California principal changed eating habits and walks 90 minutes daily
> – Why it matters: Her transformation shows how a health crisis can spark lasting lifestyle change
A California elementary school principal went from nearly 300 lbs to 191 lbs after a doctor warned her heart condition could be fatal if she didn’t reduce stress and prioritize her health.
The Wake-Up Call
Seven days after her mother died in 2022, Rose Vitetta landed in the hospital with broken heart syndrome. A doctor’s blunt warning-“This was your warning. You need to lower your stress and start taking care of yourself. If you don’t, the next one’s going to kill you”-sparked the turnaround.
Months later, an ulcer requiring surgery reinforced the message. “You need to take care of your health,” she told herself.
Her New Routine
Vitetta overhauled her diet:
- Boosted protein and ate smaller, frequent meals
- Swapped juice and milk for water
- Limited fast food to an occasional kid-size meal
- Took cooking classes to master Peruvian and Cuban dishes
She walks or jogs 90 minutes daily around Rossmore, Calif., added weights and a stationary bike, and goes Latin dancing in heels.
Life at 191 lbs
| Metric | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | ~300 lbs | 191 lbs |
| Dress size | 22 | 8 |
| Energy | Winded on hikes | Runs kickball bases |
She now shares clothes with her 20-year-old daughter and wears a two-piece swimsuit for the first time since college.
Rose Vitetta says:
> “Life can bend you to the point where you feel like you’re going to break. But, we’re stronger than that.”
Key Takeaways
- A single mom and principal, Vitetta put herself last for years
- She hasn’t ruled out medication but focuses on sustainable habits
- Her goal: stay active and enjoy shopping without stress
At 50, she’s stronger than ever and plans to keep dancing-without sitting down.
