Shirley Lam is a 32-year-old woman who lost 220 lbs in nine months. For years, her unhealthy weight tormented her. She shares, "Ito ang pinaka-malupit: kids don't lie (This is the toughest part: kids don't lie.)" These honest kids would exclaim, "Look at her! She's so big!" Even if she wanted to avoid these kids, she couldn't. She says, "Kapag nakakasalubong ka ng bata, gusto mo magtago pero hindi ka makapagtago kasi ang laki mo. (When you see kids approaching, you want to hide, but you can't because you are so big.)"

Determined to change things, she made a choice to shed the pounds and work toward good health. Shirley says she was successful because she had the discipline and desire to lose as much weight as she did. She says, "Basta kailangan ung gusto talaga ng puso mo, eh. Un talaga ung pinaka-importante. (You need to want it with all your heart. That's the most important thing.)" With a shy smile, she says that now people who see her exclaim, "Ay, ang ganda mo, miss. (You're so beautiful, miss.)" And she responds with a high-pitched "Uy, thank you!"

Learn more about her story by getting a copy of the March 2012 issue of Women's Health Magazine and by watching the video below.

(Screencap via Women's Health Magazine's Facebook Page)