At least 1/3 of all Americans are classified as overweight (a 32 percent increase in only 15 years). That number increases each year, especially with children. Being overweight is the 2nd leading cause of cancer (behind smoking) in this country. A person 40 to 50 lbs over their ideal body weight has a 700% higher chance of developing high blood pressure, and a 3000% higher chance of developing diabetes!

We have a weight problem in this country. Bodyfat is our worse health risk. It causes more illness than any other risk factor. And, losing weight is not a quick fix, no matter what commercials and fad diets claim. In fact, many fad diets set up a person's metabolism to gain all or more weight back on. Weight is usually put on a few pounds at a time over a few years. To be effective, fat must come off the same way or else a person just balloons back to the same or worse level.

Weight loss is difficult and challenging. It requires a holistic approach using mind/body/spirit methods and is most effective when done with support and help from others, including health professionals. It can take up to 3 years for new eating habits to be established! Effective weight management strategies include: reducing bodyfat (through diet and exercise), enhancing the body's ability to metabolize fat (through herbs and supplements), increasing activity (primarily exercise), increasing muscle mass (through weight-bearing exercise), reducing caloric intake (through better diet), and enhancing or resolving body image/self-worth/emotional issues.