Tinker civilian credits fitness program for helping him become a 'big loser'

Published Nov. 5, 2010
By Brandice J. Armstrong
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Type 2 Diabetes can happen to anyone, just ask Gregory Hightower.

In June 2009, the 290-pound Oklahoma City native began experiencing an unusual pain in his arms, noticed sudden weight loss and constantly had to urinate. Mr. Hightower went to the doctor, where he learned he had Type 2 Diabetes symptoms. He was put on maintenance medication but quickly decided, that was not what he wanted.

"I did not want to be on medication," said Mr. Hightower, who works in the 552nd Commodities Maintenance Squadron Tire Shop. "The doctor then told me to lose the weight; eating right and exercising is how I could treat my disease."

Mr. Hightower, 47, said he heard what the doctor said, but before anything else registered, he thought about the possibility of amputation. It terrified him. He started Fit for Life, a civilian fitness initiative supported by the Air Force, and began walking twice a week. Then, he added weight lifting. Now, he works out seven days a week -- four days lifting weights and three days doing cardio.

Keeping to a strict meal routine of balanced fruits, vegetables, proteins and carbohydrates, Mr. Hightower manages his weight, roughly 150 pounds.

Eight months after his initial diagnosis, Mr. Hightower was off his diabetes medication. He is determined not to go back to where he once was.

Not only is he keeping his weight down, but Mr. Hightower recently learned he has only 12.9-percent body fat.

"Mr. Hightower is probably in better shape than most 20 to 30 year olds I know," said Ira Anderson, 72nd Force Support Squadron fitness coordinator assigned to the Gerrity Fitness and Sports Center. "His body fat is almost unheard of for individuals in his age bracket. Greg's story is simply marvelous and shows what a little 'want to' and internal drive can do for someone."

That's not to say it has been easy. He said among the greatest struggles was keeping up his spirits while working out.

"I've always had to talk to myself in my head, telling myself not to quit while I exercise," Mr. Hightower said. "I would go for 10 miles on the bike and convince myself not to quit after six. I had to convince myself to keep going."

Still going strong, these days he has new goals. He said he wants to bicycle to the top of Mount Scott at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in southwestern Oklahoma and, one day, compete in a triathlon.

He's also noticed other benefits to his new body.

"It's nice to buy jeans that I can fit in. I used to buy 44-inch jeans. I now buy 32-inch jeans," he said, "and, no neat T-shirts come in triple X."

Plus, he has more cash.

Mr. Hightower, who had dipped tobacco for 20-plus years, quit the habit cold-turkey and suddenly saved $90 a month. He stopped ordering greasy value meals every other day at fast-food restaurants and saved $45 a week. And, by not needing diabetes medication, he saved $50 a month.

"He is a perfect example of how obtaining information and applying it, works," said Wendi Knowles, 72nd Aerospace Medical Squadron registered dietitian assigned to the Health and Wellness Center. "He put his health first and worked hard to make the necessary changes in his lifestyle and his reward comes with weight loss, less medication and overall, better health."

Fit for life