Brenda Dotson swaps comfort food for a comfortable new size

Everyone has something they turn to for comfort. It could be an old blanket, a favorite book, or a worn-in sweater. For some people, food is the source of comfort. Unfortunately for Brenda Dotson, she was one of those people.

Growing up in a tumultuous household, Brenda and her twin sister constantly ate when they were stressed and depressed. It's no surprise that weight started to become an issue for Brenda. As she gained weight through adolescence, she was often teased by other kids.

As an adult, Brenda's diet still wasn't healthy. She rarely cooked for herself, and instead hit fast food lines nightly.

At 225 pounds, Brenda suffered from low self-esteem. She continued to faced ridicule -- even from her friends. Brenda had been put down for so long, she believed all of these unkind words were true.

When Brenda learned that ovarian cancer ran in her family, and that her weight put her at risk for the disease, she decided she needed to make a change. After little success with fad diets, a friend suggested L A Weight Loss.

In September 2003, Brenda joined her local Bossier City, La., L A Weight Loss center. With help from her one-on-one weight loss counselors, Brenda quit her fast food fixes, and started cooking healthy meals at home.

She integrated fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and plenty of water into her diet. And giving up all of he "bad stuff" was easier than Brenda imagined.

And it worked! Since joining L A Weight Loss, Brenda's lost 70 pounds and currently weighs 155 pounds. Decreasing her pounds has increased her energy. Brenda now walks three times a week before work.

Brenda's self-esteem has also greatly improved. She's more talkative than ever before. Even friends who have known Brenda for years can't believe how much she has to say these days.

Brenda doesn't turn to food for comfort anymore. Instead, she takes comfort in how great she looks! Congrats, Brenda!

Here's Brenda at 225 pounds:



And here she is at a stunning 155 pounds. Wow, great job, Brenda!



FAST FACTS

Name: Brenda Dotson
Hometown: Shreveport, La.
Age: 36
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 225 pounds
Goal weight: 155 pounds
Current weight: 155 pounds
Program start date: September 2003

Favorite food: Chocolate.

Biggest temptation: Sweets.

Biggest motivator: Encouragement from friends.

Biggest obstacle: Keeping up the weight loss even when people tempted her to stop.

Old eating philosophy: Eating to feel better emotionally.

New eating philosophy: Eating to live and to be healthy.

Best thing about losing weight: Gaining self esteem.

Best weight loss secret learned: Eat breakfast!