How 'ordinary overweight woman' took on obesity and won

JO Capp is bucking the trend of the major obesity epidemic in Toowoomba.

The woman has not lost a dramatic amount of weight, but instead proved that ordinary people can make a change in their lives and along the way set an example to other people.

Ms Capp and her fellow directors at The Event Group Toowoomba decided to find out if an ordinary person could run in the upcoming Peak2Park fitness challenge.

Jo Capp, the director of The Event Group Toowoomba has lost weight and gained firness. She is training to run the Peak to Park. February 2017 Bev Lacey

In November last year the self-described "over 40, overweight and unfit" woman volunteered to be the guinea pig for that experiment.

It was the beginning of a roller coaster ride of medical and fitness examinations which started with a DEXA scan.

The x-ray technology is used to assess the distribution of lean muscle, fat, water and bone within the body.

She started the LiveWell wellness program and training at Willows Health & Lifestyle Centre.

Ms Capp also began her own training regime.

Her goal is to finish the 4km Peak2Park run.

Jo Capp has a body scan with Director and exercise physiologist at Vision Exercise Physiology Adam King. February 2017 Bev Lacey

She said becoming fitter had changed her life.

"Everything has changed. I even sleep better. I watch everything that I'm eating and my mood is better. I can think clearer.

"When you aren't an athlete and you're just a normal mum and you're working hard - you tend to think those things are way out of your grasp.

"In actual fact they're just there and it's quite easy. If I can do i,t anyone can do it."

Yesterday, about three months after her first test, she was scanned a second time and was shocked by the results.

The total fat in her body had reduced by 2.1kg and her total body mass was reduced by 2.3kg.

People with excess fat around their stomachs are at a much higher risk of disease.

Director and exercise physiologist at Vision Exercise Physiology Adam King said belly fat was associated with increased cardiovascular and metabolic health risk including lifestyle diseases like diabetes.

The DEXA scan recorded a 14.5% reduction in the amount of fat near Ms Capp's stomach.

It also revealed being "big boned" is a valid excuse for overweight people, showing bone density was a significant factor.

Scans of Jo Capp, at Toowoomba at Vision Exercise Physiology. February 2017 Bev Lacey

P2P chairwoman Ruth Logan said entries were already streaming in for Peak2Park 2017 with families, businesses and individuals all getting behind the community event.

This year's run on Sunday, March 5 starts at Picnic Point and finishes at Lake Annand.