Kari O'Toole
My weight became an issue for me at the young age of 5. My parents had just divorced and money was tight for my family. Wholesome meals fell low on the list of priorities. Before I entered high school I lost most of my weight and struggled to keep it off until I started driving and found every fast food restaurant in town! I "yo-yo" dieted my way right into my twenties. I got married and had lost weight again. Within the first two years of my marriage I was pregnant with my first child. I ballooned up to 280 pounds. I only lost half of the weight when I became pregnant again. With my second pregnancy, the weight ballooned back above 280 pounds, plus a little extra. I never wanted to leave my house. I was very depressed and couldn’t lose weight or stay motivated no matter what I tried. I got pregnant for the third time and my weight went up to my all time high of 315 pounds. My son was so embarrassed by me that he asked me not to come to his school because kids made fun of me. I felt like I was suffocating, my marriage and family life was suffering tremendously. I felt so desperate for a change and I feared for my life. In my worst state ever, I then experienced the loss of my father. When my father was alive he begged me to lose weight. That was five years ago, and it was a turning point for me. I had decided to make a change. I have lost over 130 pounds and everyday is still a bit of a struggle, but I watch what I eat and exercise. Through my own experience I became very passionate about helping others. I decided to dedicate myself to personal training (see my certifications page). I love my life now and I love helping others to succeed. | 
