Dolores Catania, best known for her role on The Real Housewives of New Jersey (RHONJ), has been open about her health journey and her weight loss transformation. Over the years, Dolores has consistently shared her struggles and triumphs with fans, and her most recent weight loss journey has sparked widespread interest. In 2023, she revealed that she had successfully lost 20 pounds, a significant milestone that she achieved through a combination of medication, diet, and exercise.
This article will explore Dolores Catania’s weight loss journey, examining the methods she used, the mental and emotional aspects that contributed to her transformation, and the support she received throughout the process. Dolores’s approach to weight loss highlights the importance of balance, self-care, and staying true to one’s own body and needs.
The Beginning of the Journey: A Focus on Health
Dolores has always been open about the struggles she faced with weight fluctuations, especially as she juggled her career and personal life. Over the years, like many people, Dolores dealt with the challenge of losing and gaining weight due to various life changes and the physical demands of filming RHONJ. In an interview, she shared that her weight had often fluctuated due to stress, emotional eating, and the pressures of maintaining a certain appearance for the show.
However, Dolores realized that her focus needed to shift from external pressures to a focus on health and self-care. “I’ve been on a journey of figuring out how to take better care of my body,” Dolores said. “It’s not just about losing weight for the sake of it—it’s about feeling good inside and out.”
This change in mindset was a critical turning point for Dolores. Instead of chasing a number on the scale, she began focusing on overall wellness and making choices that supported her long-term health.
The Role of Medication: Ozempic and Mounjaro
In her weight loss journey, Dolores turned to Ozempic and later Mounjaro, two medications that are commonly used to help manage Type 2 diabetes and promote weight loss. Both of these medications work by regulating blood sugar levels and reducing appetite, which contributed to Dolores’s ability to stick to a healthier eating plan and achieve her weight loss goals.
Dolores first began using Ozempic in early 2023, and by mid-year, she had lost 20 pounds. “Ozempic was a game-changer for me,” she revealed in a candid interview. “The medication really helped curb my appetite, which made it easier for me to stick to healthier meals and portion control.”
After using Ozempic, Dolores transitioned to Mounjaro, another medication that further helped her with weight loss and appetite regulation. She mentioned that she was able to maintain her progress and even reach a goal of being in the low 130s by continuing the medication, alongside adjustments to her diet and exercise routine.
“I knew that if I was going to rely on medication, I had to make sure I also maintained healthy habits and a good routine,” Dolores explained.
Dietary Changes: Eating Clean and Maintaining Balance
While the medication helped Dolores manage her appetite, it was the dietary adjustments that truly supported her long-term success. Dolores focused on eating clean and nutritious foods, including lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains. She shifted to a lower-calorie, balanced diet, cutting back on processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats.
“I cut out a lot of sugar and processed foods. I started focusing on fresh, whole foods,” Dolores shared. “It wasn’t about depriving myself, it was about making healthier choices that nourished my body.”
One key dietary change that Dolores made was incorporating intermittent fasting into her routine. This method allowed her to eat during a specific window of time, which helped regulate her metabolism and prevent overeating. Dolores found this approach to be sustainable and effective in maintaining her weight loss.
“I don’t eat after a certain time. That’s really helped me avoid late-night snacking and cravings,” Dolores said.
In addition to eating cleaner, Dolores also learned to listen to her body. She no longer viewed food as something she had to control with strict diets, but as a source of nourishment and energy. This shift in perspective helped her maintain a healthy relationship with food.
Exercise: Staying Active and Enjoying Movement
Along with dietary changes and medication, exercise became an integral part of Dolores’s weight loss journey. However, rather than engaging in extreme workouts or overexerting herself, Dolores focused on a routine that kept her active while fitting her lifestyle.
Dolores worked with a trainer and incorporated a combination of strength training and cardio exercises into her routine. Her workout sessions included activities like walking, pilates, and resistance training, all designed to tone her body and improve her overall fitness. She also enjoyed activities that she could do with her family, like taking long walks or engaging in fun, low-impact workouts.
“The key for me was finding something I actually enjoyed. I didn’t want to force myself into an exercise routine that I dreaded,” Dolores explained. “I like things that make me feel strong and energized, so I incorporated exercises that I could look forward to.”
By staying consistent with her exercise, Dolores was able to build lean muscle, improve her metabolism, and feel more energized throughout the day.
Mental Health: Managing Stress and Building Self-Compassion
Throughout her weight loss journey, Dolores acknowledged the importance of mental health in achieving lasting change. The pressures of being in the public eye and balancing a busy schedule often led to stress and emotional eating, but Dolores recognized that overcoming these challenges was just as important as the physical aspects of her journey.
She worked on reducing stress through mindfulness, meditation, and self-reflection. Dolores learned to manage her anxiety and avoid turning to food for comfort. “I realized that when I feel stressed or overwhelmed, I need to pause, breathe, and check in with myself. It’s not about using food to soothe my emotions—it’s about learning to deal with those feelings in healthier ways.”
Dolores also emphasized self-compassion and stopped putting pressure on herself to meet unrealistic expectations. “I had to be kind to myself. It wasn’t about being perfect—it was about progress and making small changes that I could stick with,” she said. “This journey is about loving myself and my body, no matter what.”
Support System: The Role of Family and Friends
Throughout her journey, Dolores has been supported by her family and friends, particularly her partner, Paul Connell. Paul has been a strong motivator, encouraging Dolores to stick to her healthy lifestyle choices and offering support during challenging times.
“My family has been amazing,” Dolores said. “Paul has been so supportive, and it’s made a huge difference in keeping me motivated. We work together to make healthier choices and stay on track.”
Having a supportive partner and family has been crucial for Dolores in maintaining her weight loss and feeling accountable for her goals. The encouragement and positivity from her loved ones have been essential throughout her journey.
A Healthier, Happier Dolores Catania
By the end of 2023, Dolores Catania had successfully lost 20 pounds and reached her target weight of approximately 137 pounds, a figure she hadn’t seen in years. More importantly, she felt stronger, more confident, and healthier. Her physical transformation wasn’t just about her appearance—it was about how she felt inside.
“I feel like I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in,” Dolores shared. “It’s not just about losing weight—it’s about feeling healthier and happier. I’m more energetic, and I love the way I feel.”
Dolores’s journey is a testament to the importance of a balanced approach to health—one that integrates physical activity, healthy eating, and mental well-being. By focusing on sustainability rather than quick fixes, Dolores has been able to maintain her weight loss and build a healthier lifestyle for the long term.
A Journey of Transformation and Balance
Dolores Catania’s weight loss journey is a powerful reminder that real change comes from within. It’s not about quick fixes or extreme measures—it’s about embracing balance, consistency, and self-love. Through her dedication to healthy eating, exercise, and mental wellness, Dolores has not only achieved her weight loss goals but also improved her overall well-being.
For anyone on a similar journey, Dolores’s story serves as an inspiration to focus on long-term health, build positive habits, and find the balance that works for your body and mind. As Dolores herself puts it, “It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being healthy and loving yourself through the process.”