Gwinnett Co. woman loses 126 pounds

Gwinnett Co. woman loses 126 pounds

Posted: Updated:
You wouldn't know it now, but Leah Fernandez weighed more than 250 pounds just a year ago. You wouldn't know it now, but Leah Fernandez weighed more than 250 pounds just a year ago.
GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. -

If you're among the many people who have struggled to achieve their weight loss goals, a Gwinnett County woman might be able to give you a little motivation.  Leah Fernandez says even she is surprised that she's now spending time running because just more than a year ago, she weighed more than 250 pounds.

Fernandez says she really started putting on weight during her two pregnancies.  She had her children, but the baby weight stayed on.  It wasn't until she had a heart-to-heart with her husband that she realized she needed to do something.  

Fernandez tells FOX 5 her husband told her something she knew was true, but had never admitted: she wasn't happy with herself.  So, she decided to do something about it.  She turned to Jenny Craig to lose the weight, eating prepackaged meals and coupling that with exercise.

First, she started walking three or four days a week for about 30 minutes at a time.  After a few months, that turned into working out to aerobics tapes, and eventually running.  

All her hard work has paid off in a big way.  Fernandez has lost 126 pounds, and was recently featured in People Magazine's annual "Half Their Size" issue.  She says she's happy about her weight loss, but she's even more excited to motivate others to do the same.

Fernandez's running has taken off.  She's run in several 5K races already, and is now training for her first half marathon.

  • More Health News

  • Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:17 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:17:24 GMT
    When it comes to talking to doctors, a lot of us aren't exactly shooting straight.  In fact, one survey found that almost 30 percent of patients admit to lying to their physician.
    When it comes to talking to doctors, a lot of us aren't exactly shooting straight.  In fact, one survey found that almost 30 percent of patients admit to lying to their physician.  So, how much does your doctor really need to know?
  • FOX Medical Team

    Monday, May 20 2013 6:03 PM EDT2013-05-20 22:03:26 GMT
    Sutton Burnett's blog began as a way to share her story with friends and family. It's grown into something much deeper.
    Drop in on your friend's Facebook pages and blogs and you'll probably see a lot of photos of their kids. Sutton Burnett's blog began as a way to share her story with friends and family. It's grown into something much deeper.
  • Friday, May 17 2013 6:28 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:28:40 GMT
    Melanoma is considered the deadliest form of skin cancer. A veteran dermatologist says he used to see three to five melanomas a year. Now, he says, he sees that many in a week!
    Melanoma is considered the deadliest form of skin cancer. A veteran dermatologist says he used to see three to five melanomas a year. Now, he says, he sees that many in a week!
  • Good Day Archive

  • Meet the Good Day Pets for Tuesday, May 21!
    Meet the Good Day Pets for Tuesday, May 21!
  • Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:37 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:37:54 GMT
    It's summer swimsuit time-- but is your suit right for your body?
    It's summer swimsuit time-- but is your suit right for your body?  Whether you're curvy, boxy, or round in the middle, Intimacy Bra fit specialist Eve Turner has some ideas that will help you find that perfect suit.
  • Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:17 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:17:24 GMT
    When it comes to talking to doctors, a lot of us aren't exactly shooting straight.  In fact, one survey found that almost 30 percent of patients admit to lying to their physician.
    When it comes to talking to doctors, a lot of us aren't exactly shooting straight.  In fact, one survey found that almost 30 percent of patients admit to lying to their physician.  So, how much does your doctor really need to know?
  • CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL HEROES

  • Children's Miracle Network Hospitals raises funds for 170 children's hospitals across the United States and Canada.  Click here for more on our local heroes!
Powered by WorldNow

KSAZ-TV & KUTP
511 W. Adams St.
Phoenix, AZ 85003

Phone: (602) 257-1234
Fax: (602) 262-0177

Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices