A 68-year-old woman has achieved a remarkable health transformation, shedding an impressive 50 pounds by embracing intermittent fasting with the help of the Simple app. This inspiring journey began after a routine medical check-up delivered a stark warning about her deteriorating health markers.
A Health Wake-Up Call
Beth Hilgartner, a retired Episcopal priest residing in Barre, Vermont, had experienced fluctuating weight issues for many years. She candidly shared her struggles with conventional dieting methods, noting a familiar pattern of temporary success followed by regain.
"I've experimented with restrictive diets where I could lose a few pounds, but once I stopped the strict regimen, the weight would inevitably return," Hilgartner explained. "This cycle is something I believe many people can relate to in their own health journeys."
Her physician had generally been supportive of her health efforts, even at her heavier weight. However, during her June 2024 physical examination, the medical assessment revealed concerning developments. Blood tests showed escalating levels of cholesterol and blood glucose, indicators that prompted her doctor to recommend starting statin medications to mitigate cardiovascular risks.
The Turning Point
"I had a really visceral reaction to the statin suggestion," Hilgartner recalled. "Without much deliberation, I immediately told my doctor, 'I am not taking statins. What alternatives do I have?'"
Her physician responded by advising lifestyle modifications, specifically recommending a weight loss target of approximately 20 pounds. This directive sent Hilgartner on a determined search for sustainable weight management solutions.
Initially, she reverted to a meticulous diet program requiring ingredient weighing, calorie calculations, and extensive tracking. "The endless measuring and monitoring became increasingly unappealing," she admitted about this approach.
Discovering a Simpler Solution
Her search eventually led her to the Simple app, a digital tool designed to facilitate intermittent fasting and weight management. "After discovering Simple, I thought this approach might actually work for me," Hilgartner said. "I sat down to plan how I would structure my eating window and implement this new strategy."
The retired priest, who also serves as a municipal council member, committed to a three-week trial period. "I told myself I would test Simple and this eating window concept for three weeks, then evaluate whether it felt sustainable," she explained.
Remarkable Results Emerge
Within that initial three-week period, Hilgartner began noticing significant changes. "I was actually losing weight without the constant tracking, measuring, and calorie counting," she marveled. "This contrasted sharply with my previous app experience, which would essentially scold me if I exceeded fat or carbohydrate limits on my restrictive diet."
She had dropped three pounds during those first weeks, averaging about one pound of weight loss weekly. "I thought, this might actually work long-term. So that's exactly what I continued doing," Hilgartner shared.
Her progress continued steadily, ultimately resulting in a 50-pound weight reduction. "My original goal was to reach 130 pounds from my starting weight of about 180 pounds," she detailed. "While I'm not quite at that target yet, I'm definitely within that desired range."
The Simple App Advantage
Hilgartner attributes much of her success to the app's straightforward methodology. "Simple helps establish new habits and then supports users in maintaining them," she explained. "It provides guidance without requiring food measurement, which makes the process much more manageable."
Her weight loss followed a healthy, sustainable pattern. "The progress was fairly rapid but not like a crash diet—about a pound weekly for 25 pounds, then it began leveling out somewhat," she noted. "This made physiological sense as there was less body fat to metabolize. I've gradually transitioned into maintenance with a slight downward trend continuing."
Enhanced Quality of Life
Beyond the scale victories, Hilgartner reports substantial improvements in her overall wellbeing. "I'm feeling significantly better—stronger, more flexible, with increased energy and improved sleep quality," she enthused. "These positive changes appear directly related to the health improvements I've achieved with Simple's assistance."
The Vermont resident maintains an active lifestyle with diverse interests including horseback riding, gardening, knitting, and baking. The Simple app encourages physical activity among users and recently introduced a Tai Chi Walking plan tailored for age-appropriate weight management.
Sharing the Success
"I genuinely appreciate this Simple app because it lives up to its name—it's straightforward and teaches maintainable habits," Hilgartner concluded. "I've shared my experience with numerous friends, discussing intermittent fasting and my weight loss journey."
She offers encouragement to others considering similar health transformations. "I strongly recommend giving Simple a try. I hope my story inspires someone else to recognize that the journey toward better health is an ongoing process worth pursuing."
