I had a co-worker who was a bit older than me, and we both had weight issues. I went Atkins, lost many pounds, but also cleared up a lot of health issues as I went more and more into embracing change.

Like dropping artificial sweeteners and gluten, getting more Paleo/grassfed/cooking more, exploring supplements, and lately, fixing my own endocrine issues as medical professionals were no help at all. I was willing to revamp my entire life.

She went the opposite way; more and more drugs, then the beginnings of diabetes, pain and misery from arthritis and other illnesses. Her last few Facebook posts (we no longer work in the same office) are full of despair.

All to to settle in front of the TV with ice cream, eat cake at birthdays, and enjoy the bread in Italian restaurants? (Excuses she gave me why she couldn't do Atkins.)

I see what I give up as tiny compared to what I get back. Maybe it's because I'm taking the long view, and she's only looking at her next meal.

I wish I knew.