Michael W.
310 Pounds Lost

The high price of weight problems
As his weight escalated to over 400 pounds, Michael was taking more than 11 costly prescription medications a month just to keep his diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and other debilitating conditions, such as ulcerative colitis, from worsening. Chronic-fatigue syndrome zapped his energy and kept him homebound except for visits to doctors and pharmacies. According to Michael, “The physical and emotional pain of my health problems was becoming unbearable. I tried many weight-loss systems, but none worked consistently, and I was beginning to doubt whether I would ever feel well enough to work or have a happy social life.”

Key motivator: “Life was slipping by in misery.”
Diet tip: “...[this] nutrition is much better than overeating. It keeps me from being hungry. Also, remember to drink lots of water.”
Favorite “thin ’n fit” activity: “Walking everywhere, especially to the gym and back.”