WEEKI WACHEE, Fla. -- A Weeki Wachee woman receives state recognition for her weight loss that she says determination and faith helped her achieve through the nonprofit program, TOPS.
"It started with me just looking in the mirror and being frustrated with the amount of weight I had gained over the years," said Marcia Jones.
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Jones said eight years ago, she started having health issues because of her weight.
"I was also convicted that my body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and I needed to honor God with my body," Jones said.
That conviction is what she says got her to join the nonprofit weight-loss group TOPS, which stands for Taking Off Pounds Sensibly.
"You walk away with something every week. It's very well worth it," Jones said.
Jones said documenting what she eats and cutting out fried food has helped hold her accountable, and exercise has become a staple in her life.
"What don’t I do? Drumming, walking, hip-hop, stretching, just all types of different programs," Jones said.
Jones was recently named TOPS 2018 queen of the state of Florida for losing over 70 pounds.
She says prayer has kept her focused and being committed is important, as well as understanding weight loss takes time.
"Hopefully, I’m an example to others who have lost hope in losing weight because with God all things are definitely possible," Jones said.
