I’m just back from the American Diabetes Association 2009 Scientific Sessions and feel compelled to shout out to all who will listen, especially parents of younger and older children and people on their way up the scale, that more and more research points to the many damaging impacts of excess pounds on long term health. Fat is not simply excess pounds of inactive tissue.

The news last week that several airlines are considering
charging overweight people for two airline seats evokes thoughts from me from two
extremes. On one end I work as a concerned and empathetic health care provider
to be sensitive to the challenges and struggles that overweight people face.
From the opposite end of the spectrum, still wearing my health care provider

Oh yes, it’s that time of year to once again commit to losing weight for good. And the headlines from myriad media outlets are ready to provide you with umpteen quick weight loss schemes and promises to make this simpler than ever. The problem is that the only way to lose weight and - the hardest part - keep it off for good, is to make slow and steady positive changes over time. Yes it’s hard work that takes diligence and perseverance!

For starters be honest with yourself about your for better or worse food habits.