Poor weight control is the number one health problem facing families today. An alarming statement in this age of AIDS, cancer, and heart disease, isn't it? Unless we, as parents, change both our ways and our kids' habits, we may be facing the first generation of children that will die before their parents.

58 million American adults are overweight; 40 million obese; 3 million morbidly obese. 60% of adults over twenty-five are overweight. 78% of Americans are not meeting basic activity level recommendations. 76% increase in Type 2 (adult-onset) diabetes in adults thirty to forty years old since 1990. 80% of Type 2 diabetes is related to obesity. 70% of cardiovascular disease is related to obesity. 42% of breast and colon cancer is diagnosed among overweight individuals. 30% of gall bladder surgery is related to being overweight. 26% of overweight people have high blood pressure. 100,000 new cases of cancer each year are due to obesity.

Andy had not always been overweight. There was a time when he was about average, not too big, not too small. He worked well with others, so he was popular, but now he always had a feeling that people viewed him differently because of his size. He even believed that he had been passed over a couple of times when he knew he could do a job. He tried not to let the fact that he was bigger than others get in the way of enjoying life, but it was getting difficult. Andy would come home after a hard day and snack on cookies and such, maybe have a soda, and wait on the woman in his life to get dinner ready. In the meantime he would do a little paper work, watch some TV, and diligently practice being sedentary. He would tell folks that it was his right to relax after a hard day. The last thing he wanted to do was exercise, which seemed like torture to him. Besides, when he tried sports, he noticed that he gave out before everyone else, and he was embarrassed. He was happy to just sit at home and vegetate, as he called it. He knew his weight was accumulating due largely to his inactivity, but hey, he was tired at the end of the day. At dinner, he consumed everything in front of him, whether hungry or not. He remembered being instructed years before to clean his plate, and he did what he was told. Before bed, there would be more TV and, of course, a small snack of leftover pound cake (aptly named!).When the alarm clock erupted in the morning, it was out into the day and another round of unhealthy choices.

Sound familiar? You may be surprised to discover that Andy is ten years old and represents a huge number of kids in this country. We are raising a generation of Pillsbury Doughboys and Doughgirls, and it is our fault. Our culture is failing our children. We are sacrificing health for convenience and pleasure. The good news is, there is hope. If fault lies with us, that means we can do something about it.

Fat-Proof Your Family Are you tired of losing weight that inevitably comes back? Are you concerned about your kids' health and want to be a fit family? If so, this book is for you. A doctor's sensible, life-long plan for nutrition and fitness for families, including age-specific nutritional recommendations. The key to long-term success is to get the entire family involved in a healthy lifestyle. Not only does motivation jump when you realize the influence you have on your spouse and kids, but healthy habits are so much easier — and satisfying — when people you love enjoy them too. Dr Ron Eaker presents simple, practical, and livable ways to lose fat and achieve lasting health and wellness. This isn't a pie-in-the-sky approach. And it's not about quick fixes, secret formulas, or even diets (they don’t work!). The "Fat-Proof" lifestyle is for normal, busy families like yours. It represents hope for a better life now and in the future. As a parent, it's one of the best gifts you can give yourself and your children. USA UK Canada

Billy Blanks created Tae Bo over 20 years ago. Now he has made it even better with his new Amped workout that takes Tae Bo’s fat burning, muscle toning power to a whole new level. It's called "amped" because it amplifies Tae Bo's power to sculpt muscle, firm abs, and attack fat for maximum results. Billy Blanks: Tae Bo Amped

LL Cool J works out hard and it shows. Most of his fans believe the veteran MC looks better today than he ever did. Now, James Todd Smith and his personal trainer are providing the general public with the blueprint on how to get in pristine shape with their new fitness book, LL Cool J’s Platinum Workout. LL Cool J's Platinum Workout

Eat everything. Concentrate on whole grains. Drink milk. Balance protein with carbohydrates. Avoid processed sugars. Do some exercise. The idea that a diet book making such proposals comes as a pleasant surprise shows just how far afield we've gone in the search for new ways to be fit. The Abs Diet

Scientists have discovered the secret of healthy permanent weight loss — and it's got nothing to do with dieting! People are over-weight because they are imprisoned by their bad habits. What can you do to make a difference — to change your weight and change your life? The No Diet Diet