A predictably amusing thread. You know what you need to do. It just is not always easy to do it. You are a highly intelligent person. We sometimes forget, or are not accustomed, to listen to our bodies. There is a lot of good advice in this thread, some of which can work for you. It is up to you to listen to your body and figure out together what you can/are willing to do for your life.

A study done by Harvard in the 60's confirmed that life style and attitude were more important than what you eat. Being "laid back" is a boon; Are you?

It would appear that you have received a warning. But - for heaven's sake don't let "them" put you on meds that need more meds to offset the effects of the first meds, etc.

If this were my situation, ---I am older than you so I have to think back to how I would have felt 10 years ago --- I went on a diet that even my health consultant thought too difficult. But I lost the 30 extra in about 4-5 months and discovered that any deviation from the diet added weight. So 9 years later, I'm trying again to lose that 30. It is easier to stick to a diet if you live alone - or have the total support of partner. I'll bet you do.

Exercise is only useful if you enjoy it. If you do not, it seems to have negative effects on attitude. Attitude affects health. The same is probably true of dieting. Unless you feel good about what you are doing/eating it could also be counter-productive. Attitude again. Only you, in cooperation with your body, can determine what is right for you. You know that!

I want to LIVE until I die. Therefore, I try to do what is necessary to keep my body happy. I am finding this increasingly difficult with an aging body (76 now). I am on no meds but have used, for over 40 years, supplements (not a lot!) to deal with everything from a sore throat to aching joints. And a little apple cider vinegar in water that helps keep the arteries open for business.

I am sure we would all like to have you around for a bunch more years, even if you did not get to be pope!