Christine's Story

Imagine having to live the rest of your life with an incurable disease.  This is the reality that was facing me as I sat in my doctor’s office last summer.  I was there for my annual physical when I pointed out some dark, rough skin on the back of my neck to my pediatrician.  After looking at it, she told me it was a warning sign for insulin resistance, and that if I didn’t do something to correct it, I would become diabetic.  This was a big concern considering both my grandfather and uncle have diabetes.

At 337 pounds, I was far from a healthy teenager.  I was sixteen years old and having to live the rest of my life testing blood sugar twice a day was not what I wanted to do.  I’d been extremely overweight throughout my childhood, but now it was life threatening.  I needed to do something.  I’d tried dieting on my own before, but nothing worked.  My doctor recommended Healthy Inspirations to me, a diet and exercise center just for women.  I went to a consultation meeting with my mom and signed up for a year of membership.

The first week was pretty rough having to deal with the thought of not eating all my favorite foods like chocolate, ice cream and pasta.  I told myself I would never be able to do it.  But the girls at the Center were supportive and encouraging, and I lost seven pounds in my first week.  After that, I just kept myself motivated and told myself I was strong and could follow the program along with my schoolwork.  I love the atmosphere of the Center.  Everyone is always upbeat and friendly, and when you walk in, you’re filled with energy.  The circuit really helped me step up my exercise level, and after the first two weeks, I had more energy than in the last two years of my life.  Probably my favorite part of the program is the specific eating plan the consultants picked out for me.  They matched my needs as a borderline diabetic to a certain plan for me that has helped me lose weight safely and lower my insulin level.  I know this because all the dark, rough skin on the back of my neck has gone pink and smooth.

I’ve been on the program for seven and a half months, and I’m now seventeen.  I’ve lost 93 pounds and weigh 244.  I feel great about myself and what I have accomplished.  After participating in this program and succeeding, I know I can do anything I put my mind to.  Relatives that I don’t see for a month or two always say I look great, and my friends and even teachers at school are noticing I’m slimming down.  I have the most self-esteem I’ve ever had.  Mean comments in the hallway no longer bother me because I know that I’m working on getting my weight down.  Junior prom is coming up in two and a half months, and I can’t wait to go dress shopping because I’ve never worn a dress before in my life.  But now I have the confidence and slimmer shape to feel good about myself and the way I look.  I don’t have to worry about living with diabetes, and I know that I’ll live a long, healthy life.  I never could have done it without Healthy Inspirations, the excellent program, and most of all, the encouragement and support from all the girls who work there.

Christine D.
Wakefield, RI

*Christine was one of eight finalists in the "Are You Inspired" essay contest