These before-and-after triumphs are sure to make you say "aww"
By: Mary Squillace and Emily G. W. Chau
Anyone who’s dropped a ton of weight will tell you that every pound shed has a story behind it. Reforming eating and exercise habits takes unwavering dedication, a lot of sweat, and even some tears, but the end results speak for themselves. (If you need somewhere to start, check out Dr. Oz's complete guide to inner and outer beauty.) So whether you’re looking for a little motivation for your own weight loss journey or just want to celebrate the success of others, we rounded up the most tear-jerking body transformation tales that have come across our desks. Read on about a man who started running triathlons after his wife passed away, a woman who overcame an abusive relationship and found love again, and more sweet stories of dropping pounds and gaining hope.
Weight Loss Tips That Actually Work
After years of comfort eating—the result of an abusive relationship—Amanda Arteaga piled 327 pounds onto her 5-foot 7-inch frame. (Search: Are you at a healthy weight for your height?) Her wake-up call came when her doctor told her she had the health problems of a 60-year-old at the age of 30.
Watch how to perform this anti-aging yoga move!
Amanda managed to break free of her relationship and dropped 114 pounds by walking and altering her eating habits. As a result, she feels better than ever. “I'm so much happier in life now. I find myself smiling a lot more like the woman I use to be,” she says.
Find out how she did it!
Brian Cunningham never thought twice about his size until a friend died in Brian’s home from weight-related issues. He struggled with anger and depression while trying to process her death, but made no effort to clean up his own health.
Need some motivation to lose weight? Check our favorite pieces of fit-spiration!
While sitting in church, Brian came across an advertisement for a boot camp. Seeing it as a sign from above, he enrolled immediately. Four 8-week sessions later, Brian went from 222 pounds to 172 pounds.
Find out how he did it!
When Doug Edwards, 57, lost his wife to leukemia, he turned to food for comfort and resigned himself to sedentary activities, like watching television. “My wife’s death knocked the breath out of me for a long time,” he says. As a result his weight soared to 285 pounds.
Is Your Relationship with Food Normal?
As he saw his weight creeping closer to 300 pounds, Doug decided to take control of his health. He started by making an effort to eat better and also began working out with Team in Training. To date he’s participated in three half marathons and four marathons and dedicates each one of his races to a child with cancer. “It’s a heck of a lot harder to go through rounds of chemo than to train for a half marathon,” he says.
Find out how he did it!
Mary Davies secretly binged on candy and doughnuts as a child, and eventually no amount of exercise was enough to shave off the excess calories she was consuming. After her second divorce, Mary’s weight spiraled out of control and she packed 215 pounds on her 5’1” frame.
10 Despicable Doughnuts
With the help of a counselor, Mary tackled the emotional roots behind her eating problems. She made peace with her past, all the while increasing her veggie intake and dancing her heart out at Zumba. Now Mary is 90 pounds lighter and happier than she’s ever been.
Find out how she did it!
An inactive lifestyle and inattention to nutrition brought Eldon Erb’s weight up to 285 pounds, but he never thought of his eating habits until his similarly overweight best friend died from a massive heart attack. “There’s not a feeling that you can put into perspective when you’re 51 years old and carrying your best friend’s casket. I have never felt so weak in my life,” he says.
They Lost Weight Together!
With reformed eating habits and the support of a trainer, Eldon left 85 pounds in the dust. He frequently runs 5-Ks and plans on racing a half-marathon later this year. “I have energy now that I haven’t had in years,” he says.
Find out how he did it!
Tina West’s excess weight brought on myriad health issues, including arthritis and shortness of breath, but it wasn’t until her husband suffered a massive heart attack and died at age 37 that her own mortality raced into view.
20 Easy Ways to Help Your Heart
Today Tina’s down to 130 pounds and exercises at least four days a week. Overall her health is in better shape. Tina’s cholesterol and blood pressure have both decreased and her arthritis pain has diminished.
Find out how she did it!
We want to hear about it! If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming weight loss success slideshow, submit your story and photos for consideration.
Copyright© 2013 Rodale Inc. "Fitbie" is a registered trademark of Rodale, Inc. All rights reserved. No reproduction, transmission or display is permitted without the written permission of Rodale, Inc.