CMR

I am a 34 year old male, born without a thyroid. I’ve lived in New England my entire life (MA and CT) and I enjoy playing and watching team sports, working around my house, and travel. I'm 1/2 Italian and as a result, most every social occasion is centered around food.

According to ONLY height and weight, I have been technically obese most of my adult life. I was a three-sport athlete in high school and I remained active in college by playing basketball, weight training, and walking to and from class. I entered college at an athletic 185 lbs. and graduated at a slightly less athletic 194 lbs.

My weight steadily increased after college. In short, I maintained my food consumption, but my chosen profession led me to lead a fairly sedentary lifestyle. I inadvertently ceased most regular exercise over the next 7+ years, until my doctor very bluntly informed me that I was slowly committing suicide (using those words). I weighed 273 lbs. according to the Doctor’s scale (269 according to mine).

At age 30, I began Weight Watchers with my girlfriend (now wife), where we competed “Biggest Loser” style vs. each other. I lost 41 lbs. in 3 1/2 months and got down to 228 lbs. through WW and using the exercise bike I purchased the previous winter (and PlayStation II to kill the monotony). I was at my lowest weight in 6 years. It got to the point where I either had to get my suits taken in or buy new clothes. Due to a number of excuses (house, engagement, promotion), I did not monitor my weight as regularly and it started to climb again.

My wife and I have started competing again and I've lost a considerable amount of weight since Nov. 29, but have a ways to go. I will, God-willing, keep my weight down, because a secondary goal is to not yo-yo and have to do it a third time.