Anti-obesity crusader hopes his loss is nation's gain

His journey started seven years ago at 397 pounds. He jokes he was "just a Super Bowl party from 400," but quickly adds he was miserable.

He wants everyone to know there's nothing quick and easy about weight loss, but the effort is worthwhile.

The message has become his life's mission, and it brought him to Hilton Head Island this week to work with a friend and partner, psychologist Howard Rankin. They have a pilot radio show called "The Shrink and the Shrunk."

SENDING A VALUABLE MESSAGE

In 2004, Marino staged the "Million Calorie March." He walked 1,200 miles from Florida home to Boston. It set the nation's obesity epidemic before millions, from his first steps on "Live with Regis and Kelly" to a barrage of coverage in USA Today, People magazine and other media.

He created a nonprofit organization to push good health called Generation Excel (www.millioncaloriemarch.com).

He wrote a memoir, "Big & Tall Chronicles: Misadventures of a Lifelong Food Addict."

The 98-minute documentary "Million Calorie March" was released last fall. It inspires, but also tackles tough issues: food addiction, portion sizes, the weight-loss industry, child obesity, discrimination, depression, sleep apnea and relapses.

Marino even ran the Boston Marathon. He just finished a Million Step March across North Carolina, promoting the benefits of physical activity in conjunction with Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina.

WEIGHT LOSS TAKES SUPPORT

Through his quest, he's learned that obesity is complex, and losing weight is hard. It's a game of calories that requires major life changes. It takes vigilance.

Don't try it alone.

Marino started with a therapist to tackle the emotional eating he calls "post-traumatic stretch disorder," a nutritionist and a fitness trainer because "nobody pushes you like someone else."

It takes support from friends who eat like you do and who will exercise with you. Activity is imperative. Marino walks 5 miles a day and does cardio kickboxing.

The famous "after" photo might never come, he says, but stay in the fight. Celebrate healthy victories. Marino celebrates the fact he now can sleep at night and no longer has high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

"My core goal is to educate people on what the real struggle is," Marino said.

He wants America to recognize that a nation is in peril when 65 percent of its people are overweight, 40 percent are sedentary, 30 percent are obese and 10 million people are morbidly obese. But he says there's hope for those willing to work. Small steps really can turn into a giant leap for mankind.