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!