Women share inspiring weight-loss journey with 13 News - WOWK 13 Charleston, Huntington WV News, Weather, Sports

Millions of Americans struggle with their weight.

Shedding pounds can be a difficult thing to do, but for some people, it's a life or death decision.

In 2011, Kelly Mallory and Emily Bennett were both considered obese.

They shared their weight-loss journey with 13 News in the hopes that their stories will inspire other people.

For Mallory, losing weight wasn't an option. It was a necessity.

"I weighed 262 pounds. I was considered morbidly obese," she said.

She said the turning point was when she saw pictures of herself at her son's wedding.

"I felt like I couldn't do anything. I couldn't, shopping; I didn't want to shop for any clothes," she said.

Fast forward almost 12 months later and Mallory has lost 67 pounds.

The scale started to budge after she joined Weight Watchers. She had joined the program before, but did not feel the same motivation that she did this time around.

Using the program's point system, Mallory completely changed her eating habits.

She said she feels more confident than ever.

"I feel different, in a good way. I feel healthier. I feel like I can just do anything," she said.

Emily Bennett also feels like she can do just about anything now.

Just shy of 5 feet tall, Emily weighed in at 153 pounds last year.

She was also considered obese.

"I was just tired of the way that I felt and I looked; buying new clothes, I just had enough of it and I was ready for a change," she said.

She also joined Weight Watchers. Bennett said she picked up tips and tricks along the way, like buying smaller plates, to help her change her bad habits.

She also took up a new hobby that has made the weight heart-pounding-fun to take off. She takes Zumba numerous time a week at her local YMCA.

"It's kind of just fun. There's no mirrors, so you don't see yourself. I enjoy it and all of the friends I've met through Zumba," she said.

Bennett has lost 23 pounds and is very close to her goal weight.

The women said looking at old pictures is shocking. They can't believe the faces that are staring back at them.

Weight Watchers might not be for everyone, but for them, it changed their lives.

They've made new friends, bought new wardrobes, and are living the happy and healthy lives they've always wanted.

They said if their stories inspire just one person to make a change, than this experience was well worth it.