Jennifer Jones, pharmacy technician, Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital
Posted By: Kelly Pahl
Date Posted: January 4th, 2012
Category: Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital
Last year Jennifer Jones resolved to use “The Biggest Loser” TV show to help her lose weight.
The pharmacy technician at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital and her niece made it to the final casting call, but weren’t chosen. “I was devastated, but it became a wake-up call that I didn’t need a TV show to lose weight,” Jones says.
Jones weighed 380 pounds last March when she started dieting and exercising. She convinced her sister and mother to join her. She achieved her first weight-loss goal of 50 pounds, and as of mid-December, had lost 87 pounds, bringing her just 13 pounds from her second goal of losing 100 pounds.
“I feel like a totally different person,” she says. “I don’t even recognize myself in old photos. I have so much more energy, and it’s been fun to buy new clothes. I thank God, my family and my awesome co-workers who have all helped me, and who keep me in line.”
Jones has offered to help the mayor of Pagedale, Mo., improve the health of her community. In 2012, they hope to start a Saturday walking program and exercise and healthy eating programs for children struggling with obesity.
For her commitment to health, Jones was chosen as the BJC Health Hall of Fame winner for BJWCH.
Jones’ plan for success in the new year is continued moderation and portion control in eating, and exercising six days a week. By summer, Jones hopes to achieve her third and final goal of losing 150 pounds. “There’s no stopping me now,” she says.