Mississippian Loses 223 Pounds, Wins National Weight Loss Contest

Angie Thornton of Tupelo experiences a complete life style change losing 223 pounds, ditching the wheel chair, and winning an all-expense paid trip to New York City this August. Never before has the word “dedication” meant as much as is does to Angie Thornton. As a patient at the University Weight Management Clinic of Oxford, she announces her selection as a winner of the fourth annual OPTIFAST “New You” weight loss contest. Thornton, of Tupelo, along with the two other winners of this national contest, will receive an all-expense paid trip to New York City for a weekend of pampering to celebrate this personal transformation towards a healthier lifestyle. As the rate of obesity in the United States and Mississippi continues to rise, OPTIFAST’s contest celebrates these individuals and the medical professionals who helped them create healthier lifestyles.

Angie Thornton’s amazing Before and After pictures. Perfect example of the “New You” weight loss contest.

At the age of 50, an overweight Thornton expected the rest of her life to be spent permanently confined to a wheelchair due to her extremely limited mobility. With little hope, she feared being unable to care for her aging parents and missing her lovely grandchildren growing up. Thornton’s son referred her to the University Weight Management Clinic, where Ole Miss Alum, Dr. Jonathan Massey recommended the OPTIFAST Program, a medically supervised weight management program in which Dr. Massey closely monitors and assesses progress towards better health and emotional well being. Through the OPTIFAST Program at the University Weight Management Clinic, Thornton practically gained her life back, having lost an astounding 223 pounds — nearly 50 percent of her total body weight. In less than a year, she has become totally free of the use of her wheelchair, or any other assistance, and now lives her life to the fullest, going hiking, mountain bike riding and entertaining guests like she loves to do. Her newfound confidence allowed her to literally walk away from an unfulfilling job and begin a new career that feeds her passion for life.

Dr. Jonathan Massey with the University Weight Management Clinic.

Humbled by the experience, Thornton gives all the credit to Dr. Massey for guiding her on a structured path to a better life. This structured plan is what really made the difference for Thornton in her battle against obesity. “The OPTIFAST program we offer utilizes a full meal replacement plan that transitions to self-prepared ‘everyday’ meals,” explains Dr. Massey. “In conjunction with comprehensive patient education and support, our clinic has seen many patients achieve their weight loss goals, as Angie has clearly done.” “Dr. Massey and the staff at UWMC gave me the tools and the support I needed to change my life for the better,” says Mrs. Thornton. “With their help I have gained mobility, energy, and confidence. Winning the OPTIFAST contest is merely an added bonus, and I hope my story will inspire others who are looking to make a positive life change.” Located in Oxford, MS, near the Ole Miss campus, the University Weight Management Clinic, PC, is a medical weight management practice for people who have made this decision to make a positive life change. Founded by Dr. Jonathan Massey, UWMC provides evaluation and treatment of obesity and associated conditions in adults. After practicing medicine for many years, Dr. Massey started the clinic in November of 2011 for what he saw as “an opportunity to move into a more proactive practice than those which are more responsive.” Their services are based upon the latest medical research, and a teamwork approach to weight management provides the structure and support to help people succeed. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, please call 662-232-8005 or visit www.universitywmc.com. OPTIFAST was developed in 1974 to fill the growing need to address obesity in a healthy, effective way. As diseases related to obesity became more prevalent, and more people began taking drastic measures to treat the problem, OPTIFAST was introduced as a sensible option for lifestyle transformation. The program combines support and counseling, lifestyle education, and medical monitoring with meal replacements to help people lost weight, which can in turn reduce weight-related health risks. The OPTIFAST Program is available in over 400 clinics nationwide. For more information, patient stories and to find a clinic, visit www.optifast.com.–– William Fowler, junior Integrated Marketing Communications Major, Meek School of Journalism and New Media Email William Fowler at wdfowle1@go.olemiss.edu   William Fowler is a junior Integrated Marketing Communications Major at the University of Mississippi. Originally from Hattiesburg, MS, William grew up in Destin, FL and has been visiting Oxford ever since he can remember. He has fourteen family members total who have attended school at Ole Miss including his parents, grandparents, sister, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is involved in student government and Greek life on campus.