Getting into the right frame of mind to want to lose weight is often a struggle. Humanizing the experience, however, and learning about normal people who faced the same challenges can help point you in the right direction. Weight-loss success stories can be inspirational and motivate you to get active and eat right.
Scott Cutshall
Scott Cutshall weighed 501 lbs. in 2002. His doctor told him he was going to die within six months if he didn't make some serious lifestyle changes. According to a Bicycling.com titled "I Lost 320 Pounds Riding a Bike," the Pennsylvania native refused to undergo bariatric surgery and defied the advice of every medical expert he consulted, all of whom gave the same prognosis. He said he attempted suicide by cutting his wrists, but the blood clotted because of his obesity. Cutshall took it as a sign and decided to make a change. He wanted to lose weight by himself, without an operation, and turned to the bicycle for help. A special heavy-duty frame bike was made for him to support his weight. Cutshall began to rack up the miles, logging less than a few miles per ride in 2005 to nearly 7,000 miles in 2008. Cutshall lost 320 lbs., bringing his weight down to 181 lbs.
Anthony Henry
New York City firefighter Anthony Henry and went from being in the best shape of his life after graduating from the fire department academy to being overweight within five years, according to an article titled "I Got Healthy for My Family" at Fitbie.com. Henry topped out at 226 lbs. He attributed his weight gain to the elaborate and heavy meals that were a staple at the firehouse. A medical check-up became a reality check for Henry when he was told by his doctor that his cholesterol was too high and his blood sugar numbers were nearing diabetic levels. Henry began controlling his portion sizes, while incorporating foods high in monounsaturated fatty acids, which reduce the amount of fat stored by your body. After only one month of controlled and planned eating, Henry dropped 27 lbs. and lost 3 inches off his waist. Henry is now training to run a half-marathon.
Brady Vilcan
For Brady Vilcan and his wife, Vicky, nutrition and exercise concerns were toward the bottom of their priority lists, according to an article on MSNBC.com. Their hectic lives, which includes two children, didn't allow for healthful eating or physical activity, or so they thought. The couple was featured on the TV show "The Biggest Loser: Families," and learned how to incorporate healthful eating and making time for working out. The key was to focus on what's best for the whole family. Strict meal planning led Brady to lose 71 lbs. in seven weeks during his time on the reality show, and now sets an example his children can follow.
Christopher Davies
Raleigh, North Carolina, resident Christopher Davies decided to replace the recliner in his living room with an exercise bike after being inspired by "The Biggest Loser" TV show. According to the NBC 17 website, Davies weighed 619 lbs. at his heaviest. The 32-year-old did not want to face the health risks associated with gastric bypass surgery -- a procedure that decreases the size of the stomach -- but instead wanted to change his life on his own. Through a nutritious diet and regular exercise, Davies dropped nearly 400 lbs. and now weighs about 220 lbs. He said he wants to keep working out to lose more, but says he already feels much better and is happier with his life than ever before.
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