Leslie O’Connor spends lots of time kayaking, paddling, hiking and enjoying the great outdoors — activities she wasn’t able to do a couple of years ago when she was 77 pounds heavier.

"I was always on the heavier side, since childhood," she said.

Her sister’s wedding is what finally provided the motivation she needed. "I didn’t want to be the fat one in the wedding pictures, so I decided it was time," she said.

O’Connor also realized she didn’t want to go through life not doing the things she wanted to do. "Hiking, kayaking and paddling are easier to do if you are smaller — it’s definitely more comfortable. If you are a larger person, it’s hard to even fit in a kayak," she said.

From 243 pounds she dropped to 166 over 14 months and has seen improvements in her overall health.

Past attempts to lose weight quickly using meal replacement plans brought only short-term success. She attributes her latest weight loss to the basics: a balanced diet and exercise. She also got direction and inspiration from Weight Watchers.

"I turned to Weight Watchers as a tool because their program allows you to incorporate any kind of food as long as it was accounted for and balanced out," she said. "They encourage foods that have high fiber and low fat content and more fruits and vegetables."

O’Connor, an editor at a consulting firm, said she spends her workdays in the office, not getting much exercise. She feels like she has finally found a sustainable way to maintain her weight loss. "I learned to incorporate foods that I wanted to eat. I love cheeses and desserts and wouldn’t give those things up," she said.

O’Connor was named a Weight Watchers "Role Model of the Year" because of her effort and attitude. To celebrate her success, she donated 75 pounds of food — near the equivalent to her weight loss — to the Hawaii Foodbank at part of Weight Watchers’ "Lose for Good" campaign, which helps to fight both obesity and hunger on a local, national and global level.

"It’s hard enough to lose the weight. It’s even harder to keep it off," she said. "I’m making lifestyle and habit changes that will hopefully serve me in the long run."

If you know someone who’s overcome challenges to achieve good health or is an inspiring example of a healthful lifestyle, send us an e-mail at features@staradvertiser.com.