RALEIGH, N.C. – Just over a year ago, Jerry Lisenby weighed 297 pounds and became the oldest contestant ever on NBC’s “The Biggest Loser.” The now 63-year-old told an audience at Rex Wellness Center on Monday that his cast mates didn’t expect him to last.

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He was eliminated the third week after an injury, but persevered when he got home, pushing himself through long workouts and daily tennis matches. He even built up to 1,000 sit-ups a day. After losing 110 pounds, he has gladly embraced his image as a role model for senior adults looking to improve their health. 

 

“Once I bought into the process of how they said we could do this, it got easier and easier because I saw the results so quick,” he said.  

 

The former Santa Claus stand-in set a “Biggest Loser” record for the biggest one-pound weight loss, losing 31 pounds in his first week on the show.   While he doesn’t promise those kinds of results for everyone, he is happy to share the secrets of his success.

 

Among the tips he gave the Rex audience:

 

*eliminate carbonated drinks, including carbonated water

*use Splenda instead of sugar

*reduce or eliminate salt from your diet, or use a salt substitute

*eat more vegetables than fruit

*exercise as much as you can

 

Lisenby’s advice resonated with retired school counselor Luna Abernathy of Raleigh. In her 70s, she has already lost 70 pounds and hopes to take off an additional 40 pounds. Like Lisenby, she’s done it by modifying her diet and exercising more. She visits the Rex Wellness Center in Garner at least six days a week and works out with a trainer. 

 

“You should make it fun, it should not be drudgery,” said Abernathy, who enjoys water aerobics and working out with weights.  

 

Lisenby is making good on a commitment he made when he started his weight loss journey. He and his wife, Lynn, leave on May 1 for a 5,000 mile cross-country bike ride.   In addition to accomplishing a goal for the two of them, proceeds raised from contributions to their “Age Is Just a Number” ride will support the Children’s Home of Illinois.  

 

You can follow their progress and learn more about their ride here.