What an upsetting day!! I am no doctor, but my vote is to get the weight off, period. Atkins is the ONLY way I can realistically do that. I am no exercise freak, never have been and doubt I will be in my old(er) age. I walk briskly atleast 20 minutes a day and am on Atkins Induction. It has saved my life. I could not walk "briskly" even 4 weeks ago. There's hope, good luck!