Many of us choose this time of year to make resolutions.
Often, those resolutions involve our personal health and possibly weight loss.
For whatever reason, we choose the first of a new year to begin a lifestyle change.
"I guess a lot of people think that it's the beginning of a new year it's a new beginning, new changes. I think a lot of people look at other parts of their life and one of the big ones is their health. As you know, a majority of the United States is now overweight," said Dr. Steven Fowler.
We are a nation of contradictions, an obsession with food and at the same time, an obsession with dieting. Battling those contradictory forces is an ongoing struggle.
"As you know, losing weight is not the easiest thing in the world, if it was, we'd all do that. Diets are tough. We can all lose a few pounds. But to lose that weight and keep it off, that's the hard part," said Dr. Fowler.
Part of the battle is cutting down on calorie consumption. Another part is getting involved in an exercise program. But just as important, according to Dr. Fowler, is having a good support network.
"It's absolutely key and there's very good studies that show there's higher rates of success when you involve a comprehensive component in terms of that support group and also addressing the other issues that might be contributory towards extra weight," Fowler said.
A good support network is vital. But Dr. Fowler says we have to pay attention to that inner voice that says - take care of number one.
"We're stressed out, we're always going, going, going. We don't have time in terms of taking care of ourselves...taking that extra part out of the day in terms of looking at our bodies and feeding ourselves nutritionally and exercising," Fowler said.
