Weight Loss NJ
Breaking the Cycle: A Weight Loss Success Story
At just 24 years old, Heather Latif found herself upwards of 230 pounds and diagnosed with high blood pressure – the same condition she’s watched her mother and grandmother suffer from her entire life. Heather had been uncomfortable with her weight for years, but was stunned to be facing this serious health concern at such a young age.
While Heather’s diagnosis may have been alarming because of her youth, she’s far from alone in her struggle with weight. In fact, over two-thirds of U.S. adults are overweight or obese. 1 According to a study recently published in the American Journal of Preventative Health, obesity is almost as much of a public health threat as smoking. 2
Heather decided it was time to break her family’s unhealthy pattern. “I knew I needed to become more active and develop a healthier relationship with food.” She joined several exercise classes and began watching her calories and fat – but she still wanted additional support. With her doctor’s approval, she started taking alli, the only FDA-approved over-the-counter weight loss aid, to help boost her efforts. In conjunction with a reduced calorie, low fat diet and an exercise regime, the pill and online behavioral support program gradually helped her become more conscious of the foods she ate and, in turn, make healthier choices.
In less than a year, Heather lost more than 30 pounds and achieved a normal blood pressure level. Her success also changed her outlook on life and feelings about herself. “The difference the weight loss has made in my life is incredible,” she says. “I’m more positive, lead a healthier lifestyle and I’m significantly more active. I’ve also gained the confidence I need to be more social.”
Studies have found that anywhere from two-thirds to 95 percent of dieters eventually regain the weight they lost. 3 To avoid that fate, Heather says she is still taking alli and the pill remains a key tool to help her make lasting, positive change and achieve the personal weight-loss goal she set.
References:
1. Flegal, KM, Carroll, MD, Ogden, CL, Curtin, LR. Prevalence and Trends in Obesity Among US Adults, 1999-2008. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2010; 235-241.
2. Jia, Haomiao, PHD, Lubetkin, MD, MPH. Trends in Quality-Adjusted Life-Years Lost Contributed by Smoking and Obesity. American Journal of Preventative Medicine. 2010; 138-144.
3. Jeffery RW, Drewnowski A, Epstein LH, Stunkard AJ, Wilson GT, Wing RR, Hill DR. Long-term Maintenance of Weight Loss: Current Status. Health Psychology 2000 Jan;19 (1 suppl):5-16.