Losing weight can seem intimidating, especially considering nearly 35% of American adults are obese and Georgia has an obesity rate of 33.9%, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Obesity can cause an array of medical conditions including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
But a Warner Robins woman, who lost more than 70 pounds with the assistance of local non-profit organization TOPS Club Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), is sharing her story to inspire others.
Jean Boatright, who will turn 70 next month, lost a total of 71.5 pounds — the most for a female in the state of Georgia following the program, to be crowned the 2022 TOPS Georgia Queen.
Boatright was one of several TOPS members who collectively lost a total of 3,631 pounds in 2022.
She said she had struggled with her weight most of her life, using food as a way to control her emotions, but decided to make changes in 1985 when she joined TOPS.
