BY MELISSA ROLLINS (FLORENCE, S.C.) – Florence’s Biggest Loser endeavors to be more than just a program designed to help participants lose weight; it is supposed to encourage a lifestyle change.

That is exactly what Marcie Lloyd is looking for.

Lloyd is a married mother of two: a 12-year-old and a 19-year-old. She found out about the contest because she was asked to share the United Way’s Facebook post about it on her office’s page.

“I knew some people that had done it last year that didn’t do well,” Lloyd said. “I also (found out that I) know a few who are doing it this year. I really wanted to do it, because I need some other people to push me. I’ve tried before to lose weight, but when you are on your own, it’s different.”

Lloyd said she hopes that she will be able to share what she learns with her family.

“I’m really trying to encourage my son,” Lloyd said. “He eats well, and he is skinny, but he needs to be more physically fit. He just sits behind a computer all of the time. He has a disability, he is blind, but he still needs to get out and exercise.”

She has already been getting encouragement from the contestants she knew before the contest and even from others she met during the kickoff event. Lloyd said friends and family also have been cheering her on via Facebook, where she is sharing her journey.

“I have friends and family who are pushing me,” Lloyd said. “So aside from other contestants, I have them as another source of accountability, which is great.”

Though she has tried to lose weight before, Lloyd said, she never tried an actual weight-loss plan or program, because they never seemed to have a well-rounded approach.

“A diet never seemed like enough for me,” Lloyd said. “I have to get to the more physical part to lose weight. Biggest Loser has the nutrition part and working out.”

The prospect of having her name associated with the contest didn’t scare Lloyd away. If anything, it was another reason she wanted to join.

“Now everybody knows that I am trying to lose weight,” Lloyd said. “I am using that to really push myself. It’s a good thing. It is kind of like I have to do it now, because everyone knows that I am.”

One scheduled event Lloyd is already looking forward to during the 10-week competition is Kayak Attack, a day when contestants will try to master boats on a local body of water. She said her weight has kept her from doing certain things, and kayaking is one of those.

“I have been afraid to get in one, because I felt like I was too heavy,” Lloyd said. “I know that other people are nervous or scared, but I am really looking forward to it. It will be really exciting just to be out there with everybody and just go ahead and do it.”

Her goal for the contest is to lose between 30 and 50 pounds, but she expects that to be a jumpstart to her weight-loss journey. Overall, she wants to lose approximately 100 pounds.

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