Success Story

Weigh Down faithful find answer to hunger

When 31-year-old Wendy Caen wanted to lose weight, she focused on God instead of food.

The 5-3 mother of two was carrying 60 extra pounds from her second pregnancy. Participating in the Biblically-based Weigh Down Workshop program helped her lose the weight.

"It was like the best Bible study ever," said Caen.

Weigh Down, founded by dietitian Gwen Shamblin, teaches participants that the urge to eat when the body isn't hungry is a "spiritual hunger." Participants learn to eat when hungry, stop when full and focus on God instead of food.

Caen was introduced to the program when her sister invited her to a class six years ago. She had some success then, but never completed the class.

"Going through the program before, I knew the truth was there," she said. "I knew it was the way to lose weight."

But losing weight was only part of the results of the program. It helped her improve her relationship with her family and learn patience. Her husband noticed the changes and started participating in the class in March. He has lost 80 pounds.

"Halfway through the program, my husband noticed changes," Caen said. "He saw me having a great personal relationship with God and getting along better with the children. He wanted to see what was going on."

Caen now teaches a Weigh Down class out of her home. She said students sometimes ask if it's necessary to be involved in a church to participate.

"They think you have to be religious, but we're all religious. God programs us to all love something," she said, quoting Shamblin.

For some participants, Caen explained, food had become the primary focus in their lives. She said many were "running" to food in stressful situations and thinking about eating most of the day. Weigh Down helped those participants redirect their focus.

"We have got to love God and enjoy food, instead of loving food and just enjoying God," Caen said.

For more information and to find a Weigh Down class in the area, check the Web site at www.weighdownworkshop.com or call 1-800-844-5208.


By Katie Shaw
September 1, 2003

Copyright, The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, TN. Used with permission.
(http://www.commercialappeal.com)

Twenty years ago, 51-year-old Gerald Holbrook was hoping to lose some weight. He started a walking program, and during his walks he noticed how many people were running for exercise. He was intrigued that many of the runners he saw appeared to be older. So, Holbrook started running and eventually lost the weight. Holbrook, 71, is still running and is an active participant in the Memphis Runners Track Club.

When he started running, Holbrook quickly got interested in the sport. He entered his first race - what is now the Elvis Presley International 5K - after just six months of training. He found running enjoyable because he liked the outdoors and meeting other runners.

"It's somewhat of a club," Holbrook said about those who regularly run. "You have similar likes and habits. I got to know (other runners) and (running) became one of the main focuses of my life."

Holbrook learned about the MRTC and joined the group. He volunteered and ran in area races. He also was elected to the board of directors and served as vice president and president.

"I became completely engrossed in the running community," he said.

Holbrook has completed 17 marathons in cities such as Boston, New York, Houston and Pensacola. He eventually quit running marathons because of doctor's orders, but continues to run in smaller races. He participates in 30 to 40 races a year and usually wins in his age category. Before starting his running program, Holbrook researched the sport. He recommends that others interested in running do the same. He said it's important to take your time and slowly build up distance and speed.

"To avoid injury, don't do too much too quickly," he said.

He also recommends participating in "group runs" to make new friends and stay motivated. Holbrook runs with a group two days a week in Germantown. Today, Holbrook runs about 20 miles a week, which is due only to "aging knees," he said. At 5-11, he weighs 155 pounds and has no plans to slow down.

"I'll do it as long as my body allows me to," he said.

Info about MRTC: www.memphisrunners.com

By Katie Shaw

June 9, 2003

Copyright, The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, TN. Used with permission.
(http://www.commercialappeal.com)