"Lose weight," "eat healthy" and "go to the gym" always top the list of the most popular New Year's resolutions. If you're in need of some inspiration to tackle your goal, look no further. CNN regularly profiles people who have lost a significant amount of weight. We checked in with some of our past motivators to see how getting fit has changed their lives. See their physical transformations by clicking through the gallery, then get started on your own! When you hit your goal weight, we want to hear about it.
Bryan Ganey —
For years, Bryan Ganey worked the night shift, bingeing on fast food and soda for breakfast, lunch and dinner. By the age of 37, he had a body mass index of 87 (anything over 30 is considered obese). Then, a pulmonary embolism changed his life. In 2½ years, he's lost 347 pounds.
Courtesy Bryan Ganey
Darrin Cook —
Darrin Cook grew up in New Orleans, where food was the center of his family's life. When they evacuated for Hurricane Katrina, food became a comfort and a reminder of home. At his heaviest, Cook weighed 390 pounds. Between 2006 and 2010, he lost 175 pounds. Cook now weighs a comfortable 240. His book, "The Weight of New Orleans," is set to release in January.
Courtesy Darrin Cook
Doug Skinner —
A couple of months after CNN wrote about Doug Skinner's 125-pound loss, Skinner found out his wife was pregnant with their second child. The birth of their son, combined with a move, put Skinner's weight loss goals on the back burner. He regained 25 pounds but has since worked to take it off. He ran his second half-marathon this summer and has rejoined Weight Watchers.
Courtesy Doug Skinner
Michelle Jackson —
Michelle Jackson was terrified to turn 40 in 2013, fearing that a slowing metabolism would prevent her from ever getting healthy. Determined to take control of her future, she dropped 100 pounds in less than two years and has continued to maintain her weight loss. Even her 10-year-old son has been inspired to pick up healthier habits.
Courtesy Michelle Jackson
Mark Rucker —
Mark Rucker's friends call him "The Beast" for a reason. Since February 2011 -- while dropping 100 pounds -- he's participated in a 5K, a 10K, a half-marathon, a marathon and an Ironman competition.
Courtesy Mark Rucker
Drew Manning —
Drew Manning's story shocked America. The fitness trainer purposely put on 70 pounds in six months last year, only to drop it all again before June. Manning said his goal was to understand better what his clients were going through as they struggled to lose weight.
