Weight Loss Success: At 12 Years Old, Brooke Mennella Lost 90 Pounds

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Name: Brooke Mennella
Age: 14
Height: 5'0"
Before Weight: 194 pounds

How I Gained It: I struggled with my weight my entire life. I weighed in at almost 200 pounds at the age of 12. I gained the weight due to the peer pressure and stress of public school. I was never able to fit in with my classmates. I was picked on constantly, and I would turn to food for comfort. I was embarrassed of my body, so I would take my super-long hair and cover myself with it. I was not physically active, because I was so heavy and did not want to do anything. It was a struggle for me to even move. I hated to walk or even get up from the chair.

Breaking Point: I could no longer stand my classmates being so cruel to me. The girls were catty and picked on me constantly, and I even encountered death threats. My parents were afraid for my safety, and put me in an online accredited academy. My family and I were also scared for my health; I couldn't live to be 200 pounds without any complications. My mother signed me up for a gym and got me a personal trainer.

How I Lost It: I enjoyed working with the personal trainer and attending Les Mills and Zumba classes. Every time I walk into the gym I push myself to my limits. I enjoy every second of it. I also eat a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet to stay in shape.

This weight loss has changed me to a whole new person. I cut my hair, replaced my glasses with contacts and possess a whole new outlook on life. Life itself is such a precious gift, and people need to know they have to incorporate diet and exercise into their daily habits.

We all have to start somewhere, and we should make small changes at first. Keeping fit is something that should be done no matter of age and how much a person weighs. If I can do it at the age of 12, so can other people, regardless of their age.

After losing the weight, I have a strong inner drive to help inspire other people. I struggled with my weight my entire life and finally was able to change. I am finally happy with the way I look and feel deep inside my heart.

I have written a detailed book documenting my weight loss, tips and nutritional planning. I am presently looking for a publisher. I want to help anybody I can. I want to one day be a Zumba and Les Mills instructor, and a personal trainer, so I can help kids and teens loose weight. I want to inspire kids like me and help deliver the success that I achieved.

After Weight: 104 pounds

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Comments

[thenewgirl]

05:15 PM on 06/14/2012

A 12-year-old wrote this? She must be a prodigy

[sharonlmomofthree]

12:38 PM on 06/05/2012

Unbelievable, an incredibly inspiring story. You look amazing Brooke. Best of luck on getting your book published. I mean, you look fantastic. Hard to believe it's the same person.

[Goingtoomaha]

05:40 PM on 05/30/2012

Les Mills = Body Pump, Body Attack. Fun stuff. You go girl!

[calvwyne]

10:29 AM on 04/27/2012

Amazing.

[captserf]

01:29 PM on 04/21/2012

Her after picture looks almost too thin. Am I the only one who thinks that? I see lots of congratulations on her weight loss. I just hope she didn't become anorexic to maintain th elook and feeling she got from the loss of weight.

[usamerican]

02:05 PM on 05/30/2012

She's not too thin..she looks great! Zumba burns mega calories...as long as she keeps that up she will be fine!

[rcsmith1982]

10:39 AM on 06/14/2012

Keep in mind she's only 5 ft tall and at 5 ft, age 14, 104 pounds is not too thin.

[Jennifer A Baumgart]

10:38 PM on 04/02/2012

ok but how long did it take!? im tryin to lose 55 pounds! i have 6 months to a year (havent really set a date for my wedding yet...) iv lost 32 this past year but have gained back about 8 in like 4 months... i dont know! i walk 4.5 miles week day mornings and go to the gym 3 times a week kinda watch what i eat (not too much/small amounts) i guess im bored... my fiance tells me i need to push my self harder at the gym i ride 6 miles on the power bike whatever its called lol and work my arms and legs, sometimes abs if i remember. maybe he is right and i need to lift more weights and do different things?

[ErinMedeiros]

02:02 PM on 04/03/2012

consider livestrong.com/myPlate ... it's free!
and OA (overeaters anonymous) is also free and super helpful.

[ribongen]

02:37 PM on 04/03/2012

Try for juicing fast, about it take 50 to 60 lost pounds in two months.

[pbaker5485]

07:44 AM on 05/07/2012

You won't keep the weight off by Jucing. You can't juice for the rest of your life. Takes a life style change.

[belldn3]

09:51 PM on 04/02/2012

She looks better/healthier. Hopes she keeps it up.

[c15stars]

08:43 PM on 04/02/2012

This is a great ad for Zumba and Les Mills instructors. One of the best I have see,

[tracyc273]

08:29 PM on 04/02/2012

i just dont believe any of these. most of them look nothing like what they did I know if you loose weight you will change but not to the point i see nothing in it frm your old pic. it all just seems to be a big scam

[jessiernut]

02:47 PM on 04/03/2012

If you can't look at her smile and eyes and tell that is the same person, you are blind.

[Kali03]

07:55 PM on 04/02/2012

Honey, you look amazing...and from what you wrote, you are clearly amazing inside and out. You have a big heart, and when you are a personal trainer you will be a lifesaver to many a young teen just like your trainer helped you and gave you the support you needed.

I wish you a lifetime of joy and health!

:D

[jgesselberty]

07:53 PM on 04/02/2012

That's the spirit. Fight, not flight. Don't hide in your misery. Show what you can do with determination. Self pity never got anyone anywhere. I am always so proud of people like this who refuse to make excuses and work hard to become their own force for change.

[neelmc]

07:51 PM on 04/02/2012

Wow! What inner strength and drive you possessed to take charge, lose the weight, and become a beautiful young lady. Your tenancity to reach your weight loss goal is an example for "smokers" to cease their filthy addictive habit.

[Robert DeFrank]

07:50 PM on 04/02/2012

congrats on your weight loss!!! Way to go!

[puppynip]

07:42 PM on 04/02/2012

Brooke;
Thank you for sharing your story. You are an inspiration to many people of all ages.
I hear Zumba is a lot of fun.If You learn to make it fun, keep it simple(when you get complicated, you've missed what you are trying to acomplish) Mix it up.(Keep the sense of excitement and anticipation through variety. Skip the lesson on occasion; go bowling or out for refreshments.
Do it often. (Your Goals, make a simple list Repetition is the best teacher. Make a memory. Reach out.
All these thing I hope will help someone. Brooke has learned these things and is already helping many and will go far with her out reach, with her compassion, motivation and drive to help others. Again thank you Brooke for sharing your incredible story.

[hdavis523]

07:42 PM on 04/02/2012

you go girl! haha great job