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Couple loses a combined 267 pounds — and then falls in love

When Maria Landers was researching weight loss she found Ben Landers and they began a long-distance romance based on their weight-loss journeys.
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@marialanders / Instagram
/ Source: TODAY

About four years ago, Maria Landers was struggling mentally and physically because of her size. She couldn't fit into her nursing scrubs. She couldn't tie her shoes. She couldn't ride horses, a hobby she loved.

“I also got a back injury from being too heavy for my own body,” Landers, 26, of Clearwater, Florida, told TODAY, via email. “My weight started interfering with the things I loved the most … So I had to change to get my life back.”

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When Maria Landers struggled to fit into the largest pair of scrubs she could find, she realized she needed to do something about her weight. She went to a trainer and learned healthier eating habits and lost 100 pounds. @marialanders / Instagram

After recovering from a broken knee and relying on soda and candy to stay energized to get through a rigorous college schedule, her weight crept up to 264 pounds, at 5 feet 2 inches tall. So, Maria, who was living in Gothenburg, Sweden at the time, visited a doctor, who signed her up for weight-loss surgery.

She balked at the idea and scheduled a session with a personal trainer instead. The personal trainer designed an exercise and eating routine for Maria that transformed her life.

“My injuries were so big that in order for me to stay healthy for the rest of my life I had to be strong. So that’s what I did. I was tired of hurting and being injured,” she said.

She quit drinking sugary beverages and eating candy and started eating healthy foods like fruits, vegetables and lean protein. She worked out six days a week, but none of it was easy.

“I did struggle with getting rid of old habits,” she said. “I was determined to be the person I always wished I was.”

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As Maria Landers was searching for weight-loss tips, she stumbled upon a YouTube video of Ben Landers and felt instantly connected to him. @marialanders / Instagram

As she was losing weight, she would look at other people’s success stories. That’s when she discovered Ben Landers.

“I quickly stumbled upon a YouTube channel, where a guy had done what I had done. He had lost so much weight, changed his life, looked so incredibly handsome that I had to message him,” Landers said. “When I saw him talk on the video, it was almost like I was looking at myself.”

She wondered if he’d respond. A day later he did. Maria showed him her before-and-after pictures and explained what she did to go from 264 to 160 pounds. Soon, they began chatting all the time. Because of the time difference, she would stay up late to talk to Ben, who was living in Louisiana.

“I know it sounds crazy, but I knew he was my soulmate,” she said. “In my heart I said, ‘I’m going to marry that man.’ It’s hard to explain.”

After talking, Ben invited her to visit him and for a year they continued their long-distance relationship between Sweden and the U.S. During this time, she learned more about Ben’s journey. He was overweight most of his life and was bullied because of it. When he started his weight loss in 2013, he was more than 300 pounds. One day in 2013, he realized he was wasting his life and needed to do something. The next day, he signed up for a gym membership and started eating healthy foods. He relied on intermittent fasting and in only nine months, he lost 167 pounds.

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Thanks to exercise and intermittent fasting, Ben Landers lost 167 in just nine months. @marialanders / Instagram

Having a similar experience helped the couple bond.

“I don’t think it is possible to live a fitness lifestyle without your significant other being into it, too. At times it gets so hard that you really do need the support around you,” Landers said.

The couple married in 2016 and live together in Florida. They share their stories on Instagram and YouTube.

“I’m trying to find balance in eating what I want, but in moderation, and being happy with myself,” she said. Here are Landers' tips for anyone struggling with weight loss.

1. There’s no magic bullet.

So often people think there will be an easy way to lose weight. But losing weight is a lifestyle change.

“(Do) not fall for any gimmicks, fit teas, supplements and weird pyramid schemes,” she said.

2. Do your research.

Maria relied on the help of a personal trainer and did lots of research online. Understanding nutrition and exercise helped her be so successful.

“Learn about macronutrients (what food is made of): Educate yourself. All information is free and readily available,” Maria said.

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After bonding over their weight-loss journey, Ben and Maria Landers married in 2016. They're expecting a baby in 2019. @marialanders / Instagram

3. Be kind to yourself.

Sometimes Landers is frustrated that she was overweight and damaged her body for so long. But she's working on changing those thoughts.

“I have to let go of the past and forgive myself for the way I used to live my life ... forgive myself for the damage I did to my body,” she said.

For more inspiration, check out our My Weight-Loss Journey page. If you're ready to start your own journey, sign up for our Start TODAY newsletter for extra support.