Alabama sister scales back sibling rivalry

Sibling rivalry is a natural part of growing up. Brothers and sisters try to outdo one another in almost any way possible.

For Theresa Coplin of Trussville, Ala., sibling rivalry focused on weight. Her sister was slender her whole life, but the same couldn't be said of Theresa.

She struggled with weight since she got married at age 19. She didn't eat correctly or exercise much. She often fried her foods, and opted for starches and red meat instead of fresh fruit or vegetables.

The pounds piled on. Theresa quickly became fatigued after short walks. Her blood pressure and cholesterol were high, and her doctor put her on three medications to correct them. She also got lower back pain from standing too long, and snored at night.

Theresa lost the energy and enthusiasm to go out and socialize. Instead, she curled up on the couch at the end of the day and watched TV. Meanwhile, her sister remained thin. Theresa knew that if she focused and tried hard, she could look like her sister too.

When she reached 218 pounds, Theresa knew if she didn't do something about her weight, the pounds would continue to add up. She decided to turn to L A Weight Loss, which was located in the same shopping center as her office.

She signed up one day after work, and starting changing her eating habits with the help of the personal weight loss counselors and nutrition experts. Theresa learned how to eat a balanced diet of proteins, starches, dairy, fruits, and vegetables -- and enjoy the once-hated green beans! She also started grilling or baking food, instead of frying it.

During her weight loss, Theresa was able to stick with the L A Weight Loss plan because she could eat healthy foods she liked, and talk to her counselor one-on-one for personal guidance and motivation. Her doctor also encouraged her to stay on the plan.

Now, Theresa weighs 138 pounds -- the same as her sister! Her family is very proud of her, and she receives a lot of compliments on her new figure. Theresa's medical conditions have improved too, and she takes only one medication for high blood pressure -- a thrill for her doctor!

Theresa can also run and walk farther without getting out of breath. She wears more flattering clothes, and will soon be ready to flaunt her new body in a swimsuit. She continues to eat according to lessons learned at L A Weight Loss to keep the weight off.

Theresa knows she'll live a longer, healthier life now that her weight is under control. She says she wishes every overweight person would do what she did because they'd be much happier and healthier.

No truer words were spoken, Theresa! Great job!!

This is Theresa before, at 218 pounds:



And here's the new Theresa, looking fabulous at 138! Way to go, Theresa!



FAST FACTS

Name: Theresa Coplin
Hometown: Trussville, Ala.
Age: 54
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 218 pounds
Goal weight: 138 pounds
Current weight: 138 pounds
Program start date: May 18, 2006

Favorite food: Bread.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate and peanut butter.

Biggest motivator: Seeing how thin her sister was, and wanting to get off medications.

Biggest obstacle: Eating too many starches and sweets.

Old eating philosophy: Munching all the time, whether she was hungry or not.

New eating philosophy: Eating smaller meals six times a day.

Best thing about losing weight: Receiving lots of compliments on how good she looks.

Best weight loss secret learned: Grill and bake instead of frying food.