15101 Shell Point Boulevard - Fort Myers, FL 33908
(239) 466-1131 - 1-800-780-1131 - www.shellpoint.org

Contact: Jessica Clark, Communications Specialist (239) 454-2071

FORT MYERS, Fla. (November 7, 2007) - Jared Fogle of Subway Sandwich fame stopped by Shell Point today to share his inspirational weight loss story.  More than 200 residents of the retirement community filled the auditorium at 10:30 a.m. to hear him tell the ups and downs of his weight through early childhood and how he lost a whopping 245 pounds on the "Subway Diet" as he calls it.

Jared catapulted to overnight fame nearly ten years ago after embarking on this unique weight-loss regimen while attending Indiana University.  Weighing in at 425 pounds, he knew he had to change his diet drastically and started eating Subway sandwiches every day for more than a year.  After successfully losing the weight, he first appeared in a national TV ad for the Subway restaurant chain in January of 2000, and today he juggles a career of motivational speaking and media interviews.

"Shell Point residents enjoyed having Jared visit our community as part of his tour through Southwest Florida," said Lynn Schneider, assistant vice president of marketing and communications.  "All of our residents recognized him and they were amazed by his story."

One of the things that really hit home for many of the seniors was his explanation of how he gained the weight as a child.

"Many of the residents of Shell Point are grandparents and several mentioned their personal concerns for grandchildren who are dealing with weight issues," said Schneider.  "Childhood obesity is something we all hear a great deal about and it has become a national concern.  Hopefully his tour through Southwest Florida will help raise awareness for this issue."

Jared Fogle discussed his life experiences and offered diet and nutrition tips for all ages.  After his presentation, Subway provided free samples from their Fresh Fit menu for the guests in attendance.

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