Andrea L.
Age 46 – Flossmoor
Starting Weight: 201
Ideal Weight: 168

Her recent life changes of getting married, having a baby, and changing jobs have sent her off track.

“When I saw this challenge, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity for me to discipline myself and reach my goals.”

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Denise A.
Age 50 – Hazel Crest
Starting Weight: 201
Ideal Weight: 145

She has high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and kidney failure (and undergoes dialysis two times per week). She has already lost 100 pounds on her own.

“For health reasons I was forced to reduce my weight or risk my life.”

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Donna N.
Age 64 – Bloomingdale
Starting Weight: 194
Ideal Weight: 135

Her health issues include high blood pressure and high cholesterol. She states her knees are sore from her excess weight and she easily becomes short of breath.

“I am looking forward to Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating because all of the guesswork is taken out!”

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Heidi W.
Age 23 – Chicago
Starting Weight: 187
Ideal Weight: 140

She became a vegetarian and lost weight eating fruits, vegetables and nuts. However, she realized she could maintain a vegetarian diet and still eat unhealthy veggie-friendly foods.

“I put all the weight back on. A friend told me about this challenge, and I’m giving it a shot.”

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Linda R.
Age 50 – Palatine
Starting Weight: 155
Ideal Weight: 130

She wishes to lose weight to live a healthier, more active lifestyle. Grandchildren are arriving, and she says she’s not a push-the-swings, sit-on-the-bench kind of grandma.

“It’s time to look forward in life and act, rather than look back and wish that I had acted.”

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Martha I.
Age 61 – Chicago
Starting Weight: 215
Ideal Weight: 166

She has high blood pressure and diabetes. Her motivation to lose weight is her granddaughter, of whom she recently gained guardianship.

“I didn’t want to go on living when I lost my son in the accident, but now I realize I cannot die because of my little Isabella Rose, who is 6 years old.”

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Michael K.
Age 41 – Spring Grove
Starting Weight: 219
Ideal Weight: 180

He needs to lower his body mass index (BMI) to well under 30. He is a firefighter and wants to get his weight down so he can do his job to the best of his ability.

“My wife plans to go on SSHE during the contest as well, so she will be a huge supporter.”

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Paul Q.
Age 40 – Westmont
Starting Weight: 200
Ideal Weight: 158

He’s a former triathlete and ironman participant. His health issue is high cholesterol, and he knows his problems are portion control and choosing the wrong foods.

“I plan to climb Mt. Rainier next July for the first time.”

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Phil P.
Age 39 – Chicago
Starting Weight: 230
Ideal Weight: 178

His doctor said he needs to lose weight or he may have health issues down the road. He works a busy schedule as a writer and plans to document his experience with the 2010 Slim Down.

“A busy career means a balanced diet sometimes gets lost. I believe I can benefit from this challenge.”

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Tim G.
Age 51 – Aurora
Starting Weight: 297
Ideal Weight: 185

His health issues are type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. His hobbies are important to him. He wants to fish more easily and would like to ballroom dance eventually.

“I am very excited about the opportunity to participate in this awesome contest!”

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