Let me preface my remarks by saying that I have been substantially overweight for over half of my life. I would like to offer some sincere words of advice to others who are now 20 pounds or more overweight.

If you like I was, significantly overweight, You need to think seriously that you could and likely will shorten likely will shorten your life and reduce your quality of life during the last one-quarter to one-third of that life. You are injuring your body in ways that will likely bring on a number of serious health conditions – some combination of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart problems (hardening of the arteries, damage to heart tissue and arteries, and/or strokes. Is that what you really want?

At age 45, I developed type-two diabetes. At age 60 I had high blood pressure and high cholesterol. By age 68, I had a heart attack, but did not know it. At age 69 the nerve centers which control the heart beat quit working and my heart function was down to less than about half of normal -- substantially less than what the body needs. I had to have a pace-maker installed. My vision is now significantly impaired. Within the last year, I suffered a small stroke which has impaired my sense of balance, resulting in several falls. Is that what you want for yourself???

If you interested in information on steps you can take to help decrease your weight and to reduce the impact of those conditions I mentioned, let me know and I will post some information on steps you can take.