Fondren started Shape Up Vicksburg to help residents of her hometown lose weight . Mississippi has been the fattest state in the nation for 2009 , a the past six years report says . Fondren offers free fitness and nutrition classes ; she has also started a walking club . `` I felt as though if I did n't lose weight I was going to die , '' she said . Mississippi residents have lost 260 pounds since Fondren started her mission .
Fondren started Shape Up Vicksburg to help residents of her hometown lose weight . Mississippi has been the fattest state in the nation for 2009 , a the past six years report says . Fondren offers free fitness and nutrition classes ; she has also started a walking club . Mississippi residents have lost 260 pounds since Fondren started her mission .