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Christy Klun can look into the faces of the men and women in her Weight Watchers group and honestly tell them she knows what they're going through.

Klun knows how hard it can be to lose weight, and she knows people feel frustrated and ready to give up. But she also knows the overwhelming feeling of success after reaching a weight loss goal, and is committed to helping others feel this same joy.

Klun is a Weight Watchers leader in the Lindstrom and St. Croix Falls areas. She started Weight Watchers for the second time after giving birth in Feb. 2004.

"I had lost 30 pounds on my own, but I knew I needed help," Klun said.

Although she admits she was very overweight, Klun started the program looking to lose 25 pounds as a starting goal. The program was so successful for her, the pounds started shedding off. By July 2005, Klun had lost 105 pounds, and was encouraged by her own Weight Watchers leader to train to become a leader herself.

Klun said she decided to give it a try. She completed training and almost immediately, her former leader in St. Croix Falls retired, leaving the spot open. Soon, she was running weekly Weight Watchers meetings in St. Croix Falls and starting six months ago, in Lindstrom as well.

Klun said her approach is to stay positive and encouraging.

"I stay upbeat and make light of the situation, even though we all know it is serious," Klun said. "I can actually say I've been in their shoes. A lot of people come for the first time and sit down and cry, and I cry right along with them."

During the meetings, Klun offers support and tips based on her own experience, as well as answering health questions her group members may have.

"I try to answer all their questions completely if I can, otherwise, I make sure to get them the right information."

She continues her support by sending notes and postcards to group members, whether it's to encourage them through a tough week, or to congratulate them for a week of top weight loss.

In January, Klun was looking for ways to motivate her groups further. She suggested entering the Lindstrom Loppet, a 5K run/walk held during Karl Oskar Days last Saturday.

Klun thought it was a perfect opportunity to participate in something as a real "team."

"I said, 'let go for a walk together,'" Klun remarked.

She hoped a few would take her up on the challenge, but was surprised at the overwhelming response. People started signing up right away and by the day of the Loppet, more than 60 Weight Watchers participants were there to walk or run.

She said some of the participants are nearing their weight loss goals, but some are just starting and it was a big step for them to enter the 5K.

"Some of these people wouldn't have considered doing something like this," Klun said.

The group's participation at the Loppet was supported by Fairview Lakes. Klun said the doctors at Fairview's clinics and hospital back the Weight Watchers program and allowed the group to set up a booth as part of the Fairview display at the Loppet.

Klun was thrilled to see the Weight Watchers members in the Loppet.

"We had a great turnout and a lot of good feedback from hospital staff and even strangers who wanted to let us know we're doing a great thing in the community," Klun said.

She was there to cross the finish line with one member, who came in last out of 600 participants.

"She was laughing the whole time, but it was a big accomplishment for her," Klun said. "As people finished, the Weight Watchers group stood together and cheered on the others coming across."

One Loppet participant included Klun's staff secretary, Carol Cloud, who reached her goal for weight loss at the same time as Klun. Cloud lost 122 pounds, with help from Weight Watchers.

Another was Pam Bates, who joined Weight Watchers last August when she knew she needed help reaching her weight loss goal.

"I needed to improve myself and wanted an effective program for support," she said.

She has attended meetings regularly in Lindstrom, and reached her goal of losing 65 pounds earlier this month. She likes the support and nutritious recipes Weight Watchers offers.

Paying money to attend meetings was a motivator for Bates, who knew she had to push herself toward her goal, or she was spending money for nothing.

Now she is in the maintenance phase of the program, where she increases her calorie intake while maintaining her weight for six weeks. Even once she has essentially "graduated" from the program, Bates plans on coming to meetings to offer support to others.

She said it felt great to walk the Loppet and she already plans on being ready to run in the event next year.

Klun said the Weight Watchers program is straightforward - portion control, moderation and exercise. For more information on local meetings, go to the web site, weightwatchers.com.

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