One Year, 100 Pounds Lost by Father Determined to be a Role Model for Young Daughter

November 10, 2017

For Ronnie Bevins, trying to manage his weight has been a lifetime struggle. Just a year ago, he weighed 367 pounds.

At that same time, last November, his wife gave birth to their first child, a healthy baby girl.

“I vowed then to be a role model for my daughter,” said Bevins. “I want to make sure I can see her grow up and not be hindered by my obesity.”

Bevins’ determination to get his weight under control led him to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center’s Weight Management Center.

He and his medical team agreed that he should take a comprehensive approach to his weight loss by starting a one-year, physician-supervised plan called By Design OPTIFAST. The program tackles obesity from several perspectives – diet, exercise and behavior modification – and has helped Bevins lose more than 100 pounds.

“Ronnie has made such a remarkable transformation in just one year,” said Jamy Ard, M.D., medical director of Wake Forest Baptist’s Weight Management Center. “Our entire team looks forward to continuing to support Ronnie as he participates in activities with his family that he never thought would be possible.”

Bevins recently trained for and completed his first-ever 5K, and his self-confidence has never been higher.

“For the first time since high school, I don’t have to buy clothes from the big and tall section,” said Bevins. “Dr. Ard and his team have shown me how to take better care of myself, both physically and mentally, so I can take care of those around me who I love so much. It doesn’t get much better than that!”

Media Relations

Joe McCloskey: jmcclosk@wakehealth.edu, 336-716-1273

Eryn Johnson: eryjohns@wakehealth.edu, 336-713-8228