I only found comfort in food at this point in my life. When I was upset I ate, when I was happy I ate, when I was bored I ate. Not long after, people saw the changes in my body and I got made fun of for being fat. It hurt so bad and I felt like the ugliest girl alive. The worst teasing came from kids on my bus and in school. They thought it was funny as I walked by and they would make snorting noises, call me fatty and laugh.

Not a day went by that someone didn't make fun of me. I dreaded going to school each and every day knowing what was ahead. My mom put me on diet after diet and nothing worked. I waited till everyone went to sleep and I stuffed my face. I kept eating till I almost threw up and  as soon as I was done I would feel terrible and I got more upset about my lack of self control. This went on for a number of years. Food became my best friend and the only thing I could count on. I became suicidal at one point of my life and I swallowed a bunch of my mom's pills and I probably could have overdosed if I had not made myself throw up the pills I took.

I finally decided to change my life around. I started using the exercise videos my mom bought for me that I had stored in my closet and I worked out for the first time ever. I began eating smaller meals and I stopped binging late at night. No more sneaking food when no one was looking. Within a few months the pounds were melting away. I liked the results and it encouraged me to stay on the path of getting healthy. Soon enough some of the people who picked on me stopped teasing me. For the first time, in a long time I felt good about myself. I could actually look at myself in a full length mirror and not be disgusted looking at my own reflection. I am not going to say it was easy and quick because I'd be lying. It took a lot of self control and determination. It was all worth it in the long run and I continued my new lifestyle and have not had any relapse.

For anyone reading this who could relate to my story I have one piece of advice "Do it for you" Not for your boyfriend, husband or anyone else who wants you to go on a diet. Diets seldom work and typically don't have long lasting results. I tried many of them and I always gained the weight back. I realized the only way to lose weight and keep it off involves some type of exercise routine, as well as portion control, making healthier selections and not eating at least 2 hours before your bedtime. I am more healthier and leaner now as an adult than I was as a child. You don't need Jenny Craig or NutriSystem. They are just temporary fixes and will not have long lasting results. I'm no expert, just a regular person who has tried many things to get and stay fit and realized diets DON'T work.