Mother-daughter duo rely on each other

Kathy Fendley and her daughter Emily Jenkins are from Knoxville, Tenn. They decided to join their local LA Weight Loss center together in January 2006. Kathy and Emily share similar stories with their weight struggles.

Kathy was active growing up, but was always heavier. In college, she lost 50 pounds, and after that, she would yo-yo. Emily struggled through middle school up until after college. Both women knew their choice in food was not the healthiest. They would eat a lot of fast food, and Kathy would skip meals and instead eat a milkshake. She found ways to justify her eating.

When Emily was asked to be in a friend's wedding in August 2006, she knew she wanted to get the weight off. She asked her mom to join the LA Weight Loss program for the added support. Kathy was very excited to get the extra weight off too, but she knew she would not be able to lose as much as Emily would.

Little did Kathy know, she and her daughter went pound for pound. Along with eating healthier, receiving one-on-one help and support from LA counselors and each other, Kathy and Emily exercised at least three days a week. They would do a circuit training that LA Weight Loss offered, walk outside or on the treadmill, weight train, and all around became more active.

Emily also wanted to lose weight for her own wedding. Ever since Emily was a little girl, she dreaded picking out her wedding dress. She thought she would have to pick a dress out to cover her up. But when she did marry just about a year ago, she could pick out the dress of her dreams.

The mother-daughter duo thanks LA Weight Loss for their healthier lifestyle. They have noticed a change in their overall quality of life. Kathy loves taking her daughter shopping and seeing how excited she gets when she feels comfortable in what she wears.

They no longer dread putting on a bathing suit to go to the beach. They always make sure they bring their own snacks and drink a lot of water. Teamwork is what led this mother and daughter to the happiest they have ever been in their own skin.

Emily and Kathy before:



Emily and Kathy after:



FAST FACTS:

Name: Kathy Fendley
Hometown: Knoxville, Tenn.
Age: 61
Height: 5'1"

Starting weight: 179 lbs.
Goal weight: 135 lbs.
Current weight: 132 lbs.
Program start date: January 2006

Favorite food: Hamburgers.

Biggest temptation: French fries.

Biggest motivator: Getting rid of clothes that no longer fit.

Biggest obstacle: Cooking/preparing her own food to follow the plan.

Old eating philosophy: Ignoring calories, and just eating anything that was fast and tasty.

New eating philosophy: Planning ahead, having good and healthy food in the refrigerator, and talking to the waiter if she goes out to eat.

Best thing about losing weight: Having more energy, feeling better about herself, and not having to stand in front of the closet and wonder what pair of pants she can get into today.

Best weight loss secret learned: Don't let yourself get hungry. Stay ahead of your hunger pain.



Name: Emily Jenkins
Hometown: Knoxville, Tenn.
Age: 26
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 185 lbs.
Goal weight: 132lbs.
Current weight: 143lbs.
Program start date: January 2006

Favorite food: Any kind of cake.

Biggest temptation: Cake and pizza.

Biggest motivator: Being able to buy clothes she wants to buy.

Biggest obstacle: Watching her husband eat, because he can eat whatever and stay skinny.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever was there.

New eating philosophy: Controlling portions.

Best thing about losing weight: Getting compliments and knowing she looks better.

Best weight loss secret learned: Use fat-free Cool Whip on fruits to make it more like a dessert.