When 12-year-old Ashley Rini began attending local Weight Watchers meetings last year, she never imagined she would become an inspiration to younger children with a weight problem, let alone adults ? but she has.
The seventh-grader at Oxford Middle School decided at the beginning of school last year to make a healthy change in the way she looked and felt about herself.
Weighing in at 173 pounds, Rini was faced with harsh teasing from her classmates and was determined to make a change for the better.
‘I was tired of being teased and I wanted to wear clothes that other girls wore,? Rini said. Knowing her problem was ‘snacking way too much? and eating large portion sizes, Rini began to attend Weight Watchers meetings every Thursday at Oxford United Methodist Church with her grandmother.
The Weight Watchers program uses a point system to help give its members a healthy, substantial meal based on their weight. The point system is used to maintain proper portion sizes without feeling ‘starved.?
While Rini cut down on the unhealthy food she was eating, she also rode her bicycle five to six miles twice a week for proper exercise. One year later, Rini has shed 52 pounds, bringing her to a healthy weight of 121. What was the hardest part about losing the weight?
‘When my friends would eat junk food and I couldn’t have it,? she said. ‘But it doesn’t bother me now.?
When Rini gets tempted to get a chocolate cupcake or McDonald’s french fries, she chooses to eat a line of desserts Weight Watchers sells at the grocery store. Her dad, Tony, said when the family is shopping at Meijer it’s not uncommon to run into his daughter’s adult Weight Watchers friends.
‘They’re all inspired by her and say ‘the only reason I look forward to going to Weight Watchers is to see Ashley and how much weight she’s lost,?? he said.
Rini’s weight-loss is so inspiring she’s gotten three of her aunts, one cousin and three friends from school to attend meetings with her.
Rini’s story was even featured on the Oct. 23 segment of ‘Ask Florine,? hosted by Florine Mark, the founder of Weight Watchers, during the evening newscast on Channel 7 WXYZ.
After losing 52 pounds, the middle school student said she’s ‘happy because I’ve got more energy? and doesn’t get tired as easily as she once used to.
She urges any young child suffering from obesity to get motivated to become healthier. ‘It’s really easy to do. If you really want to do something, just do it.?