WEB EXTRA: Success story shared in battle against obesity
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Updated: November 20, 2009 10:51 AM
Joël Lamoureux knew it was time to lose weight when his knees started to give out under his 600-pound frame.
Just in his early 30s, Joël’s body was already struggling to complete day-to-day tasks. With his health hanging in the balance, took matters into his own hands — and lost 380 pounds.
Lamoureux isn’t alone in his struggle with obesity. About 11 per cent of British Columbians are obese, and nearly 26 per cent of children in this province are either overweight or obese.
Excess weight is a major risk factor for heart disease, hypertension, and Type 2 diabetes.
Now Lamoureux is sharing his inspiring story with the help of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC and Yukon. He will speak about making healthy lifestyle changes at the Foundation event called Today is Your First Day.
“The Heart and Stroke Foundation is such a positive force for healthy living so it seemed like a really natural fit to connect with them,” says Lamoureux in a news release. “My message is that, no matter what, there’s always hope.”
Lamoureux is now committed to eating healthy and living an active lifestyle. Through simple lifestyle changes, people can reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke by up to 80 per cent.
“Now I really enjoy being active, whether it’s running, biking, or playing hockey,” he says. “You have to remember that at 600 pounds, I didn’t get to do a lot of moving around. This is my second shot at life.”
He will speak at the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s volunteer appreciation event on November 25th. The public is invited to attend this free event, but seating is limited so please RSVP by calling 250-754-5274.
— Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC and Yukon
