I am an anesthesiologist.  For years, I cared for very ill patients with heart and vascular disease.  Patients whose blood vessels were damaged by smoking, high blood pressure, and diabetes.  I did clinical research in vascular surgery patients, and have also published research on the implications of obesity in elderly patients. I have lectured widely on the anesthetic management of vascular and obese patients.

However, as I gained weight, I placed myself at risk of heart and blood vessel disease.  I had abnormal heart rhythms, a possible small heart attack, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and prediabetes.  My own uncle (also a physician) told me he didn’t expect me to live much longer.  My weight loss journey was as much about a desire to live as it was about wanting to look better.

Knowledge is helpful, but is not sufficient for weight loss; a commitment to lifestyle change is key!