Changing your relationship with food: a weight loss success story

These days, it seems everyone is talking about weight loss. As over two-thirds of U.S.

adults are overweight or obese, the trials behind weight loss success stories are often

relatable to those interested in improving their overall health.

One such success story is former fast-food addict Scott Lamm who knew it was time for a

change when he found himself weighing nearly 300 pounds. This was a far cry from the

170 pounds and 31-inch waist he sported in high school. Scott turned to his brother,

Brad Lamm, a board-registered interventionist and member of Dr. Oz's "Dream Team" to

develop a comprehensive program that would not only help him lose weight but also

change his relationship with food in the long term.

"Being overweight is a lot of work in itself because it is hard for your body to carry

around all those extra pounds, so it made sense to me to work to get rid of that extra

weight and make my life better," says Scott, a youthful father of three and grandfather

of two.

Scott gradually began to relearn when to eat, how much and when to stop through a

comprehensive program that included a strong personal support system, healthy diet and

exercise. He was on the road to success - but still had a long way to go - when Brad

suggested he try alli, the only FDA-approved, over-the-counter weight loss aid as a

tool to help him become more conscious of the foods he ate and help boost his weight

loss success.

As Scott took true accountability and dedicated himself to a thoughtful weight loss

program, he was able to lose nearly 100 pounds over a total of 17 months, including

five months using alli.

America's growing obesity crisis
Scott was far from alone in his struggle with weight. Obesity is a growing national

crisis that affects about 72 million U.S. adults and places a staggering $147 billion

strain on the health care system. According to a study recently published in the

American Journal of Preventive Health, obesity is as much of a public health threat as

smoking.

"Many Americans struggle to lose weight, and it can be tempting to try to find a 'quick

fix,'" says Dr. Caroline Apovian, director of the Nutrition and Weight Management

Center and co-director of the Nutrition and Metabolic Support Service at Boston

University Medical Center. "To not only lose weight but keep it off in the long term,

people need to learn a healthier approach to food and overcome habits that may have

been with them for life."

For Scott Lamm, the recipe for weight loss was a comprehensive program combining

support from family and friends, healthy diet and tools to aid in success along the

way. Dr. Apovian shares even more tips to keep in mind for a gradual, sustainable

weight loss program.

* Talk to an expert. Your doctor or dietitian can help you set realistic goals to make

you feel like a winner in the short term and help you stay motivated in the long term.

* Find support. Online or in-person support groups, as well as encouragement from

family and friends, can make all the difference in the world.

* Change your relationship with food: Take a healthier approach to eating by becoming

more conscious of how food choices affect the body.

* Become more active. Work with your doctor to create an exercise plan that's

consistent with your goals and abilities.