Age: 22

Marital Status: Single

Occupation: Intern

Pets: No (though I love animals)

Hobbies/Interests: Swimming, reading, computer games, movies, music

Height: 5'1

Eye/Hair Color: Both light brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: After all the ons and offs, 1st July 2012

Starting Weight: 94 kgs (207 lbs)

Present Weight: 94 kgs

Goal Weight: 55 kgs (121 lbs)

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Lack of motivation and self control. Always around people who like to eat a lot.

Following any specific plan: No

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I joined this forum . But seriously, this time I'm incorporating exercising into the equation for the first time.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I'm going to need a lot of pushing, so you guys will probably be seeing my posts a lot

First name: Gaby

Geographical location: Seattle, Washington

Age: 20

Marital Status: Single

Occupation: Student

Hobbies/Interests: Computer Programming

Height: 5'9"

Eye/Hair Color: brown/brown

Starting Weight: 170

Present Weight: 170

Goal Weight: 150

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Self-control. I simply LOVE to eat.

Following any specific plan: Low-carbing it! Basically, I eat when I'm hungry. No calorie-counting (that hasn't worked for me in the past). I eat as little carbs as possible. I eat high-fat, high-protein foods that keep me satiated.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: the low-carbing thing. I've always calorie-restricted, but it never has worked out.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I always give up. My pessimistic side is telling me that this time around won't be any different. I am and always will be out of control. But, I've hit an all-time high weight of 170, so part of me *knows* that I've got to make some changes. I've got to be consistent. I have to do this. For myself.

First name: Sarah

Geographical location: Small Town Iowa

Age: 20

Marital Status: Single

Children/Ages: None

Occupation: Student

Pets: 2 cats and a dog

Hobbies/Interests: Reading, watching tv, traveling, music, movies

Height: 5'5'

Eye/Hair Color: Brown Hair and Hazel Eyes

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: June 21, 2012 is when I decided and started trying to diet, but that lasted about a week before I started cheating, so we will say today is when I start over.

Starting Weight: 188.2

Present Weight: 186

Goal Weight: 165 by August 20. Would love to go even further, but I want to set a realistic goal first.

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Being a college student. The horrible food and temptations that comes with being a college student. And we can't forget about the binge drinking.

Following any specific plan: Counting calories and working out.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I was always in a relationship before and didn't have to worry about looking good because I didn't need to impress anyone. I want to do this for me so I can be happy with myself.


I tend to make excuses for myself and no one keeps me accountable, so I need something/someone there to push me, and I am hoping this site will do that for me.

First name: Margaret

Geographical location: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Age: 28

Marital Status: newly married!

Children/Ages: none

Occupation: Computer Programmer

Pets: none

Hobbies/Interests: Girl Guides, Hiking, camping, water sports - but I don't feel fit or healthy enough for them at the moment.

Height: 5'5"

Eye/Hair Color: Brown/Brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: soon! (i'll update asap i promise!)

Starting Weight: 284

Present Weight: 284

Goal Weight: 150

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: cheesecake

Following any specific plan: not sure yet

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past:

Anything else you would like to share with us:

First name: Katlyn

Geographical location: Glenside, Pennsylvania, United States

Age: 19 (20 in 11 days!!!! )

Marital Status: Single

Children/Ages:

Occupation: Student

Pets:6 cats, two dogs, and fish Do plants count as well?

Hobbies/Interests: I love writing, reading, exploring, and meeting new people.

Height:5'3-5'4 it changes every time I get measured between the two.

Eye/Hair Color: green/grey/blue and light brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey:2008 ish....seems like that's when I started taking control of my own responsibility.

Starting Weight:230lbs

Present Weight: 194lbs

Goal Weight:140lbs

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes after I started losing weight.

Following any specific plan: Just minding my carb intake more since taking my education classes after the diagnosis and uping my exercising.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I'm doing things that are more natural and seem to just flow with my lifestyle. I've changed my lifestyle, not just what I eat or how much I move. The only person telling me I have to do this is myself, and I know how badly I want to succeed.

Anything else you would like to share with us:
It's all about willpower and determination.

First name: Nissa

Geographical location: Niagara Falls, NY

Age: 26

Marital Status: Single

Children/Ages: none

Occupation: Secretary

Pets: none

Hobbies/Interests: crafts, music, reading

Height: 5’3”

Eye/Hair Color: Brown and Brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: My highest weight was March of 2011 at 300, but I joined my gym April of 2012 so I feel like that is my start date

Starting Weight: (300) 270

Present Weight: 254

Goal Weight: For now 199, but ultimately 140-160 (or less) I’m not sure where I will fall when I can call myself healthy, the goal is to get under 200 for the time being

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: emotional eating and anxiety surrounding the gym

Following any specific plan: eating well and mostly vegetarian, personal trainer once a week plus 3 days of strength training (usually about 1 hour) and another day of just cardio (though I do cardio on the 3 on my own days as well and a little before training)

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: this time… well now that’s a good question

Anything else you would like to share with us: When I was at my peak I was in the hospital being diagnosed with my second major attack of multiple sclerosis, then I lost my job and moved (from IL to NY), I’ve been (nearly) symptom free for a while now and I’m taking the opportunity to take advantage of my mobility while I have it because I don’t know when it will disappear again.

First name: Kathleen

Geographical location: Seattle

Age: 29

Marital Status: Engaged

Children/Ages: None, yet!

Occupation: Nanny/Graduate Student

Pets: None

Hobbies/Interests: Sewing, hiking, biking, walking, photography, and other random crafty goodness.

Height: 5'9"

Eye/Hair Color: Blue/Blonde

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: Today! (July 5, 2012)

Starting Weight: 229

Present Weight: 229

Goal Weight: 169

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: I have type 1 diabetes, hypothyroidism, ADHD, and some other health related issues.

Following any specific plan: I am ramping up my exercise routine and eating mostly gluten free and no refined sugars (but I am not strict). I may go back on WW soon.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I am seeking support and I know that if I don't change my weight, I will continue to struggle with my body image and I don't ever want my family to have to deal with that (future husband and children). I have seen how it affects my sisters (who are beautiful but overweight) and while I know I am beautiful, my weight makes me less likely to push myself to do things outside of my comfort zone.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I have never been seen as a fat girl because I look height weight proportionate and I am fairly active. This doesn't help me though as I often feel like I am a fraud--like, if they only knew my weight, they would know I was fat. I know this is all my own negative self-talk but I am working on it, as I know many of us are.

First name: Jessica

Geographical location: South carolina

Age: 24, 25 on Sunday (7/15)

Marital Status: in a committed long distance relationship (LONG story and most of my stress/emotional eating)

Children/Ages: 4 (Sean) and 8 months (Trae)

Occupation: Data Entry Specialist

Pets: none

Hobbies/Interestslaying with my children and when i have free time (no kids and there aren't a million things to do around the house, VERY RARELY) i like to catch up on my DVR (guilty pleasure)

Height:5'5 1/2''

Eye/Hair Color: Blue/Brownish-Blonde

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: today (so many dates in the past I can't keep track)

Starting Weight: 246

Present Weight:246

Goal Weight:165

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: emotional eating!!!!!!

Following any specific plan:i am trying to just eat healthier and cut back portion sizes and exercising on a daily basis

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: i am motivated now. i have to lose weight for my children. i am very unhappy with my looks.

Anything else you would like to share with us: i have been overweight for as long as i remember. high school was my worst weight (250+). got down to 180 in 2007. then after 2 pregnancies (3 years apart) i am back up to 246 as of this morning i stepped on the scale this morning and was CRUSHED!!

First name: Brandis
Geographical location: Eugene,OR

Age: 25

Marital Status: In a Relationship


Occupation: Radio Stations Sales Assistant

Pets: 2 sweet doxies! Senge and Maggie (3 years old)

Hobbies/Interest:Working with raptors, enjoying this beautiful state of Oregon and all that it offers. Reading and playing with the pups/going on adventures

Height:5'11

Eye/Hair Color: Brown/Dark Brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: May 22nd, 2012

Starting Weight: 195 (heaviest I have ever been)

Present Weight:173

Goal Weight:145

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Learning a new way to eat that doesn't involve too many sweets or carb overloads. Making better choices with food and exercise.

Following any specific plan: I am doing the Metabolic Research Center (high protein)

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: The focus. I really let myself go and I wasn't happy. It was discouraging when things didn't work but Im focused. This is the one and only time I will do this weighloss thing because it is for keeps!

Anything else you would like to share with us: I want to be healthy for me and I want to be healthy for my family and so they can jump on board also.

First name:

Geographical location: USA

Age: 20

Marital Status: In a Relationship (he cooks)

Children/Ages: N/A

Occupation: Student

Pets: an adorable kitten

Hobbies/Interests: reading, camping, hanging out with friends

Height: 5'3"

Eye/Hair Color: Blue/Blonde

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 7/13/12

Starting Weight: 130

Present Weight:

Goal Weight: 115

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: like I mentioned above, my boyfriend cooks. That and when I begin to work out, I go strong for a few weeks but then I lose all motivation

Following any specific plan: I want to cut back on sweets (soda, desert, etc) and become more physically active.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I think having this thread will make me feel more inclined to keep up with my goals.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I'm not as interested in "weight loss" as I am in feeling good about myself physically and mentally. I want to be healthy, not super skinny. I know that some people on here may have goals that would put them about my size, and may think I don't have a problem that needs fixing, but I feel like I could better myself. That's why I'm here.

First name: Tori

Geographical location: Findlay, Ohio

Age: 24

Marital Status: Single

Children/Ages: None

Occupation: An unemployed drain on society with a Bachelor's Degree

Pets: A Roma tomato plant named Feliciano & four basil plants collectively named Bhavani

Hobbies/Interests: Night Jogging, International Politics, Tricking Unwary Bystanders into Philosophical Discussions, Literature, Video Games, Films, Radiohead, Insects

Height: 5'3

Eye/Hair Color: Blue/Dark Blonde

Starting Date of Weight-loss Journey: Roughly 7 months ago

Starting Weight: 125, highest weight 1 1/2 years ago @ 136

Present Weight: 112

Goal Weight: 105

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weight-loss: I am awfully weak-willed when it comes to sugary snacks, and also have some issues as far as motivation to consistently exercise as I have embarked on this journey alone.

Following any specific plan: No, general low-carb high-protein & leafy green vegetable focus

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I've finally come around to the idea that my personal appearance is of some importance and now take the health of my body quite a bit more seriously than in the past.

First name: Amber

Geographical location: Michigan

Age: 27

Marital Status: married

Children/Ages: none

Occupation: hair stylist

Pets: none

Hobbies/Interests: movies, shopping, friends

Height: 5'6

Eye/Hair Color: hazel/brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: today 7/20/12

Starting Weight: 238

Present Weight: 238

Goal Weight: 185

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: controlling over eating.

Following any specific plan: no

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: i feel more motivated

Anything else you would like to share with us: hi!

First name: Liz

Geographical location: North east U.S.A

Age: 26

Marital Status: married

Children/Ages: girl 5 and boy 3

Occupation: Legal assistant

Pets: 1 dog, and a fish tank.

Hobbies/Interests: dance, shoping.

Height: 5'5

Eye/Hair Color: brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: June 19 2012. (for the third time)

Starting Weight: 195

Present Weight: 178

Goal Weight: 135

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Being more physically active, mood swings due to dieting, seeing and smell other delicious temptations in front of me, and missing my sweet, and tasty food.

Following any specific plan: Low carb

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I did IP before and now I am low carbing on my own., also weight loss is a little slower this time.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I am willing to make this a life style, in order to make it work, I am commted to stop yo-yo dieting for life.
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First name:

Geographical location:

Age:

Marital Status:

Children/Ages:

Occupation:

Pets:

Hobbies/Interests:

Height:

Eye/Hair Color:

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: every couple of months X 10 years but this time 3 weeks ago. I am only about 8 days in to trying South Beach for the first time.

Starting Weight:133.2

Present Weight:131

Goal Weight:112

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: I have had success with lots of different weight loss techniques, so I would say my biggest hurdle is finding one that I can actually stick to. Instead of gaining and losing the same 15-20 pounds I would like to make a permanent change.

Following any specific plan: South Beach

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: being open - even if it is to people who I don't know. I usually struggle in silence with my weight loss journey

Anything else you would like to share with us:

First name: Brittany

Geographical location: Calgary, AB, Canada

Age: 21

Marital Status: Coupled hehe

Children/Ages: none!

Occupation: GS Local Ski Hill

Pets: Bruce and Ernie - my two wonderful cats

Hobbies/Interests: rock climbing, hiking, travelling (only continental thus far)

Height: 5' 9

Eye/Hair Color: green eyes, brown hair

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey:

Starting Weight: 193

Present Weight: 190

Goal Weight: 135

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Living with roommates who tend to cook dinner for the house and buy lots of snacks .. SO much temptation

Following any specific plan: Weight Watchers Points+

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I'm fully committed! Signed up for WW, and got myself a gym membership. My boyfriend is committed to getting into shape as well, so I have a gym buddy, grocery buddy and meal buddy.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I'm super excited to get my butt in gear and shed some pounds