Obese and Want To Change

Question
Hi Mr. Itkin,
I'm 39 years old and weigh 275 pounds. I know I really need to lose weight and a lot of it. I know it is unhealthy but so far I've been fortunate, no health problems.
I am miserable in this hot weather.
I have been doing some thinking and I'm ready to change and I have the patience it takes to lose weight.
My questions are....have I waited too long, am I too old for a weight loss program to work?
If not, how many calories a day should I consume to get results?
Right now I can't do any excercise except for walking, I get so out of breath.
Thank you for any tips/ advice you can give.  

Answer
Hello, Elizabeth. Thanks for your question.  

First, I want to assure you that excess weight is a health problem within itself and please don't wait until you actually suffer from the effects of it because then it's likely to be irreversible. And the fact that the only thing you can do is walk is already a sign that something needs to be done and soon. I don't say it to scare you or depress you but to emphasize the urgency and motivate you to act as soon as you can.

39 is not old at all!!! You are a young woman and what you do in the next year or so about your weight will determine how you will feel about yourself and how you will feel phyisically for many decades to come. It is beyound any doubt that you should act - and act today.       

Before I can advise you on how to start the weight loss program, I need to know:

1. What exactly do you eat during the day, how often and at what times?
2. When do you get up and when do you go to sleep?  
3. What do you usually do during the day? What does your work involve?  

Please be honest in answering those questions - honest with me and with yourself, because this will help me to give you a good direction.

Thanks, and I will follow up.  

Arkady Itkin
www.PracticalHappiness.com

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