From "ugly and fat" to "trim and beautiful"

We often feature people on this blog who've lost an extraordinary amount of weight. But that's just one side of the L A Weight Loss story.

There are also people who want to nip their weight in the bud before they reach obesity, which can be just as challanging as dropping hundreds of pounds.

Consider Janet Cole's story. She wrote to me in September. She was 180 pounds when she joined the L A Weight Loss program in March. She blamed a lifetime of emotional eating for her extra weight.

She wore a size 16, had a 41-inch waist, and was on two kinds of blood pressure medication. She had zero self-confidence and, in her own words, thought she was "ugly and fat."

Before she discovered L A Weight Loss, Janet had tried many other diets, to no avail. To further complicate matters, her doctor advised her against taking diet pills, because of her high blood pressure.

Then one day she saw a TV ad for L A Weight Loss, and decided to give it a try. But taking that first step was easier said than done. She cancelled several appointments due to nerves. Imagine that! Jittery nerves over joining a weight loss program!

When she finally went into the Sandy Springs, Ga., center, she never looked back. In eight months, Janet reached her goal weight of 145 pounds. Plus, thanks to her counselor Delores Young, she's no longer turning to food to cope with life's ups and downs.

Here's Janet at 180 pounds:



And here she is looking buff and beautiful at 145 pounds! What a difference 35 pounds makes!



FAST FACTS

Name: Janet Cole
Hometown: Atlanta, Ga.
Age: 48

Starting weight: 180
Goal weight: 145
Current weight: 145
Program start date: March 2006

Biggest motivator: Getting her high blood pressure and high cholesterol under control.

Old eating philosophy: Emotional eating, no matter what food was in front of her.

New eating philosophy: Proteins, fruits, vegetables, and two starches every day. She eats a lot of wheat bread, ground turkey, chicken breasts, and fresh fish.

Best thing about losing weight: Having a waistline, and being able to wear clothes that show it off!

Best weight loss secret learned: Sometimes you have to think about yourself. If you want to be around to see your kids grow up, you have to put your health first.