Baptist Physician Works to Help College Student on Weight Loss Journey

21-year-old Joshua Stampley-Gardner is a senior at Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi. He plans to attend seminary after graduation and is an active member of his church. He has also battled with obesity for most of his life. In October of 2014, he decided it was time for a change.

When his journey to better health began, Joshua weighed over 500 pounds. Working with personal trainer Leonard Pegues and focusing on eating healthy, he was able to kick off his weight loss with a bang and has become increasingly active. He can now walk over one mile, has cut his daily caloric intake in half, and finds himself enjoying more time with friends and family thanks to increased energy levels.

Joshua travels over 50 miles each time he comes to Memphis to work with Pegues, and the results have been undeniable. His story has inspired thousands of people throughout the country to make healthier choices in the kitchen and the gym, including many of Joshua’s own friends and family members.

Baptist Medical Group-DeSoto Primary Care Associates physician Dr. Patrick Ball is going to assist Joshua along the way. He graduated from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2001 and specializes in Family Medicine. Dr. Ball will be treating Joshua throughout his weight loss journey and working with him to ensure his good health as he drops the pounds and increases his stamina.

Mearl Purvis of FOX 13 is following Joshua’s story and will air a feature about his first visit to Dr. Ball. Tune in Thursday, February 12th, at 5 p.m.