Biggest Loser Resort

Dawn M., North Carolina

Utah Guest, 2011

“I was at a very low point in my life. I had given birth to three boys over a period of four years – all through emergency C-sections. Our first son was 12 weeks premature and we lost him at 11 weeks. Due to the depression, stress, poor choices and preeclampsia, I then gained over 90 pounds – which led to diabetes a few years later.

When I tried eating right, dieting and exercising on my own, I’d lose 10-12 pounds – but then gain it all back. My family loves The Biggest Loser show – so when the resort opened, my husband suggested that I try it. It was a lot of money for us, but as the cost of my medicine climbed to $350 a month, it really put our priorities into perspective! I made a reservation for a month-long stay, six-months in advance.

To prepare, I began exercising, eating around 1,400 calories a day and basically tried to do what I thought would get me in shape for going to the resort. During this process, I ended up losing 25 pounds on my own! When I arrived at Fitness Ridge, I was apprehensive, anxious and wondered if I could really accomplish all that they required for guests to do. But, I couldn't have imagined how that month would change my life! Before you show up, all you want to know is the bottom line, ‘How much weight will I lose?’ But the real question becomes, ‘How much living and knowledge am I going to gain?’ The program teaches you why you do the things you do, food triggers and how to break free from all that, how to cook healthy, workout effectively and so much more.

The bottom line is that I lost 15 pounds there over the course of a month and was eventually able to get off my meds too. But the story doesn't end there.With high motivation, I came home and lost 15 more pounds and began running in 5ks (something I would never have attempted before) and even ran in a mud run. Yes, a mud run! Can you believe it? I am just an average mom, but I'm acting like The Biggest Loser contestants after the show. I tell everyone, ‘If you ever get the chance to go to The Biggest Loser Resort, you should - because you are worth it!’ We are all worth it but unfortunately careers, family, unforeseen circumstances and just plain life can get in the way of us believing that. Everyone at the resort cares so much about each guest and I made so many great friends and I loved it so much that I re-booked again for a week next year! I don't ever want to lose this new life that I'm now living. For the first time in a long time, I feel strong, fit and beautiful.

Thank you to The Biggest Loser Resort for making me a new person.”