Jorge Harris saves his sweat for the gym

It's safe to say that everyone knows how it feels to sweat. It is the middle of the summer, after all. But for Jorge Harris, uncomfortable sweating wasn't something reserved for the hot summer time weather.

Jorge had a problem with his weight for most of his life. At 267 pounds, he was hot, uncomfortable, and sweating all the time. Physical activity was tough for him, and he didn't have the energy to spend time playing with his kids. He never felt comfortable doing things with his family, such as going to the beach.

Jorge also had high blood pressure and acid reflux disease, for which he needed daily medication. Besides his diagnosed medical problems, Jorge had a relative feeling of unhealthiness. He always felt sluggish.

But with Jorge's eating habits, it was no wonder his weight was so high. Jorge had an eating philosophy of "whatever, whenever." He often dined on fried and fast foods, and was constantly drinking sweet teas that are high in sugar and calories. He ate a lot of the bad stuff, but hardly any of the good stuff, such as fruits and vegetables.

So in July 2005, Jorge decided to get healthy. He joined his local Greensboro, N.C., L A Weight Loss Center. Working with a one-on-one weight loss counselor, Jorge learned how to maintain a proper diet.

He stopped eating so much fried food, and instead focused on including as many of the food groups as he could into his meals. He added fresh fruits and vegetables, and when he ate meat, it was lean. Jorge also added a lot of water to his diet. Sometimes, he even drinks up to 100 ounces a day.

With his new healthy diet in place, it didn't take long for Jorge to start losing weight. After one year on the program, he had lost 93 pounds, and weighed 174 pounds. Jorge has gone up a little since then, and at 185 pounds has re-entered the L A Weight Loss program. He now has a goal weight of 180 pounds. Almost there, Jorge!

Since losing almost 100 pounds, Jorge feels like a new man. He is more willing to go to the beach with his family, and he loves spending time playing with his kids. His lower weight gives him the energy to do more, so Jorge is always sure to take advantage.

He tries to exercise four times a week. The only times Jorge is sweating now is when he's playing golf, playing tennis, or jogging on the treadmill. Plus, his health has improved, and he no longer needs his high blood pressure meds.

Jorge's own impression of himself has greatly improved, and he no longer accepts himself as "the heavy guy." Best of all, he feels more alive. Jorge doesn't even like to sit still anymore. Now that's what we call a life change. Way to go, Jorge!

Here's Jorge at 267 pounds:



And here is today it at a fitter and healthier 185 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Jorge Harris
Hometown: Mebane, N.C.
Age: 39
Height: 5'9"

Starting weight: 267 pounds
Goal weight: 180 pounds
Current weight: 185 pounds
Program start date: July 2005

Favorite food: Fast food.

Biggest temptation: Fast food.

Biggest motivator: Feeling better.

Biggest obstacle: Curbing his eating habits.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted.

New eating philosophy: Including as many food groups as he can in his meals.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling better physically.

Best weight loss secret learned: Even a small amount of exercise keeps your metabolism going.

Erin Bradley succeeds with weight loss 'trickle effect'

You normally measure weight loss success on a scale no larger than a square foot. But in Erin Bradley's case, it was measured on a scale much bigger than that. She calls it the weight loss "trickle effect," and it's the reason behind her new figure.

Her journey to discover it began in high school. Erin wasn't active and didn't eat healthy. She hardly ate fruits and vegetables, and instead consumed a lot of pasta and other carbs. Salty and fried food were her staples.

Erin continued these habits into adulthood, and piled on the pounds. Erin weighed 270 pounds by age 25. The extra weight aggravated Erin's asthma, and she often used an inhaler, especially when she worked out.

She thought about losing weight, but was too embarrassed to talk about it. She tried to work out and eat healthy, but it didn't work. Erin needed a more structured plan that kept her accountable and focused.

But she didn't struggle alone. Her mom, who lived in West Virginia, also battled with her weight, and felt unhappy with herself. Some church friends told Erin's mom to try L A Weight Loss, a program with which they had success. She took the advice and signed up. The trickle effect began!

Erin's mom was soon 40 pounds lighter. Inspired by her success, Erin decided to join the Franklin, Tenn., L A Weight Loss center. She immediately began working with her personal weight loss counselors, Phyllis and Jaime, to develop a customized eating plan that fit her lifestyle.

She incorporated more fruits, vegetables, and seafood into her diet, and cut out salt, red meat, and fried foods. She also learned to cook balanced meals at home, which helped her avoid fattening and unwieldy portions at restaurants. Erin supplemented her eating plan with L A Weight Loss's cereal bars, snacks, and smoothies.

Erin's counselors motivated her to stick to her weight loss regimen by making her accountable for what and how she ate. She followed their guidance, and believed in herself and the program.

She thought her goal was easily within reach. And she was right. In just 10 months, Erin shed 93 pounds!

Now weighing 177 pounds, Erin has a better self-image and more confidence. Her asthma is greatly improved, and she uses her inhaler less frequently. And that means she can work out more often, and is training to run a 5K in January.

Erin says L A Weight Loss is a decision she made for the present and the future, so she can be healthier now and for the rest of her life. And the success is continuing to rub off. Erin has inspired a friend from her church to join L A Weight Loss.

Great to hear, Erin and everyone at church who's found similar success! We're so happy for you!

This is the before Erin, weighing 270 pounds:



And check her out today, 93 pounds lighter at 177! Great job, Erin!



FAST FACTS

Name: Erin Bradley
Hometown: Antioch, Tenn.
Age: 25
Height: 5'9"

Starting weight: 270 pounds
Goal weight: 178 pounds
Current weight: 177 pounds
Program start date: January 2007

Favorite food: Sushi.

Biggest temptation: Sweets.

Biggest motivator: Losing the weight.

Biggest obstacle: Learning how to cook for herself.

Old eating philosophy: Ignoring portion sizes and eating whatever, whenever.

New eating philosophy: Balancing her meals, and eating only when she's hungry.

Best thing about losing weight: Wearing new clothes.

Best weight loss secret learned: Balance your diet.