Escaping Family History of Heart Problems: Kim Carson

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By Kayla Craig

Kim Carson joined a workplace weight loss program to lose 90 pounds and lower her cholesterol and blood pressure. Two years later, this "loser" is a big winner, regaining her energy and self-esteem. Here's how she did it.

Living on a farm, Kim Carson was used to daily chores. But when tasks started getting tougher and she was tired after two hours of yardwork, Kim knew something wasn't right. "I could hardly do anything without getting winded," Kim says.

A visit to the doctor confirmed her feelings. Not only was she was overweight, she had high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Kim, 46, was also at risk for diabetes.

A few cookies here and a handful of chips there had caught up with her. "I knew it was getting out of hand, but the wake-up call was when I saw everything on paper," Kim says. Determined to change the dangerous path she was on, she vowed to maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle. "I had to get a grip on it," Kim says.

Kim's test results hit close to home. "My dad's family has a history of heart problems, and my father passed away from heart problems," she says.

Kim began cutting her cookie consumption and started exercising on her elliptical machine. Soon, she joined a workplace Weight Watchers group, which designates point values to everything from snacks to entrees.

"The first day I went in, I had a bad attitude toward it," Kim says. But she stuck with Weight Watchers, hoping the program would help her reach her get-healthy goals. "It was like, 'I can live with this,'" Kim says about tracking the point value of everything she ate. "I was really shocked at how much I was eating before."

With the encouragement of her co-workers and family, Kim followed the rules of the weight loss program. As she began to lose weight, she felt better and had more energy.

Two years later, Kim flies through the farm tasks that used to tire her, such as baling hay or raising horses. "I feel like a whole different person," Kim says. "I have the energy to do hard work around the house all day long. I almost wear my husband out."

Kim's health improved, too. A second trip to the doctor showed that not only did she drop 90 pounds, but she also lowered her blood pressure, cholesterol, and risk for diabetes. Kim's changes led to a healthy heart, weight loss, energy, and self-esteem. "In the past, if there was a camera in the room, I was the one taking the picture," Kim says. "Now, I go out of my way to get my picture taken!"