Latina Teen’s Weight Loss Inspires Family toward Health

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Maryflor Peña of Phoenix started to gain weight in sixth grade.

She’d gained 65 pounds by the seventh grade, eating more pasta, more tacos, more everything.

At age 12, Maryflor was diagnosed with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and a fatty liver — ailments common in overweight and obese children and adults. A pediatric specialist told Maryflor and her parents that she must start eating healthy and exercising or would face a future of heart disease and diabetes.

maryflor latina teen weight loss health
Maryflor at age 12 (left) and recently in a selfie after her weight loss.

The teen, with the help of her parents, embarked on a weight-loss journey that has helped improve her vital signs and eventually spurred health improvement among her family members, according to a profile story by the American Heart Association.

Latino children are far more obese and overweight than their white and black peers, statistics show. They also struggle with access to healthy food and active spaces.

Maryflor, however, worked hard, got family support, and now has lost about 65 pounds.

Her effort inspired her own family to be healthier, too. Her mother has lost 15 pounds.

The teen wants overweight kids to know that “even losing five pounds could [help you] feel way better about yourself.”

Read the full story here.

By The Numbers By The Numbers

20.7

percent

of Latino kids have obesity (compared to 11.7% of white kids)

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