
At 360 pounds, Stephen Cremen had a give up or fight back. Concealing his body beneath layers of dark, loose-fitting clothes, he couldn't bear to confront his reflection. The fear of judgment and the belief that no one could ever love someone so obese tormented him. Food became his comfort – the one thing he could always count on when things got rough. In 1993, Stephen stumbled upon an Oprah Winfrey episode that posed simple yet profound questions that would alter the course of his life. It ignited a realization within him unlike anything he had experienced before. On June 4, 1994, Stephen began his quest to unravel the tangled web of emotions and impulses driving his compulsive overeating. What started as a goal to lose weight ultimately led to a transformative journey of self-discovery, emotional healing, and empowerment. In this intimate memoir, Stephen shares some of the most personal details of his growing up overweight, navigating the journey of self-acceptance as a gay man, and finding the courage to undergo extensive reconstructive surgery to resolve his body-image struggles. Through unwavering determination and discipline, he learned how to control his diet and integrate exercise into his daily routine. By learning to say no to others and prioritize his feelings and needs, Stephen lost a staggering 165 pounds – nearly half his body weight. Three decades later, Stephen stands before a mirror, released from the grip of self-doubt. Emotionally and physically, he has overcome challenges that have held him back. Healthy and happy, he is living his best life in a family and community where he's supported and loved. Includes 70 of Stephen's top tips! FINALLY NAKED is a newly revised and updated version of Stephen’s first Battle My Journey from Obesity to Health and Happiness, Fifteen Years and Counting!