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Pam El's Weight Loss Success Story
No Stopping Me
Pam El was heavy for most of her adult life. But the 51-year-old was never sad or downtrodden about her size. “I was 217 pounds, 5-feet and 2-inches tall, size 18, but I was still very energetic and happy. A lot of time weight depresses people; my weight didn’t depress me it was just a little bit of an inconvenience. And because of my professional success and my personal life: a wonderful husband of 15 years who is also my best friend—I just didn’t take the time to stop and say how can I make this better for myself from a physical standpoint,” explains the businesswoman.
Tamara Harbison lost a whopping 125 lbs. in 9 months. See photos of her amazing weight loss »
Find out more about Pam’s weight loss strategy on 50millionpounds.com »
Pam you are awesome!!! I am so proud of you. Thank you for having the confidence to admit that you were a spokesperson for a message that you needed to apply to your life. You have set a great example for the rest of us. I have been doing o.k. for the first 40 years of my life; whenever I started gaining, I was always able to reel it back in and maintain. Now that I am approaching 40 and busier than I have ever been in my life, it has been challenging. I have begun to creep up higher than I have ever been and I have let my schedule and age become an excuse. Thanks to you Pam, I am not going there, I am going for a walk as soon as I get off work, planning to exercise in the morning, cleaning out my fridge over the weekend and planning healthy meals and snacks for my family from this point forward. I have the knowledge and information, I just have to apply it. Thanks for being an inspiration Pam!!!!!
Posted at 2:51PM on April 24th 2009 by Dawn
To Dianne72, not only was your comment inappropriate, it was grossly exaggerated! Obesity is not just an epidemic in the African American community, but the entire country as well. Also, Ms. El has been a vegetarian for the last decade, so I don't think her weight gain was from eating at fast food restaurants! Congratulations Ms El on your amazing accomplishments both on and off the scale. Please keep it up!
Posted at 1:45PM on April 24th 2009 by chigirl75
Congratulations to Ms. El. She is the epitome of how to turn hard work into success, professionally and now personally. She has been been and remains a constant source of inspiration to more than she will ever know. She has transformed her environment in ways that are incredible beyond compare. I consider it a priviledge to have met her and have witnessed heard first hand what a positive and influential person she is. Even with her rock star status she remains well grounded and sincere. Keep walking the walk and talking the talk Ms. E, State Farm is very fortunate to have you and I am blessed to know you..
Posted at 1:32PM on April 24th 2009 by Jacque S.
Pam El, you and Dr. Ian deserve a standing ovation for reaching out and touching those who struggle with their weight. It more than just a weight loss, it is a feeling of digging within and knowing who you are. It is setting a goal for yourself and running a race that only you can win! Thank you for enouraging me to pick up my running shoes, put them on and take one step at a time -see you at the finish line! I encourage everything to visit the 50 million pound challege website and spend the money to purchasing the 4 day diet book. It changed my life and it will yours!
Posted at 12:57PM on April 24th 2009 by A friend and fan of the 50 Million Pound Challenge!
Pam is a wonderful professional and personal mentor for many people!! This will only inspire us to all reach new heights! Thanks for all you do Pam and thank you for the diversity of thought and encouragement you've brought to the African American employee group at State Farm! BWJr
Posted at 12:28PM on April 24th 2009 by Bobby Wilkinson
CONGRATULATIONS! GOD BLESS!
Posted at 12:03PM on April 24th 2009 by DeiSaid
God Bless you Pam!! I'm not overweight but you are such an inspiration! I've been a diabetic for 23yrs and I must do better with health. Most of us take our health for granted and we've got to do better!! I'm glad that you took the initiative to have a better healthier life!
Posted at 12:02PM on April 24th 2009 by LadyGem
Pam, you are an inspiration! Congratulations! I bet you had fun every step along the way!
Posted at 11:58AM on April 24th 2009 by Dan Belmont
What a beautiful woman!! I am so proud of Pam for sticking with this. She is an amazing person that has had such a successful career, and is so caring and generous. She is a great example for women everywhere. Congratulations Pam!
Posted at 11:37AM on April 24th 2009 by Beth
My description of Pam El is Phenomenal Woman! Pam exemplifies that women can balance both their personal and professional lives while taking care of their personal health. What a joy she is to all who know her. There is no limit to what she will accomplish. You Go Girl!!!
Posted at 11:14AM on April 24th 2009 by Wanda Witherspoon