Jill Knapp Went From Type 2 Diabetes to Beauty Pageants

by Jill Knapp
(Boise, Idaho)

This weight loss story tells how Jill Knapp, a young mother from Boise Idaho, used a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and other health issues as a wake-up call to take off the pounds. Jill started a dedicated campaign to lose 100 pounds and ended up changing her life... and others'.

Read Jill's inspirational weight loss story and how it led her to competing in beauty pageants and a new career as a motivational speaker! If this doesn't inspire you... then nothing will... Kathi, WLSS website owner

Jill's Story

Name: Jill Knapp
Age: 42
Height: 5'8"
Before Weight: 237

How I gained it: During my first pregnancy, I gained 50 pounds, and after childbirth, my weight gradually began increasing. As with most women, I became busy with life and forgot the importance of taking care of myself.

I was young, and my body didn't feel the extra 100 pounds I had gradually put on over the years. I had bad eating habits, no time for exercise and no real desire to be healthy.

Breaking point: I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes with my last pregnancy at age 37. I was having headaches after the pregnancy and just not feeling well; I thought it was from having a sick newborn.

Finally, at six months, I went to see the doctor to be checked for the headaches, and I found out I had put on 15 extra pounds. It was so depressing. I also found out I have Type 2 diabetes, which was even more depressing.

I was determined right then that I was going to get the weight off, and I did! My husband and kids mean the world to me. Being able to live a long life was an important factor and motivation to lose the weight.

In January 2008, I even broke my ankle on both sides after slipping on black ice; I had to have surgery and 6 screws put in my fibula. I was still so determined I was still able to lose the weight. My mind was made up that no matter what, it was coming off.

How I lost it: I logged my food, ate six small meals a day and had no refined sugar. Finding out I had Type 2 diabetes helped me have a paradigm shift in the way I think, and I did a lifestyle change versus a diet.

Four days a week, cardio mixed with weight training was my exercise routine. In January, I had a personal trainer to get ready for the Mrs. Idaho pageant. It was wonderful to learn from a trainer, someone who cared about me and saw the potential I could reach and I did.

I did the Mrs. Idaho pageant after losing a total of 100 pounds, and I made the top six out of 16 amazing women. I am now a motivational speaker to motivate others to lose weight and get healthy.

I am a diabetes advocate. It brings me great joy to share my story with others -- and in doing so, I inspire them to "get up and get moving!"

Visit my web site www.getupandgetmoving.net to get motivated today.

I have kept the weight off for 1 year and 4 months so far!