The Breaking Point

For 37-year-old Gianmarco Allegri from Vicenza, Italy, a profound realization sparked a transformative change: his weight was robbing him of life’s simple joys. Like many Americans struggling with obesity,Gianmarco faced not only physical challenges but also social stigma.

The label “obese” had followed Gianmarco for years,leading to exclusion from social gatherings and hurtful judgment from strangers. “People stop inviting you at home the strangers on the street look at you badly and it is challenging to relate to others, in every area,” he recounts, highlighting a painful reality faced by many individuals struggling with their weight.

This discrimination became even more apparent after he underwent surgery and committed to a healthier lifestyle, shedding an unbelievable 352 pounds (160 kilos).

Confronting the Numbers

Gianmarco admitted to avoiding the scale at his heaviest. “I can’t say exactly how much I got, maybe 595 pounds,” he recalls. “In 2021, when I was admitted to Arzignano for the insertion of the balloon intrastic, I weighed about 562 pounds, but I had already lost a little lost, so I suppose I touched 595 pounds, but it could also be a little more or a little less. when you are a big obese, it’s not Simple even finding a scale Suitable, so in the end I didn’t weigh myself.” This avoidance highlights a common struggle among those with severe obesity – the emotional difficulty of confronting the stark reality of their weight.

In the United States, finding suitable scales for individuals with higher weights can also be a challenge, reflecting a broader need for inclusivity in healthcare and everyday products. The CDC reports that over 40% of adults in the U.S. are obese, underscoring the widespread nature of this health issue.

Beyond the Scale: The Everyday Struggles

The impact of Gianmarco’s weight extended far beyond the numbers on a scale. Simple, everyday tasks became monumental challenges. “I was not going to the mountains as just giving the building for me was a huge effort, but it is indeed only an example among many, Because in reality everything was out of phase. Even getting up to make a washing machine or cleaning the house, which are normal actions of the newspaper, are tiring for those who, for each movement, must move over 440 pounds,” he explains.

For U.S. residents, this could translate to difficulty navigating public transportation in cities like New York or San Francisco, or struggling with household chores in suburban homes.The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) aims to address some of these challenges by ensuring accessibility, but the lived experience of obesity extends beyond legal mandates.

A Lifelong Battle with Food

Gianmarco’s struggle with weight wasn’t a sudden occurrence; it was a lifelong battle. “I think the first diet prescribed the pediatrician,” he says with a “sweet and sour smile.” He described a “conflicting relationship with food,” using it as a coping mechanism for his emotions. This pattern intensified during his teenage years, exacerbated by the “teases typical of age.”

This mirrors the experiences of many Americans who develop unhealthy eating habits early in life, often influenced by societal pressures, readily available processed foods, and emotional factors. Studies show a strong correlation between childhood obesity and increased risk of adult obesity, highlighting the importance of early intervention and education.

“The right stimulus must start from within as I told me a lot of bales: I said I ate little, when Maybe at lunch I had done half a kilo of pasta. To a certain, about six years ago, I tried to accept myself for what I am but without hiding myself from myself: maybe I still ate half a kilos of pasta, but at least I admitted it, also accepting the fact of not being able to do otherwise. I went to a self-help group from the Oreaters Anonymous, and I started to take the reins of my life again. If I hadn’t done it, in those conditions, I know I woudl have died in a few years.”

Seeking Medical Intervention

Gianmarco initially tried an intragastric balloon, but it proved ineffective. In 2022, he sought help from the Bariatric Surgery Center in Porto Viro, were Dr. Sergio Carandina performed a sleeve gastrectomy, removing 80% of his stomach. “The intragastric balloon did not bring me any benefit, so in 2022 I turned to the Bariatric Surgery Center in Porto Viro, where I was followed by dr. Sergio Carandina – Remember – that he subjected me to a Sleeve Gatrectomy, practically a resection of 80% of the stomach.”

Bariatric surgery is becoming increasingly common in the U.S. as a treatment option for severe obesity. However, it’s not a magic bullet. As Dr. Carandina emphasized,”In telling me that I should have replaced the food With othre satisfactions,such as going out,being with friends,meeting new people,doing sports and so I did. Or else the stomach, which is a muscle, would have re -established again.” This underscores the critical need for lifestyle changes and ongoing support after surgery.

A Second Chance at Life

Gianmarco’s transformation is more than just a weight loss story; it’s a story of reclaiming his life. “I didn’t realize what I was losing,” he reflects. “I was getting lost: I thought I was also playing the opportunity to become a father, instead at this time I found a companion and shortly we will have a child.”

His message is one of hope and empowerment: “I want to continue telling my story to everyone to help the great obese who do not see a way out. Another life is possible: you have to look reality in the face,accept to get help and start.” He emphasizes the importance of overcoming psychological barriers and seeking support.

“The Mediterranean diet works – and I can tell it loudly since, by eating carbohydrates, proteins, vegetables and legumes in the right quantity, I managed to lose 160 kilos.”