Alora Gaddy wins grand prize in Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge

Alora Gaddy's life is much peachier today. She's been crowned winner of the first-ever Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge! CONGRATS, ALORA!

The competition challenged 10 Atlanta women to reach their goal weight in six months by following the L A Weight Loss program, and incorporating Controltrim into their menu plan. Controltrim is a U.S.D.A.-developed powder made of 100 percent oat bran used to replace fat in desserts, dressings, and other foods and recipes.

Alora went from 188 to 148 pounds, and size 16 to 8, to claim the grand prize: a $1,000 shopping spree for a new, slimmer wardrobe. Here she is receiving her prize:



Doesn't she look stunning? Check out her before and after photos too.

The contestants weighed in once a week at their local L A Weight Loss centers, maintained a daily diary of meals, and incorporated Controltrim into their menu plans. The contestants also met with their L A Weight Loss personal counselor three times a week for one-on-one nutritional advice, custom meal planning, and supportive counseling.

Alora had originally decided to join the L A Weight Loss program when her sister-in-law Donna joined. The two did everything together and knew they would be successful if they had each other to lean on.

The final decision to join came when Alora realized she was about to hit the 200-pound mark and could no longer play with her grandkids the way she used to.

"Alora's success shows that healthy weight loss can be as simple as following a customized meal plan that incorporates portion control and personalized counseling into your lifestyle," said Sarah Landreyou, Center Manager at L A Weight Loss and Alora Gaddy’s personal counselor throughout the challenge.

By optionally adding Controltrim to L A Weight Loss's approach to menu planning, Alora steadily lost weight at a comfortable pace, without having to sacrifice her favorite foods or make drastic lifestyle changes. She's a role model for any woman who wants to regain control over their weight and their life."

Atlanta's biggest loser of the month

There's only one month left in the Atlanta Weight Loss Controltrim Challenge, and our women have lost an astonishing 175 pounds! This month's biggest loser is Matilda Tuma, who's lost a total of 33 pounds!

Alora Gaddy is right behind Matilda, with 31 pounds down. And our other runners up this month are Susie Powell with 29 pounds lost, and Theresa Conklin with 23 pounds lost.

With only one month to go, each of our ten women has once last chance to fight to be Atlanta’s biggest loser. Tune in next month to see who pulled through and earned their prize of a $1,000 new wardrobe shopping spree!

Take a look at how great our top two losers of the month look.

Here's Matilda at her new weight of 165 pounds:



And here's the new 157-pound Alora:

Four-month update on Atlanta Weight Loss Challenge

We're four months down in the Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge, and it’s getting fiercer than ever! With only two months remaining in the challenge, our 10 participants have lost a collective 139 pounds. Our top four losers have lost over 20 pounds each.

Alora Gaddy is in the lead for the third month straight with a total of 26 pounds lost. Second runner up is Matilda Tuma, down 22 pounds. In third and fourth place are Susie Powell, down 21 pounds; and Theresa Conklin, down 21 pounds.

The six-month challenge consists of 10 women following the L A Weight Loss program guidelines and using Controltrim, L A Weight Loss's new fat replacement product that can be added to baked goods, sauces, and dressings.

Participants who meet their goal weight by May 16 will be reimbursed for the program fee, and one grand prize winner will win a $1,000 shopping spree for a new wardrobe. Stay tuned for our next post as the women get closer to the finish line and their weight loss goals.

Halfway through the Atlanta Weight Loss Challenge!

We’re at the halfway mark in the Atlanta Weight Loss Controltrim Challenge, and things are really heating up. With all 10 women melting off the pounds, it’ll be a race to the finish to see who loses the most weight.

Our competitors have lost 121 pounds in three months by following the L A Weight Loss program guidelines and incorporating Controltrim -- L A Weight Loss’s new fat replacement product that can be added to baked goods, sauces, and dressings -- into their diet.

Conyers’ Alora Gaddy is still the biggest loser, shedding 22 pounds so far. Leading the pack for the second month in a row, her motivation has spiked. She is well on her way to reaching her goal of 138.

Hot on Alora’s heels are our next four losers, including Susie Powell, McDonough, down 19 pounds; Theresa Conklin, Dacula, down 18 pounds; Kari Conkle, Hampton, down 16 pounds; and Dawn Flemming, Conyers, down 15 pounds.

The women will continue to follow their L A Weight Loss programs while incorporating Controltrim into their meals. Those who meet their goal weight by May 16 will be reimbursed for the program fee, and one grand prize winner will win a $1,000 shopping spree.

Keep checking in each month to see the results of the challenge. It's getting exciting!

Here's Alora at 166 pounds, 22 pounds lighter than her starting weight two months ago:

An update from the Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge

It's been a month since the last time we checked in with our 10 Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge women, and the race is really heating up.

This month's front-runners are Alora Gaddy and Theresa Conklin. They're leading the weight-loss pack with 13 pounds apiece since the race's start.

That puts Alora's current weight at 175 pounds -- down 5 pounds from the last update. And Theresa currently weighs 171 pounds -- also down 5 pounds. Talk about neck and neck!

Then we have Susie Powell, who's close behind with a total weight loss of 12 pounds. And just two pounds behind her is Kari Conkle, now 10 pounds lighter.

Together, all 10 women have lost a total of 73 pounds. Way to go, ladies! Keep up the great work. And readers, keep checking in each month to see the results of the challenge. It's getting exciting!

Here's Alora Gaddy today, 13 pounds lighter than her starting weight two months ago:

Checking in with our Controltrim Challenge contestants

It's been a month since our 10 Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge contestants started whittling away the weight. How much have they lost? Who's leading the race? Let's find out!

After running the numbers, Susie Powell is ahead of the pack, with a nine-pound weight loss. Now at 215 pounds, she's looking forward to becoming a better role model for her daughter, and impressing her boyfriend with her new figure when he returns home from Iraq.

But Alora Gaddy is close behind, now eight pounds lighter at 180. She's already accustomed to her new eating plan, which includes healthy foods and portion control.

Also dropping eight pounds is Theresa Conklin, who was motivated to join the challenge after a discouraging shopping trip for her son's wedding. Now weighing 174, she's well on her way to looking fabulous for any special occasion!

And the total weight loss between all 10 women? Forty-five pounds! Congrats, ladies! Keep up the great work!

Remember to check back soon to see who our "biggest loser" is!

Here's a shot of Alora today, eight pounds lighter, now at 180 pounds:



And here's Theresa at 174, also minus eight pounds:

Follow 10 Atlanta women racing to lose!

Fried chicken, grits, and hush puppies are hallmarks of Southern cooking, but they aren't too kind to your figure.

And they certainly haven't been kind to these 10 Atlanta women: Alora Gaddy, Dawn Fleming, Kari Conkle, Susie Powell, Sharie Rhea, Matilda Tuma, Theresa Conklin, Tina Tucker, Thelia Stevens, and Pamela Kennard-Hil. That's why they weigh a cumulative 1,979 pounds.

Now they're determined to whittle away a total of 504 pounds for good -- but in an unusual fashion. They're participating in the first-ever Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge, sponsored by L A Weight Loss.

Starting today, these women will be on the L A Weight Loss plan, and competing against each other -- and the calendar -- to achieve their weight loss goals in six months.

The reward? Women who meet their goal weight by May 16, 2008, will be reimbursed for the program fee, and one grand prize winner will win a $1,000 new wardrobe shopping spree. (Mama needs a new pair of shoes ... or 20!)

During the challenge, the women will meet with their personal L A Weight Loss counselor three times a week to learn healthy eating habits and stay on their weight loss track. They'll also weigh-in once a week at the center, write their meals down in their daily diary, and use Controltrim in their everyday cooking.

Want to meet the women? Click here to read their stories and see their photos before they transform their bodies!

We'll be following their journeys by posting monthly updates on their progress. So be sure to check back here or bookmark this link.

Media interested in interviewing these women or learning more about the Atlanta Weight Loss Challenge can contact Jackie Zima at Jackie@GregoryFCA.com, 610-642-8253 ext. 138, or 215-534-2973 (mobile).

Good luck to all our participants! See you at the starting line!

Pamela Kennard-Hil to start anew in Atlanta

Weight gain is not discriminatory. Even people you think would be in great shape can carry excess pounds. Take Pamela Kennard-Hil, a physical therapist who started struggling with her weight two and a half years ago.

That was when her firefighter husband died suddenly on the job, and Pamela decided to start over. She and her four sons moved from Los Angeles to Atlanta, where Pamela's best friend lived.

But the transition didn't go well. The stress of losing her husband and trying to raise four kids wore Pamela down. She turned to food for comfort, eating mostly potatoes, french fries, fried fish, and fast food. Her weight increased to 201 pounds.

With high blood pressure and low energy, Pamela knew she needed to change her life. So when she heard about L A Weight Loss and the Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge, she jumped at the opportunity to shed 50 pounds for good.

Pamela is determined to become a healthier person, and a better role model for her sons and patients. And once she reaches her goal weight with this challenge, she plans on tackling another: the ING Georgia Marathon on March 30, 2008.

Here's Pamela now at 201 pounds, soon to slim down!



FAST FACTS

Name: Pamela Kennard-Hil
Hometown: Atlanta
Age: 47
Height: 5'9"

Starting weight: 201 pounds
Goal weight: 151 pounds

Favorite foods: Fried fish and chicken.

Biggest temptation: French fries.

Biggest motivator: Having her kids by her side.

Current eating philosophy: Filling up on fried food.

Biggest reason for participating in the challenge: To become a better mother and physical therapist.

Tina Tucker out to improve life in a smaller size

A self-titled "carboholic," Tina Tucker fills up on white bread, cake, chocolate, and other sweets. Now weighing 224 pounds, Tina has low self-esteem. She feels her larger size diminishes her credibility in her job as a banker.

Her husband, Lynn, has asked her to lose weight for years. She's tried following popular diet programs and taking weight loss pills to drop the pounds, but nothing has worked.

Enough is enough. Tina wants to get healthy, and regain her confidence. And she wants Lynn to look at her the way he did when they married 15 years ago.

Tina is aiming to lose 54 pounds on the Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge, and show herself and Lynn the beautiful woman inside! Once she's reached her goal, she hopes she can inspire other overweight people to shed the pounds, too.

Here's Tina at 224 pounds, before she undergoes her transformation:



FAST FACTS

Name: Tina Tucker
Hometown: Camp Creek, Ga.
Age: 35
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 224 pounds
Goal weight: 170 pounds

Favorite food: Carbs.

Biggest temptation: Sweets.

Biggest motivator: Wanting to regain her self-esteem.

Current eating philosophy: Loading up on white breads and sweets.

Biggest reason for participating in the challenge: To feel better about herself and strengthen her marriage.

Thelia Stevens wants a new weight for her new job

It's important to make a good first impression when starting a new job. But Thelia Stevens knows how tough that can be when you're overweight.

Theila has struggled with her weight for most of her life. After having two kids, her problem worsened. And she'll be the first to admit her eating habits aren't healthy. In fact, if it's fried, she'll eat it.

After years of eating badly and not exercising, Thelia is ready for a change. She'll soon be switching careers from teaching to human resources, and wants to be sure she gives off a great first impression that reflects her personality, not her size.

For Thelia, looking professional is just as important as acting professional. That's why she hopes to shed 60 pounds on the Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge!

Here's Thelia today at 213 pounds as she sets out on her weight loss challenge:



FAST FACTS

Name: Thelia Stevens
Hometown: Atlanta, Ga.
Age: 43
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 213 pounds
Goal weight: 153 pounds

Favorite food: Shrimp.

Biggest temptation: Fried food.

Biggest motivator: Wanting to give a better first impression.

Current eating philosophy: Eating anything home-cooked, especially Southern or fried food.

Biggest reason for participating in the challenge: To look more professional as she changes careers.

Alora Gaddy determined to nix her fast food fix

Many people have a weight limit in their mind. If they ever reach that number, they know it's time to start shedding the pounds.

For Alora Gaddy, that number is 200. And at 188, she's almost there. She owes her weight gain to years of piling extra helpings on her plat,e and hitting the fast food drive-thru. She rarely eats fruits and vegetables, and can't give up her favorite snack -- chips and salsa.

The extra weight has caused Alora's blood pressure and cholesterol to rise. She has trouble keeping up with her three grandchildren, and is frustrated when she can't find clothes that fit her.

She's tried popular diet plans, but wasn't comfortable in group counseling sessions. She quickly lost interest and fell back to her old eating habits.

Now she's determined to lose 50 pounds once and for all through the Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge. Alora wants to gain the energy to run after her grandkids, and the good health to live a longer life.

This is Alora now, clocking in at 188. Good luck in the challenge!



FAST FACTS

Name: Alora Gaddy
Hometown: Conyers, Ga.
Age: 50
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 188 pounds
Goal weight: 138 pounds

Favorite food: Mexican.

Biggest temptation: Chips and salsa.

Biggest motivator: Getting encouragement from her kids.

Current eating philosophy: Loving food and eating whatever she wants.

Biggest reason for participating in the challenge: To lose weight for her health and grandchildren.

Theresa Conklin trades good cooking for good looking

If there's one thing most Italians have in common, it's love for Italian food. But that affection has Theresa Conklin's scale tipping.

Theresa eats out often, and indulges in sweets, starches, and plenty of Italian food. She usually treats herself to a glass of wine at dinner. And whenever she eats a healthy salad, she tops it with high-fat options from the salad bar.

At 182 pounds, Theresa recently had an unsuccessful dress-shopping experience for her son's wedding. She wasn't happy with the way dresses fit or looked, and she knew it was time for a change.

She signed up for L A Weight Loss, then joined the Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge. She hopes to drop 40 pounds, just in time for the wedding!

Take a look at the 182-pound Theresa now before she starts disappearing!



FAST FACTS

Name: Theresa Conklin
Hometown: Dacula, Ga.
Age: 46
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 182 pounds
Goal weight: 142 pounds

Favorite food: Pizza.

Biggest temptation: Wine.

Biggest motivator: Wanting to get down to the weight on her driver's license.

Current eating philosophy: Indulging in Italian food.

Biggest reason for participating in the challenge: To get healthy and show off her new body at her son's wedding.

Matilda Tuma finds motivation to lower the scale

People often deny they have weight problems. Matilda Tuma denied hers for so long, she weighed 198 pounds before she realized she needed to lose weight.

Matilda gained baby weight with each of her three children. Eating unhealthy foods didn't help. Instead, she tried to control her calorie intake by eating only once a day.

Matilda thought no diet program could bring her weight back down. But Matilda joined L A Weight Loss, determined to shed 50 pounds.

Now she thinks the Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge is be the perfect way to keep her eyes on the prize (a $1,000 shopping spree and full program reimbursement), and her motivation on track.

Here's Matilda today at 198 pounds. Best of luck!



FAST FACTS

Name: Matilda Tuma
Hometown: Dallas, Ga.
Age: 37
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 198 pounds
Goal weight: 148 pounds

Favorite food: Pizza.

Biggest temptation: Pizza.

Biggest motivator: Getting encouragement from her friends.

Current eating philosophy: Eating only once a day.

Biggest reason for participating in the challenge: To gain motivation to drop the weight.

Susie Powell prepares to give real hero's welcome

Motivation to lose weight can come in many forms. For Susie Powell, it's an American solider.

She met him online, and has kept in touch with him as he serves in Iraq. He's due to come home soon, and she wants to look her best when they meet for the first time. That means dropping the excess weight she's put on throughout her life.

At 224 pounds, Susie regularly eats fried food, carbs, and candy. Fruit and vegetables seldom make their way to her plate. She tries to exercise, but just isn't seeing results.

Her solution: the Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge, where she aims to lose 60 pounds. She hopes that by the end, she'll be able to sport a bikini like her friends, and show her solider she can "be all she can be" too!

Here is Susie today, at 224 pounds. She's ready to melt away the pounds!



FAST FACTS

Name: Susie Powell
Hometown: McDonough, Ga.
Age: 47
Height: 5'8"

Starting weight: 224 pounds
Goal weight: 164 pounds

Favorite food: Shrimp.

Biggest temptation: None. Her willpower is strong!

Biggest motivator: Wanting to be as fit as her girlfriends.

Current eating philosophy: Indulging in fried foods and candy.

Biggest reason for participating in the challenge: To finally get rid of the weight.

Sharie Rhea aims to lose 40 for the grandkids

Just because you're a grandmother, doesn't mean you have to take it easy. Sharie Rhea certainly doesn't want to.

The 48-year-old grandmother of two has struggled with weight her entire life, and yo-yo dieted since she was 12. Sharie loves to eat, though her menu of choice is fast food, not protein or fresh vegetables and fruit.

At 171 pounds, Sharie still has energy, but she's not happy with her looks or how she feels inside. She wants her body to match her bubbly personality. And she wants to keep pace with her grandchildren and see them grow up.

That means dropping 40 pounds by competing in the Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge. She hopes she'll finally gain the accountability to lose weight and keep it off.

This is the 171-pound Sharie before she shrinks:



FAST FACTS

Name: Sharie Rhea
Hometown: Milton, Ga.
Age: 48
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 171 pounds
Goal weight: 131 pounds

Favorite food: Steak and a loaded baked potato.

Biggest temptation: Cocktails.

Biggest motivator: Wanting to improve her health and looks.

Current eating philosophy: Eating at fast-food restaurants.

Biggest reason for participating in the challenge: To look younger and be there for her grandkids.

Kari Conkle ready to help herself to a smaller size

There are many common reasons people gain weight. One we often hear at L A Weight Loss is when mothers dedicate so much of themselves to care for their families, they don't have time or energy left to care for themselves. Kari Conkle shares that story.

Kari's 17-year-old daughter Katie was named Miss Georgia Teen U.S.A. in 2005. Kari traveled often, and devoted so much effort to her daughter's care that she forgot about herself. She didn't pay attention to her diet, overloaded on carbs, and dined on comfort foods.

But now her daughter is in college, and Kari is ready to care for herself. At 188 pounds, Kari's blood pressure is higher than it should be, and her joints are sore from carrying around extra weight.

Kari tried dieting a few times, but couldn't find a program that worked for her. Then she found L A Weight Loss. Now Kari is taking her weight loss one step further by entering the Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge.

She's excited for the challenge, and thinks it will keep her motivated throughout her weight loss journey. Her goal is to get down to 148 pounds. Good luck, Kari!

Here's Kari now at 188 pounds -- but hopefully not for long!



FAST FACTS

Name: Kari Conkle
Hometown: Hampton, Ga.
Age: 44
Height: 5'7"

Starting weight: 188 pounds
Goal weight: 148 pounds

Favorite food: Peanut butter.

Biggest temptation: All the baked goods her students bring in to elementary school.

Biggest motivator: Looking at a school picture of herself that she barely recognizes.

Current eating philosophy: Eating carbs and comfort food.

Biggest reason for participating in the challenge: To take care of herself for the first time in years.

Dawn Fleming ready to drop 60 for the Aloha state

Many people losing weight have a reward waiting for them when they reach their goal. For some, it's a new wardrobe. For others, improved self-esteem. For Dawn Fleming, it's a dream vacation to Hawaii.

Years of eating fast food, fried foods, and not enough fruits and vegetables had Dawn's weight on the rise. But she's reached her breaking point: 190 pounds.

In addition to lack of energy, Dawn suffers from high blood pressure and depression. Her doctor has warned her she desperately needs to lose weight.

Dawn is determined to shed 60 pounds on the Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge. What's her driving motivation, besides her quest for a healthier body? Her husband has promised to put away $100 for every pound that Dawn loses.

That will make $7,000 when she reaches her goal weight of 130 pounds. And they're planning to use that money for a trip to Hawaii!

Here's Dawn now, officially weighing in at 190 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Dawn Fleming
Hometown: Conyers, Ga.
Age: 54
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 190 pounds
Goal weight: 130 pounds

Favorite food: Lobster.

Biggest temptation: Baked potatoes with sour cream.

Biggest motivator: Buying smaller clothes, her health, and Hawaii!

Current eating philosophy: Putting butter on everything.

Biggest reason for participating in the challenge: To get healthy.