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Losers are winners in weight-loss program

Staff reporter

Ruth Reed, an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (AARNP) at Marion Family Physicians, likes to help people lose weight.

"I understand how difficult it is to lose weight," Reed said. She herself has had her share of weight battles throughout her life.

Reed has organized and leads a weight loss group called "Let's Lose." The eight-week program, which begins Monday and will run through Nov. 21, teaches and promotes healthy weight loss and exercise.

"The main goal of the program is to get people healthy," Reed said. Most health problems are driven by obesity.

"Whether we want to admit it or not, problems like knee injuries, heart attacks, and diabetes can be attributed to obesity.

Reed recognizes obesity as a disease and doesn't have prejudices toward those who are obese.

"We're a 'super size' nation," she said. "We don't eat wrong, we eat too much."

Those interested in participating in the program, must be committed.

Weekly weigh-ins and turning in diaries are requirements of the program.

Reed realizes people are busy and don't have a lot of time to commit to programs like this. She tries to keep the weekly sessions short and light-hearted.

"Eight weeks out of a person's whole life shouldn't be too much to ask," Reed said.

How the program works

Realistic weight-loss goals are set by the participant with Reed's assistance.

"Most adults are doing well if they can lose two pounds per week," Reed said. Instant gratification has become expected with most Americans but weight-loss should be a long-term commitment.

Reed said most people do better in this type of program when there is a support group and accountability.

"I require participants to weigh-in on Mondays because the weekends are the worst time for most people to diet," said Reed.

Patience is important for people wanting to lose weight.

"People are really excited when they first get started," Reed said, "but about halfway through it, they show less interest and the weight may not be coming off as quickly."

Most people gain weight over a period of years, so losing weight in a healthy way may take awhile.

She encourages people who need to lose 10 or 80 pounds to participate because it can be just as difficult to lose a few pounds as it is a lot.

Participants are all ages and both male and female, said Reed. Many participants have participated in other weight-loss programs supervised by Reed.

"It's a good way to get back or to stay on track," Reed said.

A cost of $40 per person for each eight-week session is charged because Reed said people need to make a commitment to attend meetings and follow the program.

For Reed, seeing people succeed makes her committed to the program.

She has been offering this program since coming to Marion and for five years while working in Dodge City.

"There was a man who weighed more than 400 pounds who attended a session in Dodge City," Reed said. "He sat and cried tears of joy after he had lost 100 pounds because he could bend over and tie his shoes."

That's why she does it.

The sessions are at 5:30 p.m. Mondays in the lobby of Marion Family Physicians. For more information, contact Reed at (620) 382-3722.

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