The Entrepreneur Who Lost 60 Pounds and Normalized His Blood Pressure
A successful entrepreneur was told at 29 that his blood pressure was dangerously high. Drake Wolf chose to change his life instead of starting medication, and lost 60 pounds in the process. This is what he did.
Drake Wolf built and sold businesses while his health quietly fell apart. At 29, his doctor told him his blood pressure was dangerously high and he needed to change his life or start medication. He chose to change his life and lost 60 pounds.
Drake's Wake-Up Call: A Doctor's Warning at 29
Drake Wolf is an entrepreneur and philanthropist who has built and sold multiple businesses. At 29, his doctor sat him down and told him his blood pressure was dangerously high for his age and he was more than 100 pounds over his target weight. She told him to change his life or start medication.
Where Drake Started: 285 Pounds and 160 Over 110
Drake started at 285 pounds with blood pressure reading 160 over 110. He was getting little sleep, had almost no physical activity, and was putting no time or money toward his health.
Starting Slow: Walking Before the Gym
Drake wanted to sign up for an intense bodybuilding gym right away. Brian had him start with walking and daily steps instead. That simple shift began making a difference within the first couple of weeks.
Strength training came later, once movement was already a habit. Drake also learned better portion control and food combining. He added whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to a diet that had almost none.
From the Mailbox to Five Miles a Day
Drake started out unable to walk to his mailbox without getting winded. He built up to walking five to seven miles a day and working out five times a week.
Daily Accountability That Kept Him Moving
Drake says the daily texts, calls, and check-ins from Brian were what made the process stick at the start. Over time he built his own internal accountability and kept pushing to see how far he could take his progress.
Letting Go of the Sports Car
Working with Brian surfaced pressure that went beyond food and exercise. Drake realized he had been chasing a lifestyle that did not fit who he was, including an expensive sports car he later traded for a truck.
Addressing his stress, mental health, and sense of identity became part of the same process as getting physically healthier.
Drake's Results: 225 Pounds and Normal Blood Pressure
After a little over a year working with Brian, Drake is down to 225 pounds. That is a 60-pound loss from his starting weight. His blood pressure now reads under 120 over 80, in the normal range.
Drake's Advice: Consistency, Not Complexity
Drake says people are told that changing their health is difficult, but it does not have to be. His advice is to show up every day for several months. Do it whether or not you feel like it, and stay consistent.
Listen to Episode 50 for the full conversation between Brian and Drake.
Common Questions From This Episode
Who is Drake Wolf and why did he reach out to Coach Brian?
Drake Wolf is an entrepreneur and philanthropist who has built and sold multiple businesses. At 29, his doctor told him his blood pressure was dangerously high and he needed to change his life or start medication.
How much weight did Drake lose and what happened to his blood pressure?
Drake started at 285 pounds with blood pressure at 160 over 110. After a little over a year working with Brian, he was down to 225 pounds. That is a 60-pound loss. His blood pressure was under 120 over 80.
Did Drake start with an intense workout program?
No. Drake wanted to join an intense bodybuilding gym right away, but Brian had him start with walking and daily steps instead. Strength training came later once movement was already a habit.
How much was Drake able to walk by the end of the process?
Drake started out unable to walk to his mailbox without getting winded. He built up to walking five to seven miles a day and working out five times a week.
What role did accountability play in Drake's progress?
Drake says daily texts, calls, and check-ins from Brian were what made the process stick at the start. Over time he built his own internal accountability and kept pushing his progress further.
Did Drake's health work affect other parts of his life?
Yes. Drake realized he had been chasing a lifestyle that did not fit him, including an expensive sports car he later traded for a truck. Addressing his stress and identity became part of the same process as getting physically healthier.
What changes did Drake make to his diet?
Drake added whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to a diet that had almost none. He also worked on better portion control and food combining, and paid attention to calories in versus calories out.
What is Drake's advice for other men?
Drake says people are told that changing their health is difficult, but it does not have to be. His advice is to show up every day for several months. Do it whether or not you feel like it, and stay consistent.
Read more of Brian and Drake's conversation on the Driven For Health podcast blog.
