Willis (not his real name) says that he has had a weight challenge for most of his life. As a young man in the armed services, he was able to maintain a normal weight through required, rigorous physical activity, but after retiring, he struggled in the absence of that accountability. With a strong family history of Type 2 Diabetes, he knew that he couldn’t continue to gain weight and remain inactive without suffering consequences.

“My sister’s passing at the age of 66 due to complications from diabetes was a real wake-up call. I knew I needed to get serious about eating right and exercising, so I started walking—not fast—and eating less food. I lost an average of 2 pounds a week for 52 weeks—not nearly as fast as most people expect to lose, but I was consistent.”

Willis credits his success to accountability and long-range perspective. “Everyone needs accountability in some form. For me, it was joining NIFS (the National Institute for Fitness and Sport) and setting a schedule. Other people need accountability outside of themselves. You also have to understand that lifestyle change is a process, not an event. You need to look long range. Think about being there for your grandchildren, enjoying your retirement years, things like that. You need to be able to engage in life.”

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