Abuse victim takes final step to overcome defeat

The effects of abuse are chronicled too well. Injury, depression, anxiety, and unhealthy eating are just a few.

Iretta Baldwin can attest to all of the above. She married her first husband at age 18. But her marriage was scarred with mental and physical abuse, and Iretta turned to food for comfort.

Years of emotional struggle, one daughter, and two failed marriages later, food was still Iretta's best friend. And it showed. She tipped the scales at 258 pounds.

Iretta was tired all the time, and never had energy to do anything. The thought of being alone made her anxious, and she settled for unhealthy relationships. Her self-confidence diminished as she surrounded herself with negative people who treated her badly.

When Iretta became a teacher, she was determined to get her weight under control. During parent-teacher conferences, she didn't want to be considered a child's "big teacher."

Thanks to her daughter's encouragement, Iretta joined the Lakewood, Colo., L A Weight Loss Center. She worked diligently with her one-on-one weight loss counselors, and learned how to incorporate healthy eating into her lifestyle.

Out went her bad habits of greasy breakfasts, fatty snacks, and overfilled plates. In came plenty of vegetables, fruits, yogurt, and lean proteins.

And it worked. After one year with L A Weight Loss, Iretta lost 103 pounds! Now weighing in at 155, she is nearly at her weight loss goal of 140 pounds!

Losing weight changed everything for Iretta. She's not only in control of her weight, but her life as well. Her escalating self-confidence makes her feel reborn!

Iretta fits into smaller clothes, and has energy to exercise. She walks more than ever before -- whether with her dogs, or from the furthest parking space to the store.

The best part about being thinner: Iretta doesn't let negative people in her life anymore, and she's ready to move up. Iretta feels she can stand on her own two feet, and hold her head high.

Way to go, Iretta! We're so proud of you!

Here's Iretta, weighing in at 258 pounds:



And here she is today 103 pounds lighter! Looking great, Iretta!



FAST FACTS

Name: Iretta Baldwin
Hometown: Lakewood, Colo.
Age: 41
Height: 5'3"

Starting weight: 258 pounds
Goal weight: 140 pounds
Current weight: 155 pounds
Program start date: October 2006

Favorite food: Cheese enchiladas.

Biggest temptation: Chips and dip.

Biggest motivator: Getting encouragement from her daughter every step of the way.

Biggest obstacle: Going back to old eating habits.

Old eating philosophy: Chowing down on fried foods, chocolate, and chips.

New eating philosophy: Eating plenty of vegetables and fruit.

Best thing about losing weight: Gaining self confidence.

Best weight loss secret learned: You can still eat out at restaurants and lose weight!