These readers all committed to losing weight—and achieved serious results! Discover the secrets behind some incredible transformations
By: Amanda Junker
Everyone's struggle with the scale is different, but one fact is clear: There are few things with the capacity to affect relationships, define self-esteem, and influence quality of life as much as weight. These inspirational stories show that it is possible to drop 30, 60, even 120 pounds—and that life after weight loss couldn’t be sweeter.
The year Alicia Hansen started high school, she began working for her mom’s catering business, which meant savory entrees and sugary desserts were constantly within reach. After ballooning to 250 pounds, she dropped almost half that by adopting a healthy diet and exercise routine.
Find out how she did it!
Thomas Oelschlager reached 220 pounds while working a desk job in the Marine Corps Reserve. When he was deployed to Iraq, he made the commitment to get back in fighting shape—and 7 months later he looks like a new man.
Find out how he did it!
Autumn Mastroianni wasn’t always so healthy. Her meals once consisted of carbs and fats, and few fruits or veggies. At 183 pounds, when she couldn’t find non-plus-size clothes to fit her 5’5” frame, she overhauled her diet—and her life.
Find out how she did it!
Brad Auger’s diet of beer, burgers, pizza, and Chinese takeout was good for his social life, but bad for his waistline. He lost 60 pounds by cleaning up his diet and working out six times a week—and he’s happier now than ever.
Find out how he did it!
As a teen, Liz Pultar loved junk food and loathed exercise. By the time she graduated from college, she’d packed 212 pounds onto her 5’9” frame. Revamping her unhealthy diet and taking up running helped her lose more than 70 pounds.
Find out how she did it!
Long days spent eating through his shifts as a restaurant manager left Jason Hisaw at 277 pounds. After a career setback, he started exercising and making healthy food choices. Now he’s 90 pounds lighter—and he’s going for his dream job!
Find out how he did it!
Elizabeth Potter reached 255 pounds after having a baby, splitting up with her son’s father, and struggling with depression. She turned things around when she started riding. Now she’s 100 pounds lighter and feels better than ever.
Find out how she did it!
Fourth-grade teacher Rich Vittoria’s weight scared him (and his family), so he started planning healthy meals and committed to exercise. Now he’s down 120 pounds and teaching others how to take control of their weight.
Find out how he did it!
Once a slim high school tennis player, Jennifer Gilman packed 30 pounds onto her 5’4” frame during college, and her weight hovered in the 170s for the next eight years. On her doctor’s advice, Jennifer joined a gym and hired a trainer. Now she’s 55 pounds lighter!
Find out how she did it.
At 280 pounds, Medwin Mina couldn’t even fit in the seat of a roller coaster. Martial arts lessons and healthy eating habits helped him quit smoking and lose 127 pounds.
Find out how he did it!
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