Making healthy lifestyle changes can feel daunting — especially when done alone.
But for Jill and Richard Wendt, tackling weight loss as a team turned into a powerful, life-changing experience. In less than a year, the married couple shed a combined 118 pounds without medication, thanks to the Mayo Clinic Diet and a renewed focus on daily habits.
A Shared Decision to Change
In 2023, the Wendts found themselves feeling physically drained and emotionally stuck.
Richard, 51, had been on blood pressure medication since his twenties and relied on a CPAP machine for sleep apnea. Jill, 49, was tired of struggling with weight gain that had quietly escalated over the years.
“Over time, the weight just kept going up and up,” Jill told Healthline. “You get in the cycle of feeling bad and reaching for food for comfort.”
The couple decided to overhaul their approach to eating and well-being. They chose the Mayo Clinic Diet’s Simple plan, which offers structured, healthy meals without eliminating foods they love — like milk or occasional sweets.
Building Habits, Not Restrictions
The Wendts said one of the biggest wins was the program’s focus on long-term habit-building rather than short-term dieting.
They learned to eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats — while reducing distractions during meals and avoiding unnecessary sugar and alcohol.
“[The diet] never felt like you were dieting,” said Richard. “You were eating healthy, and nothing was off limits.”
That flexibility helped them stay consistent. Richard lost 58 pounds and was able to stop using his CPAP and blood pressure medication. Jill lost 60 pounds and rediscovered her energy — especially during daily walks and activities that used to feel exhausting.
Stronger Together
Experts say that when partners make lifestyle changes together, they’re more likely to succeed. For the Wendts, mutual accountability made the process not only easier, but more rewarding.
“We were in it together, so it brought us closer,” Jill said. “Doing something good for yourself — and each other — just makes it more meaningful.”
The couple plans to continue using the program’s tools and recipes to maintain their progress, proving that with consistency, collaboration, and a bit of patience, sustainable health is well within reach.
