When Jennifer Angeles helps others on the path to healthy living, she knows what she's talking about.

"I have struggled with being overweight and obese since childhood," she said. "I was always trying a new diet, losing weight, gaining weight and continued to watch my weight climb and my health get worse and worse as the years went by." Determined to get healthy, she lost 100 pounds through diet and exercise, only to gain it back - and more.

She realized a piece of the puzzle was missing. "I felt utterly defeated," she recalled. "I knew how to lose weight. I knew how to eat healthy. I knew what I was capable of physically."

For the first time, Jennifer met with a therapist to focus on anxiety, depression and her relationship with food, and everything clicked into place. She lost more than 60 pounds and decided to have gastric sleeve surgery in August of 2018.

"I have never stopped fighting to get myself to the healthiest I can be, and that includes self-awareness," she said. "Being honest and real is an important part of getting to the results that I want."

When she started therapy, Jennifer decided to document her journey on social media. "I wanted people to see that obesity is more than just moving more and eating less. I was very open about therapy," she stated. "I shared what I was eating. I shared how I would exercise. I would share the bad days. ... I shared all of it."

At the end of 2019, she earned a certification in personal training to help connect with other women struggling with their weight, and she ultimately created a business, 2FAB Weight Loss and Fitness Support, which opened a storefront on Main Street in Mount Joy in February.

She teaches group fitness classes, including classes for kids, mothers and toddlers; cardio classes; and strength training sessions. She also employs instructors who teach yoga, Zumba and dance fitness classes, and she offers small group training and personal training.

"I teach a class in a few different assisted living centers," she said. "Fitness has no age limits or requirements."

In all of her classes, Jennifer focuses on the impact fitness has on mental health, physical health and weight.

"I think the most rewarding part of what I do is seeing how the classes make people feel," she shared. "They sweat and laugh. They do more than they think they can do, and they feel exhausted yet accomplished."

She also focuses on sharing her own truths. "One of my gifts is vulnerability and authenticity, and I embrace it," she commented, noting that her personal story helps her connect with other people on their health journeys. "I truly get it."

A lifelong resident of Mount Joy and 1996 graduate of Donegal High School, Jennifer has been married to her husband, Alejandro, for 24 years. The couple has two children, two dogs and a cat.

She hopes her personal story will inspire others to take the first step on the road to healthier living.

"There is no one way. There is no perfect way. There certainly is no easy way," she said. "However, it is possible. If you can dream it, you can achieve it."

For information Jennifer's journey, visit https://2fabweightlossandfitness.com.