Obesity Challenge

National Television Becomes Local Reality

In a state where obesity has become an unwelcome mantle, there is a city that is making change real. In the Jackson Metro area, two groups are coming together to make a TV reality a local one.

The YMCA of Metro Jackson and Dr. Wayne Woo of the Diabetes and Endocrine Institute are teaming up and presenting a small group of individuals with the opportunity to participate in a diet and exercise program and see who can be the one who loses the most weight. The participants will receive personal training sessions and have nutrition planned and monitored by Dr. Woo.

Participants will be challenged to keep up with the program and to prove to themselves that they are capable of making significant life changes and see and feel the benefits.

According to Dr. Woo, the “participants will feel better first, then begin losing pounds and inches.” Although this program lasts several weeks, it is expected to have much longer lasting results. The program is considered a jump-start to a healthier life style. Participants will have the benefit of working through the beginning of the style change with expert tutelage, hands-on training, peer support, nutritional inspiration and medical monitoring. Melissa Brewer of the YMCA will be one of the coaching influences in the project.

According to brewer, “Making it through the ‘getting started’ trial can give the participants a real advantage when taking on the bigger challenge of adopting the changes into their life for the long term.”

Weight loss and healthy life style are truly a challenge in a world full of easy, poor choices. We all face health decisions every day. The good news is, while there are many, many more unhealthy options to living—from fatty, caloric foods or a rest on the sofa for an afternoon when the blue summer sky is begging for active playmates.

A healthy lifestyle is not necessarily easy but it is necessary. The State of Mississippi, which has consistently been ranked highest in the nation for obesity and diabetes, needs more local participation from doctors, exercise experts and, above all, individuals who are willing to take their lives to the next level.

For information on healthy diet, diabetes and endocrine lifestyle choices contact the Diabetes and Endocrine Institute at (601) 932-1223. You can also visit their website at www.diabetesandendocrineinstitute.com or www.drwoo.com to see recipes for living and get contact information.