Happy International Women's Day!

Happy International Women’s Day! Today, we celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the world. At Oxygen, we also reflect on the inspirational stories of our female readers, who have taken control of their own well-being and empowered themselves through fitness, nutrition, self-care and so much more.

The women featured below have overcome tremendous obstacles to take back their health and, in many cases, their lives. Here are their stories.

Julie Kelly's 175-Pound Weight-Loss Transformation

Julie Kelly lost 175 pounds and finally realized her long-standing goals.

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Juline Gurney: Honoring Her Son's Memory

After a heart-wrenching tragedy, Juline Gurney lost 50 pounds and regained her life.

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Lucy Hilton: Finding Her Fitness Sweet Spot

After decades of one step forward and two steps back, Lucy Hilton finally found her stride.

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Margaret Koukos: Wise Beyond Her Years

Margaret Koukos overcame years of childhood struggles to find a new passion in fitness.

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The Real Wonder Woman: Ashley Nelson

An accident left Ashley Nelson partially paralyzed and with a brain injury — but that didn't stop her.

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Mauri Peterson: Listening to Her Body

Mauri Peterson didn't let a serious heart condition keep her from pursuing her athletic dreams.

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Libby Westphal: Ball Downs and Bikini Crowns

Four-time cancer survivor Libby Westphal shed 68 pounds, stepped onstage and took home the crown.

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Tonyael Miller: Mind-Body Transformation

Having dropped 30 pounds, Tonyael Miller is now inspiring others to get healthy.

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Brianna Bernard: 100-Pound Weight-Loss Transformation

For Brianna Bernard, the journey of losing 100 pounds began in the checkout line.

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Cheyann Shaw: Cancer-Free and Kicking Ass

The prognosis was grim, but Cheyann Shaw knew she would triumph — and she did.

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