Mary Hamilton, 61, of Doraville lost 72 pounds

Pounds lost: 72 pounds

Height: 5 feet 7 inches

Age: 61 years

How long she's kept it off: Began her 10-year struggle in 2009. Began anew in May 2019 and reached her current weight in November.

Personal life: "I'm single, I don't have any children," says Hamilton, who lives in Doraville and rescues senior dogs. She's worked for many years as a long-term contractor for a government organization.

Turning point: "I had really stopped taking care of me when I was taking care of my mom, who I nursed for 13 years until she passed. I had a knee replacement about five years ago and nearly died from it. I (developed) autoimmune hepatitis. … I started learning about an autoimmune diet. … I went to a functional medicine doctor; they did genetic testing and found out I had two different polymorphisms, genetic defects that inhibited the way I broke down drugs, and almost every medication they gave me, from the implant metals, to the antibiotics, to the pain relievers, (nearly) killed me. I just believe everyone should have genetic testing. That started me on a carnivore ketogenic diet."

Diet plan: "I eat a lot of meats. I eat very little vegetables because they cause me inflammation. … I only eat 20 grams or less of carbs a day." She buys direct from farmers for her meats and seafood.

Exercise routine: Three times a week, she works out at Sweet Science Fitness Boxing Club with the owner and head trainer, Marty P. Hill. "I'm going to classes which involve sparring, focusing, different stations doing activities, strength-training, agility and footwork. … I have to be thinking when he is calling punch counts; I can't think about the crappy day I had. It serves a physical and mental purpose and I think that is what I love about it. … I am so much stronger."

Biggest challenge: "Consistency and not letting life events get in the way."

How life has changed: "I do believe I can change myself with diet and exercise; my A1C is normal again. I know with the last two years of eating a ketogenic diet, in the last six months, I can finally see in my biomarkers that things are getting better. I have more energy. I sleep better. Nothing like pounding on a heavy bag to get your stress out. I am much more agile and fit than I was before. It definitely builds your confidence. … I figure my body will find the weight it wants to be. I want to feel good and I don't want diabetes, and I don't want a heart attack. I am never going to run around in a bikini — those days are long gone. I want to be healthy and fit."

Share Your Success: Each week, Success Stories focuses on an individual’s unique weight loss journey. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution does not endorse any specific weight loss program but includes names and links for the benefit of readers who want further information. Have you lost weight successfully with a healthy lifestyle change? If you would like to share your story with our readers, please include your email address, phone number, and before and after photos (by mail or JPEG) and contact us at: Success Stories, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 223 Perimeter Center Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30346-1301; or email Michelle C. Brooks, ajcsuccessstories@gmail.com.