Ohio student learns weight loss for life

Many girls hope for a Sweet Sixteen party on their 16th birthdays. All Priscah Musinde wanted was a new body.

Priscah was overweight her entire life. She was a chubby baby, and got heavier each year. By the time she was 16, Priscah weighed 312 pounds.

Priscah had low self-esteem, and her social life suffered because of it. She never went to dances in high school, and didn't like to socialize.

Priscah knew that losing weight would change her life, and was determined to drop the pounds before entering college. So in September 2003, she joined the Pickerton, Ohio, L A Weight Loss center.

Personal weight loss counselor Carmlee met with Priscah during one-on-one weight loss sessions. She learned how to properly control her portion sizes, and the right foods to eat at the right times.

Priscah soon began to reduce her weight by eliminating most of the fried foods, sodas, red meats, and high-calorie desserts from her diet; and adding fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and water.

She reached her goal weight of 160 pounds in 2006 -- half her size! Since then, Priscah's self-esteem has risen incredibly. She's a happier, more social person, and has more energy than ever before, which she burns off by exercising.

Priscah's success has motivated others to join L A Weight Loss, too. Her older sister Felicia has lost 90 pounds on the program, and her best friend has lost 20 pounds.

Just as she thought, losing weight has changed Priscah's life. L A Weight Loss not only taught Priscah how to eat correctly, but also how to love herself. She's so glad she challenged herself to lose weight now, while she's young, so she has plenty of time to enjoy being thin! Congrats, Priscah!

Here's 16-year-old Priscah at 312 pounds:



And here she is today, at a fantastic 160 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Priscah Musinde
Hometown: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Age: 20
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 312 pounds
Goal weight: 160 pounds
Current weight: 160 pounds
Program start date: September 2003

Favorite food: Cereal.

Biggest temptation: Desserts.

Biggest motivator: Losing weight to feel better about herself.

Biggest obstacle: Getting past plateaus.

Old eating philosophy: Eating anything, any time.

New eating philosophy: Eating to live.

Best thing about losing weight: Increasing her self-esteem and shopping for new clothes.

Best weight loss secret learned: Know your purpose and why you're doing what you're doing.