Apr 10, 2009 1:32 am US/Eastern
Joseph Grooms
DEERFIELD BEACH (CBS4) ―
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Joseph Grooms, one of three participants in the CBS4's Subway Get Fit Challenge.
CBS
Joseph Grooms, a 26 year old man from Deerfield Beach, has been known for much of his life as Big Joe. He says the nickname doesn't really bother him, but being big does.
Joe is currently unemployed, and his wife is expecting a baby boy. He worries that his size could hurt him when it comes to getting a job, and he is concerned that his weight may make it hard for him to be a good father.
He knows a baby takes a lot of energy, and there are days he just doesn't have it.
He entered the Subway CBS4 Get Fit Challenge because he knows he can't solve his weight problem and get fit on his own.
He estimated his weight before the challenge started at 470 pounds.
"I have been working out for years," he said in his essay submitted as part of his entry. "I have spent hundreds of dollars on weight formulas, but nothing seems to work."
Joseph says his large size is not a result of a lack of motivation to change.
"I have the work ethic, but nothing seems to work," he said.
Joseph has been frustrated because he knew he needed professional help, but being without a job he could not afford it.
He had auditioned for the television program "The Biggest Loser", but was not selected. When he saw The Get Fit Challenge, he knew he had a second chance.
"I'm tired of being big; the sickness," he said. He he looking forward to the future, and to a life with his wife and son.
"I want to be ready for when he comes," he said.
"I want to be alive."
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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