This reader is living proof that you don’t need a personal trainer or fad diets to lose weight—just great planning, realistic goals and determination.

Shama’s challenge Having been overweight most of her life, Shama continued to live in denial of her weight issues as she rode out constant weight fluctuations over the years. When her weight peaked at 121 kilograms and health problems began rearing their ugly heads, Shama knew she needed to make a change...for good.