Weight Loss Progress Report 2

Four weeks after beginning The Great American Weight Loss, three volunteers who wanted to lose some extra pounds report their progress to CBS News Health Correspondent Dr. Emily Senay.

Priscilla Francis is 50 years old, 5 feet 6 inches tall and started out at 180 pounds. Her goal is to lose 20 pounds.

After a month of following The Great American Weight Loss, Francis has lost 17 pounds.

She has been exercising every day and walking, even when she has to stay at a hotel when she is travelling for her job.

"I am excited because, for the first time, people are noticing that my clothes fit differently, and my pants are falling down," Francis says.

Francis said she had made a conscious lifestyle change that has become part of her daily routine. Her guilt now comes when she doesn't exercise, where in the past her guilt was the result of overeating.

Mia Williams

Williams said she already lost four pounds.

"The key to the whole thing is to plan your meals," Williams says. "I plan them now and it has made a big difference."

Williams said she goes to the gym now, and tends to eat less in general.

"One tip was that I can have one portion of a snack food, so I go for it!" Williams says. "One day it was an ice cream cone, and it was the first one I had all summer."

She also doesn't skip meals during the day anymore, and is "less susceptible to binging."

Bob Tomlin, 50 years old, wants to lose 50 to 60 pounds. A month ago, the 5' 10" Tomlin weighed 245 pounds. He has lost 15 pounds.

Tomlin has been keeping a daily journal of his food intake and his physical activities.

"The difference between then and now is that I am not starving myself. I plan different meals. I eat less starch and more fresh vegetables." Tomlin says, and notes that his blood pressure is back to normal.

Bob Tomlin

He said he feels the difference.

"I don't feel the pain in my knees that I used to feel. I always have more energy and I am sleeping better because I exercise more and eat less carbs," he says.

For exercise, Tomlin bicycles at least four times a week, walking more and doing yard work.

"I pulled out an old suit, and it fits," Tomlin says. "It is 11 years old."

The Great American Wight Loss tip of the day is: stay focused and take it one step at a time.

To read and view health tips from The Great American Weight Loss series, click below for an index of stories.

Reported by Dr. Emily Senay