Embracing Healthy Change: TSU Extension Agent’s Weight-Loss Story Goes National

Heather Gum

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – After years of yo-yo dieting, Heather Gum learned to control portions and fill up on fruits, vegetables and lean protein. The UT/TSU Extension agent lost more than 170 pounds after becoming morbidly obese and tipping the scales at 367 pounds. On Feb. 14, 2011 at the age of 40, she made the decision of a lifetime. After eating a couple of Taco Bell 5-layer burritos for a quick lunch, she decided to make the life-changing decision to improve the health of her body.

That was in February 2011 and through dieting and healthy choices, went from a size 30 to 12/14. She has appeared on the television program, The Doctors, to share her story to help encourage others in their weight -loss efforts.

Gum was recently featured in TOPS News, the official magazine for Take Off Pounds Sensibly.

READ the article.

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With nearly 9,000 students, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a comprehensive, urban, co-educational, land-grant university offering 38 undergraduate, 22 graduate and seven doctoral programs. TSU has earned a top 20 ranking for Historically Black Colleges and Universities according to U.S. News and World Report, and rated as one of the top universities in the country by Washington Monthly for social mobility, research and community service. Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University celebrated 100 years in Nashville during 2012. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.