I guess it was when I was sitting down and tried to tie my sneakers and almost passed out from lack of oxygen because I couldn't breathe. But then again it has been quite hard since when I started I was 6'5" tall and weighed 349#. I would get on a scale and I would see the patent pending number. LOL. I have been heavy for a very long time. I went to my Doctor and he was the one that suggested Atkins and from that point on, here I am...