Danielle Anderson tells extra pounds to take a hike

Danielle Anderson's not afraid of heights, but she was terrified when she boarded the roller coaster at Busch Gardens in Tampa two years ago.

That's because Danielle couldn't fit the safety buckle around her 287-pound body. And that was much scarier than any dips and twists on the ride.

Danielle had struggled against a family history of weight her whole life, hitting 200 pounds as early as age 12.

When she visited her doctor at age 30, Danielle was diagnosed with borderline high blood pressure. The doctor gave her six months to get in shape before putting her on medication. He also warned that without diet and exercise, she could be dead by age 40.

This was the hard truth Danielle needed to make a change. But she didn't know where to begin. Her best friend Cindy convinced her to join L A Weight Loss, and together, they started in January 2005.

Danielle lost 7 pounds her first week, and kept right on going, losing a total of 126 pounds (!!) over two years. Some of her secret weapons: cutting out alcohol, eating lots of vegetables and fish, joining a softball league, and -- her favorite -- hiking.

And though Danielle and Cindy now live on opposite coasts, they're still committed to health and activity. In fact, they recently went on a hiking trip in Arizona, where Danielle met her new boyfriend!

Plus, her blood pressure is back to normal, and Danielle is confident she can reach her final goal of 145 pounds. We'll be sure to update you when she does. Keep up the good work, Danielle!!

Here is Danielle at 287 pounds:



And, here she is at 162 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Danielle Anderson
Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.
Age: 33
Height: 5'5”

Starting weight: 288 pounds
Goal weight: 145 pounds
Current weight: 162 pounds
Program start date: January 2005

Favorite food: Pizza.

Biggest temptation: Ice cream.

Biggest motivator: Losing weight with her best friend Cindy.

Biggest obstacle: The fear of falling back into her old habits.

Old eating philosophy: A steady diet of candy bars, snack foods, and huge meals. She would eat a plate of spaghetti, followed by an entire bag of pretzels.

New eating philosophy: Smaller, healthier meals like chicken and vegetable stir fry and broccoli casserole.

Best thing about losing weight: Having more confidence and energy, and knowing she can shop for her size anywhere.

Best weight loss secret learned: The plan works if you stick with it. Plus, drink your water -- it will help you lose weight.