I am 69 years old, retired and I suffer from acute degenerative osteoarthritis. My favourite pastimes are gardening, cooking, photography and reading. Since emigrating to Canada from Britain in 2014 I have steadily gained weight to the point where it was affecting my health. I also quit smoking in 2013 which has not helped me to keep my weight in check. I decided just before my 69th birthday that it was time to take myself in hand and start getting the weight off ... so here I am.