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Joy Fit Club: Mom, 51, reveals dramatic 275-lb. weight loss on TODAY

Two women who lost a combined 445 pounds shared their dramatic weight-loss journeys into Joy Bauer's Joy Fit Club with Kathie Lee and Hoda.
/ Source: TODAY

Homemade breads and rich desserts were Jennifer Butter's specialty — but those calorific baked goods were the catalyst to her weight soaring above 400 pounds before she made a dramatic transformation.

Now, after learning to cook healthier dishes with fruits and vegetables and eating in moderation, Jennifer is 275 pounds thinner. Kathie Lee and Hoda barely recognized her when she walked into the studio.

RELATED: Enter Joy Fit Club! Share your inspirational weight-loss story with Joy Bauer

Joy Fit Club
Jennifer Butters joins the Joy Fit Club, a group of determined individuals who have lost more than 100 pounds by relying on just diet and exercise.TODAY

"I feel awesome!" Jennifer said Monday on TODAY. "To God be the glory."

Joy Fit Club
Jennifer Butters joins the Joy Fit Club, a group of determined individuals who have lost more than 100 pounds by relying on just diet and exercise.TODAY

"All things are possible," Kathie Lee encouraged.

RELATED: Joy Fit Club member takes up hula hoop, loses 171 lbs.

TODAY

The turning point came for Jennifer when she couldn't fit into a chair at a restaurant and the staff had to search for a seat that would hold her. The 51-year-old mother of five now sleeps better, and her family has jumped on board with a healthier lifestyle too.

RELATED: Husband, wife lose more than 500 pounds

Michele Ferrero is another inspiring woman. She took control of her health after struggling with her weight since she was 8 years old. She tried a variety of weight loss programs and every diet she could get her hands on.

Joy Fit Club
Michelle Ferraro joins the Joy Fit Club, a group of determined individuals who have lost more than 100 pounds by relying on just diet and exercise.TODAY

Once she hit 315 pounds, Michele joined a boot camp class at a local gym and started making healthier eating decisions.

RELATED: Blogger smashes the 'perfect body' myth with live-Photoshopping video

Joy Fit Club
Michelle Ferraro joins the Joy Fit Club, a group of determined individuals who have lost more than 100 pounds by relying on just diet and exercise.TODAY

Today she's down 170 pounds, feels more energetic, and even runs half marathons!

This story was originally published in November 2015. Follow TODAY digital dude Kyle Michael Miller on Twitter. For more healthy living advice, sign up for our One Small Thing newsletter.