Obesity Wake-Up Call

Over the past four weeks, WDEF News 12 has followed the progress of four local folks striving to overcome their weight and wellness issues.  This week, we track the overall progress made by these four as they work to change course, and find out where they hope to be physically, a few years from now.

This February WDEF News 12 issued an Obesity Wake Up Call.  Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama rank among the fattest states in the nation...and many say that has to change.  But one local church is doing something about it.

If the obesity epidemic continues much longer, health officials believe life expectancy trends will start reversing.  Within Hamilton County, obese adults are four-times more likely to have diabetes and twice as likely to have high blood pressure when compared to healthy individuals.  Those health concerns lead some people to wellness.

When all else fails surgery helps many people lose weight.

This month, we've been following the progress of four local folks striving to overcome their weight issues.  This week, in our "changing course" series, we talk inspiration... turning our attention to the people providing the motivation for our volunteers.

Our pets are also packing on extra pounds and just like in humans it's affecting their health.