I plan to "divulge" my numbers only when I've met certain targets. Partly because my body type is so different. Which may also explain why I've had so much trouble finding a long-term "sweet spot" for my particular make-up.

What I should add here is that I've actually been exercising for over 20 years. Much more regularly in the last 12 than in the previous 8, but I've been at a plateau since 1992 that I can only break with very consistent and deliberate effort.

In 1991-1992 I lost about 100 lbs and kept most of it off except for about 20 of it. In fact, when I hit around the 100 lb mark I decided to become vegetarian. That was a disaster for me, I "found" 30 lbs in a hurry!

Ever since, I've been oscillating within 20 lbs of where I am now. In 1999 I lost a lot of fat (but not weight) on a very disciplined program of exercise and diet ("Body for Life"), but it demanded a pace and lifestyle I couldn't sustain while working at a "dot.bomb". In 2005, I managed to lose 20lbs but it also demanded a pace of exercise and diet vigilance that was hard to maintain due to lack of sleep (new baby) and work travel.

However, that last foray helped me recognize the value of planning and close record-keeping.

40 lbs may seem like a lot to most people, but for me it's just a starting point. Most people are surprised to learn what I actually weigh.

I look at least 40-50 lbs lighter than I actually am. (Yey lean body mass!) When I plan my meals, track my calories(IN) and ensure I burn 500 cals/day in work-outs, I can easily lose the fat.

Yes, diet plays a VERY important role in weight management but I've learned about myself that my body really responds to my level of activity — both positively when I'm active, and negatively when I'm not.

But now I've made a science/math/process project out of it and I'd like the data to help me create a health plan that I can live with as well as better understand my own metabolism.