After undergoing a health and weight management program at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, "Bruce", a 15 year old boy, changed, possibly even saved, his life.
At approximately 283 pounds, "Bruce", was told by his pediatrician that he needed to lose weight. After running a series of tests, she informed him that he was in the danger of contracting type 2 diabetes, and that he needed to lose weight. "Bruce",open to suggestions, was urged by his doctor to join a weight management program. She referred him to Healthworks, a weight management program at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital.
The program consisted of a team of experts, a physician ,dietitian, registered nurse, and the exercise program supervisor. He was put through a series of tests where his BMI (Body Mass Index) was revealed at 42.9. He was 114% over his ideal body weight. He was told that his BMI registered off the charts.
Through the next several weeks, he attended the fitness program where he underwent cardio and weight training 3 times a week. In the meantime, he had also joined the try outs of his high school football team. At his 6 month reassessment, he had lost 31.9 pounds. His BMI was down 28%.
For the next six months, he went on to continue his workouts with the Healthworks program, eventually leaving to pursue full time training in football. At his next visit, he had lost another 59.2 pounds. His BMI was down 49%. In the course of 1 year, he had shed a total of 91 pounds and lost a total BMI of 77%. Not only was he now registering on the charts, his blood pressure was now 120/56, and he was out of the danger zone for diabetes.
During the program, he enjoyed a diet of lean meats, whole vegetables, whole fruits and whole grains. His eating habits consisted of:
- Breakfast: A whole grain cereal bar, a banana and a glass of milk or a bowl of cereal and a banana.
- Lunch: Salad or turkey sandwich
- Dinner: Lean fish or lean chicken breast with whole vegetables or brown rice and a piece of fruit
- Drink : Diet soda or water
- Dessert: 1 cup serving of sugar free frozen yogurt or one cup of regular low fat yogurt, and a 14 plain animal crackers
- Snack: 1 2% mozzarella cheesestick with 6 Triscuit crackers, or 1 slice whole wheat bread with all natural peanut butter with sliced bananas on top
Since his last visit to Healthworks for the year, he has made the football team and has gone on to continue working out and eating healthy. He credits his success in weight loss and football to strong family support, healthy eating, vigorous training, and personal commitment.
"Bruce" has successfully finished out the football season and is now down to 175 pounds, his ideal body weight. He is happier and more confident then ever! He can be seen in Resolved, Cincinnati Children's Hospital 2008 annual report, page 15. A Junior in high school, he is focused on getting good grades and anxiously awaiting next year's football season. He still works out 3-4 days a week, eating healthy Monday-Saturday and enjoys Sundays as his "free day", a day that he can eat whatever he wants. Let "Bruce" inspire you to pursue your goals. You can do it!
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