just happened to improve a lot as a byproduct.

I'd just gradually gained about 2# a year for 25 years. Being so gradual, I got good at re-calibrating my opinion of how overweight I was. So I always thought I was only 10-15# overweight.

About two years ago, I was a fairly stable 225#, but had a month or two of particuarly bad eating habits and low exercise that got me up to about #235. And when I say #235, that was buck-naked and first thing in the morning. But even then, I was telling myself 225# wasn't bad, but it would be nice if I was back at 215#. 235# isn't great, though.

Enter an appointment at the Dr's office where they make you step on a scale. Except this was right after I'd eaten, fully clothed, including winter jacket, work boots, cell phone, keys, etc. That rang up at 249#.

For some reason, the idea of almost being 250# is what shattered my illusion. Dude, you're fat. Fix it. And I did. Took about 14 months to get from 235 to 185, and I've managed to stay there for about a year now.