Christine Cortez is pretty in pink --- and a size 8

“I enjoy being a girl!” These well-known song lyrics capture the essence of femininity: shopping, clothes swapping, sisterhood. But when weight gets in the way, especially for young women, girliness isn't so fun.

For Christine Cortez, it was never fun. A chubby child, she grew into an overweight high-schooler who kept to herself, and never joined any activities.

Instead, she ate ... and ate and ate. It didn't help when people told Christine she'd be prettier if she lost weight. Shopping with her mom and sister depressed her, too, because they could easily find and swap clothes for their slender frames, while Christine couldn't fit into anything -- not even her usual size 14 pants.

The worst part: Christine didn't feel like a girl. Her only style was wearing jeans and big T-shirts. And she didn’t feel comfortable in public, thinking that people judged her for being overweight. These insecurities made Christine unhappy, and kept her from bonding with her mother and sister.

Finally, at one of her checkups, her doctor shared sobering news: At 180 pounds, Christine was overweight for her age (21) and height (5 feet), which increased her hereditary risks for high blood pressure and diabetes.

Christine knew it was time to lose weight. She tried various weight loss programs and metabolism boosters, but didn't like the way they made her feel. Then she noticed an L A Weight Loss center in her area, and decided to sign up.

There, Christine worked with personal L A Weight Loss counselors who taught her to eat several smaller meals throughout the day, and balance her diet with healthier choices. With their support and encouragement, Christine swapped fast food for more lean protein, fruit, vegetables, and water.

She built exercise into her routine, too. Soon, the girl who couldn't even jog without losing her breath was going to the gym at least three times a week, walking everywhere, and choosing stairs over the elevator.

Thanks to this powerful diet and exercise combo, Christine shed 50 pounds (!!!), and dropped to a size 8/10. She no longer worries if clothes will fit, and loves shopping with her mother and sister for flirty, girly outfits.

But Christine's change goes deeper than her wardrobe. With the extra weight gone, her self-esteem and confidence are sky-high. And she is much closer to her family, who is proud of her accomplishment.

The weight loss has also made Christine more outgoing, energetic, and active. She joins her friends on road trips, makes weekend plans, and plays sports. No wonder people say she glows!

Great work, Christine! Enjoy being a girl :)

Here's the before Christine on the left, chilling with a gal pal:



And here she is, 50 pounds lighter, and ready to hit the mall! Way to go, Christine!



FAST FACTS

Name: Christine Cortez
Hometown: Killeen, Texas
Age: 21
Height: 5'0

Starting weight: 180 pounds
Goal weight: 125 pounds
Current weight: 132 pounds
Program start date: March 2006

Favorite food: Korean cuisine.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate.

Biggest motivator: Becoming more involved with her family, and bonding with her parents.

Biggest obstacle: Riding the roller coaster of emotions while losing weight.

Old eating philosophy: Eating rice with nearly every meal.

New eating philosophy: Eating healthier, organic food in moderation, and drinking more water and juices.

Best thing about losing weight: Boosting her energy, confidence, and social skills, and enjoying shopping again!

Best weight loss secret learned: Control your food so it doesn't control you. Also, follow the program, and call on the counselors for support. They are there for you.