WSET.com - ABC13Using Social Media to Lose Weight

Reporter: Dhomonique Ricks l Videographer: Jemon Haskins

Lynchburg, VA - Right now the Central Virginia Health District is trying to get more people interested in tracking health and weight loss on social media sites.

According to recent health research, only 20% of the global population uses tools, devices or apps to manage or track health. Of that group, nearly 70% say the technologies have helped.

"Looking at the pictures, I was deeply mortified at what I saw," said Leslie Hoglund, Central Virginia Health District senior health educator.

About four months ago, Hoglund said she had enough.

"I wasn't making the best choices for my health," she said. 

As a mother of four and a health educator, she said it was hard to make the right choices when it came to nutrition. 

"If I'm going out and advocating and telling people, 'Hey let's live healthier lives together,' then I need to be about that too," she said.

So she and her family vowed to get healthier, starting with food.

"Sticking to the perimeter of the store only. Buying fresh meats and seafood," Hoglund said.

They also began exercising. Before long, the weight began melting off and she became a role model for her spouse.

"My husband got motivated himself. He saw the changes I was making and the results from that," Hoglund. "He's lost 35 pounds and to date, I've lost 45."

She credits Twitter and Facebook to help her stick to her goals.

"Just simply putting the number of weeks, so last week was 17 weeks and then 45 pounds lost and then such and such to goal," Hoglund said.

She says feedback kept her on track.

"Good job, woman. Rock on."

And now she is able to use her story to help others via social media.

"They're asking, 'What are you doing? How can I lose weight? What resources are you accessing?'" Hoglund said.

She says she would like to lose 15 more pounds. She says social media sites are also great for sharing ideas and stories with others. She says do not forget about the phone apps as well.

Go on the Central Virginia Health District's Facebook page.