A “brief” history…

Please bear with me as blogging is very new to me.

Let’s start from the beginning. Born with a bigger frame, as my mother recalls, my childhood was marked by early attempts to navigate my weight. Doctors recommended various diets from a young age, even though I didn’t have diabetes—a condition closely monitored due to my weight. One memorable plan was a 2000 calorie diet focusing on whole foods, beginning around the 2nd or 3rd grade

Before I go further, it’s essential to acknowledge my deep respect and love for my mother, who worked tirelessly to provide for my sister and me. As a latchkey kid with my sister away at college, I had the freedom to eat as I pleased, often sneaking snacks to avoid getting caught.

Despite various attempts to get healthier during my youth—playing baseball, engaging in Boy Scouts, and later, weightlifting in high school—I always found strength in my size, using it to justify my weight. My strength continued to be a part of my identity through construction work after high school, but as the industry declined in 2008, I transitioned to a career in IT. This shift to a sedentary desk job significantly impacted my weight, pushing it over 300 lbs. for the first time.

As I advanced in my career, my weight continued to climb, peaking over 450 lbs, despite occasional dieting attempts. A significant turning point came after rekindling a relationship with an old flame and moving to Jacksonville. The stress of a demanding job and our engagement further accelerated my weight gain, prompting a serious reevaluation of my health for the sake of my future wife and our life together.

The journey to finding the right medical support was challenging, marked by a brief and ineffective encounter with a doctor who simply suggested weight loss and medication. This experience underscored the importance of finding a healthcare provider who truly understands the complexities of obesity.

Exploring various diets and supplements, I eventually discovered powerlifting, a sport that not only rekindled my love for strength training but also provided a supportive community. This marked the beginning of a significant transformation, eventually leading me to weigh below 300 lbs for the first time in years.

Looking ahead, my goal is not only to continue improving my health and strength but also to support others facing similar struggles. The path to overcoming obesity is deeply personal and varied, and I hope to help others find their way, just as I am finding mine.

Please join me as we navigate this journey together on ‘The Obese Trainer’. Here, I’ll share my workouts, progress, and goals, offering insights into the ongoing battle and triumphs over obesity. Let’s embark on this path together, sharing strategies, encouragement, and the understanding that, while the journey is challenging, it’s also incredibly rewarding.