What motivated you to loose weight?

Coming from a small private school, I was considered the "fat girl" all throughout elementary and middle school. All the kids made fun of me where I came home crying every single day. I was depressed and suicidal at such a young age. I didn't have too many problems throughout high school, seeing that it was a public school with a lot more variety of people, so I lost the depression. A couple people made fun of me, but it was a lot better than being made fun of by the same people for years. I'm tired of being that "fat girl." I want to prove them all wrong! If I ever run into them again, I want them to be shocked. I'm still the same good person from all those years ago, but I will have the body to match.

I was getting all these aches and pains. I was 210 at 5'4", and my back was hurting me, as well as I couldn't pick up things or tie my shoes without feeling pain in my stomach. Then, when I was walking and trying to do something about it, I was really weak in my muscles and could hardly walk very fast. I went to the doctor, and he said I was prediabetic and that sugar was the culprit and that I should go on an Atkins type diet. Well, I did, and the difference is phenomenal. I have more energy, and when I do eat sugar, it makes me tired. I've lost 14 pounds in 14 days on this diet (with exercise), and I feel great. Someone who wants to go on the Atkins diet should consult their doctor first though. And I had to get special orthopedic shoes- MVP's because I'm obese and my feet were flattening out- so after that, my feet and legs felt really good. Then I could walk a mile lickety split! I am so happy now!

I've not been happy with my weight for years and have yoyoed so many times I've lost count but the main thing that motivated me this time if I'm being totally honest is the possibility of being made redundant and having to look for work in a job market full of younger, fitter people that aren't over 50 like me.

Yes I want to be healthier, though apart from my arthritis and and blood pressure - which only ever goes up when I gain weight I am reasonably healthy but it has to be my appearance that gets to me more then most. I didn't know about MFP until I saw a colleague/friend who now works in another city mention it on his facebook page. His wife is amongst my friends on here now and she told me more about it. I hadn't tried a calorie plan in at least 20 years and had opted for low fat plans but I always found that as soon as I stopped I put some back on because I hadn't really learned portion control properly I am determined that this should be the last time.

a friend of mine is getting married next week. i initially wanted to lose weight so i could look good in a dress. lol. but, as my journey continues, it's more than just looking cute in a dress. i want to look AND feel good...and i wanna be a good example for my son.

The short version, I looked in the mirror and decided I was done being the fat girl with the cute face.

^^ This and my daughter. I want to be able to keep up with her when she gets older.

The very last picture in my profile pics is what motivated my *kitten* to get off of the couch and i am so glad i did!

My new motivation to keep going is the fact that my dad just died this year of a massive heart attack a week before he was to turn 60 and my mom has severe osteoporosis, severe arthritis, fibromyalgia and just had her hip replaced last week and she is only in her mid 50's

I am not going to end up like my parents....i refuse!!!!

to be able to have a baby....... my doc told me losing weight will help...(after 4 yrs trying unsuccessfully)
my wedding in november... i dont want to look at my pictures and regret doing anything.....
to be able to have the energy to do 'something with my day... right now i feel fatiqued ALL the time

I was motivated once I realized my clothes weren't shrinking in the wash - I was actually just getting fatter (dumb I know, but I was SO naive and clueless).
I hated how I looked in all my clothes at the time... they were tight, uncomfortable, just yuck!

Then I took a 'before' photo - and was like OMG that's REALLY how I look!!??!!
I thought I looked better then I really did.... seeing myself for how I truly looked was the biggest wake up call. I still look back on those pictures today and cannot believe I let myself get that bad.

I was also motivated because my BF worked out a lot and to be honest - I want my man looking good (doesn't need to have a 6 pack but I want to be physically attracted to them). I felt like I was a huge hypocrite and that my BF deserved better and I wanted to look hot for him too (still working on this lol).

Lastly, throughout this journey Jillian Michales has motivated me through her DVD's, books, podcasts, emails, etc. Love her!

Today my main motivation is just the want to be healthy and fit and also to look good in a bikini and nakey

My breaking point came when I was leaving for work one morning and drop something on the floor. I bent over to pick it up and my pants totally split in half. I was over it! I was so much in denial then, I honestly didn't think I was THAT big but look at some past pictures, I was definitely fooling myself.

I started back because of how my health was affected by the weight gain. After being hurt in Iraq I gained about 70lbs. The VA told me that if I didn't do anything about it I would be put on medication for blood pressure and cholesterol. So I lost a little weight here and there, but never really got serious about it. I got down to 223lbs and married my beautiful wife Kris. When we got the photos back I couldn't believe how bad things had gotten for me. Here I was, an over weight chunky butt standing next to a beautiful women. I needed to change. I know she didn't marry me for being a fitness buff, but I felt it unfair for her to see me slowly kill myself with weight problems. So a friend told me about MFP about 2 weeks ago and now I am down to 207lbs and still headed toward my old Army weight of 180lbs. MFP has helped me really think about what I am putting into my body and exercising right. When I put in what I eat as I go through the day and then exercise in the afternoon I really like to see the

Calories - Exercise=Greatness factor.

I'm really proud of myself and all the others who are taking back control of their lives or finally taking control. Go everyone!!!!

Long story short...I ripped the leg out of a pair of my jeans....blah.

I tipped the scale 41 lbs. more than I am now and was really disgusted. A combination of medicine for health related concerns aided in my nearly 70 lb. weight gain. I felt miserable and stuck in a body that I knew shouldn't be so large.

Now after losing the 41 lbs I'm still on a journey but I look in the mirror now and am starting to see that pretty girl I remember.

what motivated me to loose weight: In mid December 2011 I ate a whole bunch of Christmas cookies and I could FEEL it in my blood..I got all jittery,an instant headache and my heart rate got wonky.. It freaked me out. I thought maybe I was getting Diabetes. SO, My Husband (who was in the same situation as I was) bought Insanity and I found MFP. I am still loosing (i have 15 pound left until i reach my goal) and I feel SO much better!!