Weight loss group a runaway success

A group of PIGs in Gardendale is changing its name.

The club formerly known as Peggy’s Incentive Group is now officially called Pretty, Intelligent Girls.

Formed 10 weeks ago at the Gardendale Senior Center as a weight loss group, the PIGs lost a total of 104 pounds and 1 ounce. Center director Peggy Hoback Clark created and headed up the effort.

“I wanted to lose weight and I realized, ‘I can’t do this myself. I have to have somebody to help,’” she said. So she put forth a call for people to join a weight loss group, and 10 senior center members came aboard.

“We learned an awful lot about what we eat and why we eat and why we’re fighting a losing battle in the fast-food war. I did my nutrition homework and came up with 10 lessons,” Clark said. “It’s just good sense. The main thing is to get off of caffeine, additives and fake colors. … It was just a crash course in nutrition.”

The members — all women, but men were invited to join too — signed a pledge the first week and took the challenge seriously.

Ruth Miller, who lost the most weight at 20 pounds, 3 ounces, said it wasn’t just a diet, but a lifestyle change.

Miller started walking up to two miles a day and now does water aerobics. She also gave up desserts and has started eating more balanced meals.

“I just made up my mind I was going to do it,” Miller said. “I just strictly stayed with it.”

Miller said she used to get winded when walking up the stairs or going short distances, but that is no longer the case.

“I did it for my health,” Miller said.

When each member joined the group, she donated an item that she would like to receive back. When Miller won the challenge, she received a large box that contained cash and many other prizes.

Clark said the PIG group was so successful, the senior center would host another weight loss group in the near future.