KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Millions of people will vow to lose weight in 2014, but only a small percentage of that number will achieve lasting success.
At Southwest Boulevard Family Fitness Center, a free program is helping obese people turn their lives around one small step at a time.
Just 18 months ago, James Williams never thought he would be training for his second 5k. But, thanks to the Big Changes Program, Williams has lost 65 pounds, is off his diabetes medication and has cut his blood pressure medications in half.
“Being obese or morbidly obese you are worried about coming in and seeing all the pretty people and here you don’t. Everyone here looks just like you,” said Williams, a Big Changes Graduate.
In this program there is no surgery, no pills, just hard work and dedication.
“I’m a lot more physically fit than I’ve been in years,” said Doug Lillich, who has lost 25 pounds.
Many of the Big Changes biggest success stories credit fitness director, Priscilla Allen. Ten years ago, she lost 80 pounds. She founded the Big Changes program to help others do the same.
“It’s been an amazing journey not just for myself but watching all these people succeed,” said Allen.
Eligibility for Big Changes free program is simple, you just have to have a BMI, or Body Mass Index, of more than 40 and a doctor’s release, but Allen warns that the program is not easy.
“It’s a lot of work. This is not a magic bullet,” said Allen.
During Sunday morning’s newscast, when the program was announced, the phones lit up. There were about 60 calls for the 24 available spots. But Allen said she knows from experience, that only a handful of these callers will show up, make friends, and put in the time and work it takes to create lifelong change.
“It is so important to have someone to work out with that really helps motivate you,” said Jon Kelley, who just started the program.
If you are interested in getting on the waiting list for the Big Changes program, call Southwest Boulevard Family Fitness Center at (913) 384-2988 or visit their Facebook page.
