For future reference, lets just keep our thoughts aboutLena Dunhams body to ourselves, OK?

The Girls actress, whos championed body positivity in Hollywood for years, took to Instagram on Thursday to respond to online speculation about her apparent weight loss after stepping out at the opening of trainer Tracy Andersons studio.

I feel Ive made it pretty clear over the years that I dont give even the tiniest of shits what anyone else feels about my body, Dunham captioned a screenshot of a Refinery 29 article urging readers to stop talking about her weight. Ive gone on red carpets in couture as a size 14. Ive done sex scenes days after surgery, mottled with scars. Ive accepted that my body is an ever changing organism, not a fixed entity what goes up must come down and vice versa. I smile just as wide no matter my current size because Im proud of what this body has seen and done and represented.

In Dunhams own words, her battle with endometriosis initially led her to seek Andersons help on how to feel stronger in her own body, as she struggles with chronic and often debilitating pain. Last year, the 30-year-old canceled press appearances ahead of the Girls season premiere to rest after a particularly rough patch with the illness. According to Dunham, exercise has alleviated some pain and allowed her to control the endometriosis and anxiety.

After her appearance at the fitness event, troubling reports described Dunham looking happy and healthy next to side-by-side photos of the actress. A Daily Mail headlineeven proclaimed Dunham to be half the girl she used to be.

My weight loss isnt a triumph and it also isnt some sign Ive finally given in to the voices of trolls. Because my body belongs to ME at every phase, in every iteration, and whatever Im doing with it, Im not handing in my feminist card to anyone, she continued. I refuse to celebrate these bullshit before-and-after pictures. Dont we have infinitely more pressing news to attend to?

Read Dunhams full post below.

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Lena Dunham Refuses To Be Your Before-And-After Weight Loss Model - Huffington Post

ASHLANDThe Healthy Choices, Healthy Communities (HCHC) coalition has announced its first weight loss contest.

Eight participants will be selected for the four-month HCHC Weight Loss Challenge, which begins May 1 and lasts through the summer.

The competition is open to any Tri-State resident over the age of 18 with the deadline for submissions set for April 21. The competition will begin May 1 and continue until Aug. 31.

The eight contestants will receive free personal training, valued at more than $1,000 per person, and education concerning nutrition.

The winner will not be determined by pounds, but rather the individual who loses the greatest percentage from his or her starting weight will be declared the winner.

The contest winner will receive a 55-inch television courtesy of Big Sandy Superstore.

One of the original focuses of our coalition, and a cause still close to the heart of our work as a group, is the reversal of recent trends in regards to obesity, said Laura Patrick, who represents Kings Daughters Medical Center in the coalition. Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight is important to overall health, which is why were excited to offer this opportunity to match motivated members of our community with professionals who can help them lose weight the healthy way.

Those interested in participating in the competition must submit videos explaining why they should be chosen.

The eight finalists will be chosen by a team of trainers who will then provide their services to the contestants.

Requirements to enter the first HCHC Weight Loss Challenge are as follows:

n Must be at least 18 years of age and live in the Tri-State.

n Visit facebook.com/healthychoiceshealthycommunities and like the page.

n Post a video submission to the Facebook page and tag at least two friends who will act as a support system should the submitter be selected.

n Each video should be at least 90 seconds in length but no more than three minutes and make the case for why the individual should be selected.

n Creativity with the video submissions is encouraged, but each video must contain the following:

n Submitters name, age and city of residence.

n Submitter must mention the days and times during the week when they would generally be available for training. Contestants must meet at least twice weekly with their trainers.

n At least once during each video, submitters must be seen in a full-body image so that the trainers have a general idea of submitters starting fitness levels.

This is a great opportunity for someone to not only shed weight with the help of an expert, but to engage their friends and families through social media to act as their cheerleaders and support system, said Firm Fitness at Bellefonte Pavilion manager Ryan Arnett.

Firm Fitness will provide the trainers for the contest and is the community fitness facility of Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital (OLBH), a member of HCHC.

Its my hope that our video submissions go viral and that the community becomes very engaged in the contest, Arnett said. Our eight finalists are all winners, regardless of who walks away with our grand prize, because all eight will receive free personal training and will leave the contest healthier than they entered it. We hope our eight competitors can serve as inspirations to others.

Updates concerning the contestants will be posted throughout the summer. A party to reveal the winners will take place Saturday, Sept. 9, at Bellefonte Pavilion on the OLBH campus.

For more information concerning the HCHC Weight Loss Challenge, email Arnett at michael_arnett@bshsi.org or call Firm Fitness at Bellefonte Pavilion at (606) 324-0339.

HCHC is comprised of organizations throughout the Tri-State region. Learn more at healthychoiceshealthycommunities.com or facebook.com/healthychoiceshealthycommunities.

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Health coalition announces weight loss challenge - The Independent

Mama June may have a new figure, but not everyone in the family is celebrating.

The 37-year-old reality TV stars estranged daughter, Anna Chickadee Cardwell, is publicly slamming her mothers sudden weight loss, insisting that she really did it for fame.

I think she did it just to be more famous, said the 22-year-old to E! News. I dont think she it just for her because she never mentioned anything ever before about getting plastic surgery.

MAMA JUNE HAS NO PLANS TO REMARRY

Mama June is starring in a new WE tv reality show, Mama June: From Not to Hot, which chronicles her journey in getting gastric sleeve surgery and kicking off a new diet plan. Mama June, who weighed 460 pounds at her heaviest, worked to fit into a whopping size four. She wanted to show off her slimmer figure at her ex Mike Sugar Bear Thompsons wedding to his new girlfriend.

However, Cardwell believed there were other motives influencing Mama June to shed the pounds.

Cardwell told the celebrity news site that Mama Junes manager reportedly influenced her to go under the knife for the show because the same offer was also offered to her, promising it would get her out there and granting another opportunity for more fame.

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I think Mama did get herself out there to get another show, said Cardwell. Thats my opinion on that. I dont think she did it or anything for herself. If she would have done it for herself, she would have tried to lose the weight a long time ago.

According to Cardwell, she doesnt need to get a similar procedure for another chance to be in the spotlight again. Also, getting surgery freaks her out.

Everybody wants me to get my own show anyways regardless of getting anything done, she added. I doubt its going to happen, but it would be nice. Lots [of people] have been asking me about getting my own show with my kids again. [They] tell me that they would watch the show just for me and kids.

MAMA JUNE SUED BY DAUGHTERS OVER PAYMENTS

Cardwell did admit to missing being in front of the cameras.

I miss being on film, miss being on TV, she said. I miss it for the money and I miss it for, you know, getting out there for people just to see my story and stuff like that.

E! News reported that the relationship between Mama June and her daughter is strained due to money. Cardwell said Mama June owes both her and her daughter Kaitlyn close to half a million dollars from filming Here Comes Honey Boo Boo.

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Estranged daughter Anna 'Chickadee' Cardwell slams Mama June's dramatic weight loss - Fox News

Tampa Bay Business Journal

Tampa firms settle charges on phony Oprah, 'Doctors' endorsements for weight-loss products Tampa Bay Business Journal Two Tampa companies along with their owner and a manager will pay $500,000 to settle Federal Trade Commission charges of using illegal spam e-mail, false weight-loss claims, and phony celebrity endorsements to market bogus weight-loss products. Spammers Must Pay $500K After Using Hacked Emails To Push Diet PillsConsumerist all 3 news articles »

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Tampa firms settle charges on phony Oprah, 'Doctors' endorsements for weight-loss products - Tampa Bay Business Journal

The Weekly Health Quiz: Drinking, Weight Loss and a 2-Hour Marathon New York Times The Weekly Health Quiz: Drinking, Weight Loss and a 2-Hour Marathon. By TOBY BILANOW MARCH 17, 2017. Paul Rogers. 1 of 7. True or false? Most studies show that light to moderate alcohol intake does not lead to weight gain. True. False. and more »

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The Weekly Health Quiz: Drinking, Weight Loss and a 2-Hour Marathon - New York Times

Life & Style Weekly

Adrienne Bailon Keeps the Weight Loss Coming See Her Amazing Transformation! Life & Style Weekly Adrienne Bailon's weight loss made headlines right before her wedding but it looks like the talk show host is still slimming down! After losing 22 pounds before tying the knot with Israel Houghton, the 33-year-old continues to get thinner and looks ... and more »

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Adrienne Bailon Keeps the Weight Loss Coming See Her Amazing Transformation! - Life & Style Weekly

As we talked about earlier this week after Tamar Braxton and husband Vince Herbert appeared onThe Wendy Williams Show, Herbert has slimmed down quite a bit. Hes lost nearly 100 pounds, going from over 300 down to 230 pounds. Not only has he changed his diet completely, but hes also managed to get a better handle on his health after dealing with major medical issues due to his weight, and hes now able to buy off of the rack. I can go into Neiman Marcus and buy a pair of jeans, Herbert said while sitting on Wendys couch.

The change has been great for the 48-year-old, but how has Braxton adjusted? While she joked about being jealous that shes considered the thick one in their relationship these days, she admitted while speaking to PEOPLE Now that its been quite a big transformation for the both of them.

I like a little thickems. I like the oohoo! Braxton said, making the signature Pillsbury Doughboy noise. I like that. Im very happy only because hes much healthier and I want him around forever, but, you know, I like a little meat on my mans bones.

As Herbert started to slim down, rumors swirled that he had surgery to help drop the pounds. A source told The Daily Mail last year that it was necessary due to consistent ups and downs with his health.

He had gastric bypass surgery to lose weight, the source said. His size has caused him to have numerous health challenges.

Braxton seemed to confirm such rumors when speaking to PEOPLE Now about the role she played in his weight-loss journey.

I had to be very supportive of him, she said, he had a couple of surgeries not like really cosmetic surgeries, but like medical surgeries to help him to lose weight because he had medical problems due to the weight.

Whatever the means to get slim and trim, Braxton enjoys seeing a happier and healthier Vince. When asked if she felt like she was in a relationship with a totally different person, Braxton could only laugh and brag.

I do! Lots of energy.

Images via Shutterstock

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Tamar Celebrates Vince's Weight Loss Following Surgery, But Admits, I Like A Little Meat On My Man's Bones - MadameNoire

Juan-Carlos Asse directs and produces documentaries.

The Gainesville natives latest, Unsupersize Us, has yet to be released to the public, but it is already award-winning.

In February, it received two awards of merit and five awards of recognition during the Import DOCS Awards competition.

Unsupersize Us is a follow-up to Asses first documentary, Unsupersize Me, which was released in 2013 and was featured on the streaming service Hulu for six months.

The documentaries show how Asse who owns Zen Fitness on Southwest 76th Street in Gainesville transforms peoples lives with exercise and a plant-based (vegan) diet.

I want as many people to see my documentaries as possible, the 40-year-old said. People need to know that there is a way for everyone to feel and look good.

Unsupersize Me star Tracy Ryan lost 200 pounds on Assesrecommended diet and workout regime.

My goal was to actually be happy rather than pretending to be, said Ryan, whos from Fort Myers but recently moved to North Carolina.

Meanwhile, Unsupersize Us features five participants, who each lost 20 to 30 pounds in a month. This one wont be released until six months from now because Asse isshowing it at independent film festivals.

Asse said his weight-loss strategies have people, like Ryan, go from being miserable to feeling good.

The best part, he said, is that after a couple of months with me, people dont need their medications anymore.

Asse said his employees at Zen Fitness, like Alyssa Gonzalez, help him with his documentaries.

Immersing myself into a life of fitness has not only helped me physically but mentally, as well, said Gonzalez, who served as a trainer for the five participants in Unsupersize Usbut has since left the gym.

Now, Asse is focused onplanning for his third documentary, which will focus on the war on drugs and how nonviolent offendersserve long prison sentences. He doesnt yet have a production timeline for this one.

U.S. laws are set up to fail and dont have reward systems for getting off drugs, said Asse, who himself is familiar with the court and prison systems.

He served seven years in prison for selling drugs on the University of Floridas campus while attending theschool in the 90s.

Its hard for me to not get emotional about the subject, Asse said.

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Gainesville Gym Owner Grabs Awards For Weight-Loss Doc - WUFT

After mysteriously disappearing for decades, Colorados largest chunk of gold was rediscoveredbut it was several pounds lighter.

In 1887, two lucky prospectors working in the Gold Flake Mine on Farncomb Hill near Breckenridge made a discovery beyond their wildest dreamsa 13.5-pound chunk of solid, glistening gold. After one of the miners, Tom Groves, reportedly swaddled it in a blanket to carry it safely back to town, the nugget quickly became known as Toms Baby.

Upon their arrival in Breckenridge, Groves and his partner, Harry Lytton, triumphantly paraded the baby around town before taking it to an assayers office to be cleaned and weighed. Soon thereafter, the mines owner, who had just paid the miners their share, handed Toms Baby to a train conductor for transport to Denver. That, according to a Summit Daily article, was the last time the glistening nugget was seen until 1972, when it was rediscovered in a bank vault owned by the Denver Museum of Nature and Sciencebut was inexplicably two pounds lighter. Since 1974, Toms Baby has been a sparkling centerpiece of the museums Coors Mineral Hall.

That story, it turns out, may be more legend than truth. The museums records indicate the nugget was on display there until 1930, according to an article in the Denver Museum of Nature and Science journalAnnals. Its fun Colorado lore, says James Hagadorn, the Tim and Kathryn Ryan Curator of Geology at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, who interviewed Jack Murphy, the lucky museum curator who opened the bank vault. Regardless of the exact timing, Hagadorn says that Toms Baby was truly forgottena feat that is surprisingly common in museums, he says. During one or both World Wars, for example, many institutions pulled their materials from displays to safeguard them in case the country was invaded. Between personnel changes and off-site storage, its easy to lose track of things, explains Hagadorn.

According to museum records, Toms Baby originally weighed about 11 pounds but was reduced to 9.3 pounds after a couple of pieces broke off during its initial cleaninga weight still large enough qualify as Colorados largest singular gold sample. This difference may account for the nuggets purported weight loss. Despite its fitter physique, Toms Baby is still an impressive sight, with delicate crystals adorning its luminous surface.

Regardless of where the truth may lie, the legend of Toms Baby remains a compelling tale of good fortuneand fate. If youre hoping Lady Luck will similarly smile on you, be sure to visit the bronze statue of Groves in Breckenridges Prospector Park, where rubbing the nugget is said to bring visitors good luck.

Visit: Located at 2001 Colorado Boulevard, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science is open 9am-5pm daily. All-day admission costs $16.95 for adults and $11.95 for ages 3-18.

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Only in Colorado: Tom's Baby - 5280 | The Denver Magazine

PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, Wis. - By Mayo Clinic News Network

If you want to lose weight, you can't expect it to happen quickly, and it will require work. Here are some tips that can help you become successful in a healthy way.

1. Make a commitment: This means a lifelong commitment. "You must be ready to make permanent changes to support your health." says Martin Oates, M.D., family physician at Mayo Clinic Health System. Dr. Oates goes on to say, "This requires you to focus on placing your mental and physical energy into changing your habits." Make a plan to address other stresses in your life as well (i.e. financial issues or relationship problems).

2. Find inner motivation: If you want to lose weight, nobody else can make it happen. You have to find a reason to lose the weight. What's going to drive you to want to lose the weight? This could be an upcoming beach vacation, a special someone or overall better health. Posting encouraging notes to yourself can help as well. Try to log your weight loss in a journal as this will help you see how far you've come and motivate you to keep going. Also, create a support group consisting of people whom you trust to give you unwavering support and encourage you without shame or sabotage.

3. Set realistic goals: What is a realistic weight loss goal? It's realistic to lose no more than two pounds per week. Initially you may lose weight more rapidly if you make drastic lifestyle changes. To lose one to two pounds per week, you have to burn 500 to 1,000 calories more than you consume each day.

You can get SMART:

An example of a SMART goal would be to walk 30 minutes a day, five days a week, for the next three months, and then logging your results.

4. Enjoy healthier foods: You have to change your diet if you're going to lose weight. Eating healthier foods doesn't mean giving up taste, satisfaction or the ease of meal preparation. You need to lower your caloric intake, and this can be done in a couple different ways. Eating more plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains will help. Try to maintain variety so that you don't get bored. Variety makes you less likely to eat unhealthy foods. It's important to eat breakfast every day and use healthy oils when cooking (i.e. olive oil, vegetable oil or nut butters). Get four servings of vegetables and three servings of fruit per day, and keep your meat consumption to about three ounces (about the size of a deck of cards).

5. Get active, stay active: One pound of body fat equals 3,500 calories. So, you must burn 3,500 calories more than you take in to lose one pound of fat. Cutting calories from your diet, combined with regular exercise, can help you really lose weight. "Exercise can help you burn off those excess calories you can't cut through your diet," explains Dr. Oates. There are also numerous health benefits to exercise, including boosting your mood, improved cardiovascular health and reduced blood pressure. One of the best ways to lose body fat is through steady aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, most days of the week. If you can't fit a steady exercise plan into your busy life, think about ways you can increase your physical activity throughout the day (i.e. taking the stairs or parking at the far end of the lot).

6. Change your perspective: Weight loss starts with taking an honest look at your exercise and eating habits. You must make lifestyle changes to lose weight. You can't simply work out and eat right for a few weeks. Once you've identified your barriers to weight loss, try to work out a plan to attain your goals. Weight loss involves not being afraid to take a long, hard look in the mirror and telling yourself some tough truths. Once you've gone through this process, you can better understand what it will take to attain your goals.

Source: http://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/trying-to-lose-weight-six-strategies-for-success

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Trying to lose weight? 6 strategies for success - WDIV Detroit