According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 100 million Americans (one-third of the population) are now overweight or obese. Childhood obesity has now reached nearly 20% (one child in five).

Obesity causes diminished self-esteem, depression, significant distress in social situations, significant reduction in quality of life and increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease, hypertension, thyroid disease, polycystic ovary syndrome and diabetes.