Half Their Size
Three cheers to you for finally recognizing ordinary folks who passed on fad diets and made lifestyle changes to reach their goals of becoming healthier and not necessarily skinnier. I firmly believe that regular exercise and nutritious meals in appropriate portions are the key. Now if only I could stick to my own advice.
E. Grace Yrizarry, Grovetown, Ga.
Thank you for the inspiring stories about the ordinary people who lost large amounts of weight. It's encouraging to see that people who don't have the benefit of personal chefs and trainers can do something most of the rest of us struggle with.
Jennifer Poore, Rochester Hills, Mich.
I was encouraged by your article. I've tried dieting for 20 years and have been on a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet for a couple of weeks. I've lost 12 pounds and 2½ inches from my waist. This is the first time I know I'm going to be able to reach my ideal weight.
JoAnne Kelty, Grand Junction, Colo.
Although all the people in the article looked great, I find it hard to believe that someone 5'2" and 164 lbs. fits a size 10. I'm 5'6" and 157 lbs. and sometimes wear a size 12, but most often a 14. Where do these women buy their clothes? I could use an ego boost.
Trish Kravchonok, Burke, Va
Oh, real nice, PEOPLE. All year you write articles about who's too thin and the problems with anorexia and bulimia while your magazine is filled with pictures of svelte actresses. Then you run a great cover story on successful weight loss. I congratulate those who lost weight, but once again the message is clear—you can't be happy, you can't be attractive unless you're thin. Shame on you PEOPLE.
Vickie Boiling, Auburn, Ala.
At last a magazine showing everyday people with weight loss and giving real advice on it.
Terri Guiles, Baytown, Texas
Martha McSally
Good for Lt. Col. Martha McSally. Not only was her tireless pursuit to become one of the first women combat jet pilots an inspiration, but her quest to change the stifling policies for service-women stationed in Saudi Arabia is praiseworthy. Being required to wear clothing observant of a religion other than one's own contradicts what the world seems to desperately need: freedom. After I witnessed the tragic events of Sept. 11 from my balcony in New York City, McSally's cause seems a worthy one for all women.
Anick Forcier, New York, N.Y.
I am disgusted by the lawsuit brought by Martha McSally. Having traveled all over the world, I can say that Ms. McSally is exactly the type of person who gives Americans a bad name overseas. When you enter a foreign country, you are subject to that country's laws whether you agree with them or not. We expect people entering our country to follow our rules, don't we? If McSally chooses to dress inappropriately, she should be prepared to suffer the consequences.
Gail Krupa, Fox River Grove, Ill.
David Letterman
Bless you, PEOPLE, for noting David Letterman's amazing accomplishment of 20 years in the grueling world of late-night television. I fell in love with Dave during his short-lived morning show. You're right. Dave redefined the staid world of late night 20 years ago and he continues today.
Carol Keers, Minneapolis, Minn.
Sean Hannity
Congratulations on recognizing the talents of FOX News cohost Sean Hannity. It is wonderful to see that honest, church-going individuals can make it to the top without having to compromise their integrity and values. Sean Hannity is an inspiration to us all.
Rosemary Capuder, Plainview, N.Y.
Robert Barron
This is the most incredible story! Someone should make a movie about Robert Barron. From CIA disguisemaker-agent to someone who cares enough about people that he will build prosthetic ears, faces and fingers for them so they can have a decent life, he is truly a champion.
Christopher John Mitchell Sr.
Sacramento, Calif.
Wil Wheaton
Back in high school I carried around a picture of Wil Wheaton and sat it on my desk during each class. Not only did I think he was beautiful, I thought because we were the same age we would have a lot in common and that would make our future marriage even better. I guess that wasn't meant to be. I wish him the best and will always remember him as one of my favorite crushes.
Mary Rabias, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
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