TWIN FALLS - One hundred is a big number. But the three digits seem even more intimidating when it's the number of pounds keeping your scale from saying what you want it to. One hundred pounds is a lot of weight to lose, and a lot of weight to wrap your mind around.

But Megan Garner is chipping away at that number. She signed up for Magic Valley Regional Medical Center's Adult Weight Loss Class in the spring, and lost a little more than two pounds for each of the 10 weeks.

The 30-year-old Twin Falls resident has always struggled with her weight, but after dropping 26 pounds in two and a half months, she feels confident she will be trim within the next year.

"I signed up for the class again this summer, and I hope to get some additional insight and I know I need someone to help me keep track," Garner said. "Most of it was review for me, but I was surprised at how much my classmates didn't know."

MVRMC's Adult Weight Loss Class teaches students how to make small changes and get long-lasting results.

"We start by giving everybody an individualized meal program, and we begin with portion sizes, label reading and then ease into more specific things - sources of fat and all the different types," said Heather Shaw, registered dietitian and class instructor. "What we really try to do is teach people how to eat healthy without buying special foods so it works in real life, so they have the skills to go into any situation, whether it's a busy workday or out to eat."

The class includes a field trip to a grocery store to show participants what to shop for and how to find it. It also includes guest teachers who specialize in other areas of fitness, like exercise.

"People are really successful with the program. The ones who come every week lose an average of two pounds a week," Shaw said. "One lady has signed up to take the class again and again and has lost 80 pounds."

And while the students lose weight, they gain confidence, Garner said.

"I feel a lot better," she said. "I have a lot more energy. I've made some progress, but I still have a long ways to go."

Garner's husband, Red, says he's proud of her.

"She's amazing. I'm so proud of the progress she's made, and she's looking and feeling better. I love her no matter what, however she is, but this is great," he said.

The class starts today and meets every Thursday at 6 p.m. in the MVRMC downtown clinic in the basement conference room. Cost is $50. Call 733-2405 to enroll. Payment is due at the first class.

Candace Baltz-Smylie can be reached by e-mail at CandaceBaltz@hotmail.com

MVRMC Adult Weight Loss Class 6 p.m. Thursdays, today through Sept. 29 MVRMC downtown clinic, Shoshone Street, Twin Falls Basement Conference Room Cost: $50 Average weight loss: 20 pounds Open to anyone wanting to lose any amount of weight