North Carolina Woman Lost 107 Lbs. so She Could Serve in the Army

In an attempt to fulfill her life-long dream of joining the military, Alisa McKennon lost 107 lbs, but something life-changing led to her decision to take the first step.

When Alisa McKennon was young and in her growing years, she knew she was chubby and a little curvy, but it never bothered her.

PUTTING ON WEIGHT

When she got pregnant with her son in 2013, she gained 20 lbs and after delivery, an extra 60lbs. Things soon became worse, and the mother-of-one found her weight at an all-time high.

Alisa, during an exclusive feature for the 2019 "How I Lost 100 lbs." by "People" revealed that she could not stop eating while she was pregnant and afterward.

When her son was a toddler, she realized she could not keep up with him and always felt tired. The Fayetteville resident told the news outlet that she always used heat as an excuse not to play with him outside because it involved a lot of running around.

Alisa equally revealed that her weight prevented her from fulfilling her lifelong dream of joining the military; she had to be 158 lbs to join.

THE NEWS THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING

However, despite knowing this, she did nothing to lose weight. Things took a turn in 2016 when she noticed dark colors around her neck, and during her check-up with her doctor, she got the news that changed everything.

Alisa's doctor told her she had high cholesterol, was pre-diabetic, and the discoloration around her neck was a sign of diabetes. Upon hearing this, the North Carolina native decided to make changes to her lifestyle.

She stopped eating carbs, joined WW, exercised frequently, and even when she cried after having a craving for cupcakes, Alisa stood her ground. By 2018, she lost weight and reached her goal of 158 lbs.

The 31-year-old mother applied to the army and got drafted, and after about three months of basic training, she proudly told "People,"

"Now, I'm a real soldier."

OTHER INSPIRING STORIES

Alisa's story is one of many. In 2018, other women shared their weight loss story with the feature. Robin Roy went from 248 lbs to 122 lbs. Before losing weight, she ate 20 buffalo wings at a go with a pitcher of margarita. Now, she eats small meals six times a day, exercises, and use a slow cooker in making her meals.

Brianna Bernard lost 107 lbs from frequent exercise and eating lean proteins, healthy fats, and veggies. Rachel Saintfort went from 291 lbs to 121 lbs after she stopped eating fast food, drinking soda, and walking three miles every day.

Alisa is happier now, keeps up with her 6-year-old son, and shares pictures of her new look on her Instagram page.