Rating:

5.0 (2 votes)

TUCSON - Tuesday we introduced you to the first Biggest Loser Tucson contestant.

Like many, Amy Brown has battled weight nearly all of her life but a trip to the doctor was a reality check. Since then, Amy has taken her health seriously.

"I went to the doctor and that's when I found out I was 264 pounds and the doctor kind of chewed me out about it. I switched doctors at the time because I was very angry. Then I went home and decided they were right," said Amy.

Amy was pregnant with her son Chance. She decided to take the doctor's advice and started eating healthy.

"Through the pregnancy since I was so overweight I actually lost weight," said Amy.

Ten years later Amy has lost more than 100 pounds and is setting an example for her family. She said the biggest factor in losing the weight was choosing a healthier diet.

She became a vegetarian two and half years ago. She still cooks meat for her family but says she tries to stay away from processed foods. Her kids will eat just about and fruit or vegetable, no dipping sauces required.

Her husband Trevor said he has always been athletic but she made him rethink the importance of healthy food choices.

"Once I met her and she started talking about ‘oh well you need to track your food' and I was like ‘what's tracking your food I have no clue what you are even talking about.' She was like ‘read the label on the box,'" said Trever.

Amy is now motivating others. She created a weight loss challenge with 6 family members. Each wears a body bug to track their steps throughout the day.

"She's the motivator and key behind it and she keeps track of it and does all the book reports sends us the text messages great job keep up the good work, are you stepping," said Trever.

Amy said she is motivated by her kids. "I wanted to be able to play with them. I didn't want to have diabetes or heart problems. I wanted to be healthy and be able to do things with them."

Amy is still gradually losing weight, hoping to one day be 132 pounds, half the person she used to be. She said one key to helping her succeed was an online food tracking website.

Next week we'll tell you about one man who weighed in at 535 pounds. His amazing transformation down to 210 pounds, make sure to tune in next Tuesday.