[InsideMe]

Last year I was 245lbs, misserable and I ached everywhere. I wouldn't even start my jouney until midway through 2011, wearing a tight 16. I was so overweight I couldn't even do 1 jumping jack. I seriously couldn't even jump and get my feet off the ground!

Now I'm 51lbs lighter than last year, in a size 10-12 and I'm able to chase my kids and keep up with a high intensity workout. I never felt more alive!

[PollifaxFive]

This Time Last Year...

I had gained the freshman "15" (more like 10 pounds for me) and weighed a little above 200 pounds around the holidays, certainly an obese BMI for my height. I had always been obese to overweight, gaining as I got older, and couldn't find clothing in non-plus-sized stores without facing serious frustration. I recall going to find clothing with my mother one day, and storming out after not finding one thing I felt comfortable in. I felt fat, insecure, and self-conscious. I remember not being able to cross my legs properly, and was wearing a size 16 - 18 in jeans, but preferred sweats. I would go on mini shopping sprees for doughnuts and sweets (which admittedly was as fun as it was unhealthy.) I ate whatever I wanted and exercised 0% of the time.

Up until freshman year, I had been in denial and did not want to go shopping at plus-sized stores. But, at some point, I started dressing better, wearing jeans instead of sweats, and got a jacket that I loved (all through stores like Torrid and Lane Bryant.) Dressing better helped me feel less self-conscious and I think was important in making that next step to becoming healthier.

Now...

I am about 161 pounds, soon to be 160, and am no longer obese! I eat much better and exercise often (trying for thirty minutes, six days a week), and through that, I've lost almost 40 pounds since this time last year! I'm now a size 12 and feel more comfortable with myself. Most importantly, I'm much healthier! My knees are under less stress (bad knees run in the family) and I'm trying to take up running. My mini-goal is 160, and I'm very close!

[candice1022]

This time last year I was about 4 months pregnant and about 220lbs... highest ive been in awhile... was 180 when i got pregnant which was an accomplishment in itself because I could never get low and could never break the 180lbs.... i am currently 218 which is not far off my pregnancy weight but after I had my son i gained ALOT of weight for whatever reason... probably just laying around not being able to do anything (had c-section)

This year: This year I hope is the year I lose for good, my goal was 110lbs... I started at 224 and I am now 218. only 6lbs but its 6lbs lighter then I was before.... So if it takes me all year to lose which it probably will then I dont care. Im tired of being the chunky girl im tired of feeling like crap! I will lose this weight for myself and my son....

[RachelAnne]

This time last year, I was an unhappy college Sophomore. I had gained a little over 20 pounds in that year alone, my clothes didn't fit, and my self-esteem was driven to the ground. I overate and binge drank (oh, college) and had late night snacks which sometimes turned to full meals. I usually ate meals at the caf or out at restaurants, never at my apartment. At this point, being no stranger to working out, I kept telling myself that I could turn things around, but never tried.

Now, I am 20 pounds lighter and can fit into my old clothes again. I am part of a gym at home and at my college, where I work out daily. I eat healthy and have even inspired two of my roommates to begin eating healthy and working out, too. I cook or create a majority of my meals at my apartment. Even if I slacked off a bit during this last school year, I maintained my weight for the most part. Most importantly, I found my drive and self-confidence, and everyone has noticed!

[fromthebox]

This time last year... I was 159 lbs, down from the 180s and resolving to banish the last 20-30 lbs in 2011.

Now... I am around 135. I successfully lost the weight, and am now in a maintenance journey, resolving not to re-gain in 2012!