30 is not a Magic Number

I am 6′6″ tall. 

I weigh 260 pounds.

I have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30.

I am an obese man.

Anyone who has a BMI over 30 is categorized as obese to the Federal Government. Obesity is the leading cause for a basketful of metabolic conditions that shortens your life by years: hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes.  The cure is simple. Lose the weight, break a sweat, and the years come rushing back.

Most people wouldn’t think I’m obese. BMI isn’t a perfect measure of overweight-ness, biased especially against women and tall people. It’s also doesn’t tell an accurate story with very muscular people. Given my height, the weight is pretty well distributed.

My cholesterol is high, I have indicators pointing towards future diabetes, I have low energy, and I don’t like how I look. I want to change this.

 

At myoffsite management experience last week, a couple of managers I met had gone through a program offered through the ProClub (the health club Microsoft includes as a benefit. Reportedly, it’s the largest healthclub in the nation) called 20/20 Lifestyles. It’s a comprehensive and intensive 12, 16 or 20 week program that includes hours of personalized assistance from dieticians, personal trainers, doctors and psychologists.  Company health insurance covers 80% of the cost, up to $6000. A great benefit.

I just visited my doctor today, where she needed to attest that I was physically able to do this program, and to verify my BMI (a minimum of 30 is required, but 27 to 29 is allowed if two other risk factors are present).

I’ll report my progress here. The first step is to get a bunch of bloodwork and tests in order to determine my baseline against which to measure progress. 

Wish me luck!