THE FITNESS EXPERT By John DeFendis

Obesity can Kill. Save a Loved Ones Life.

Losing weight and getting in shape is nice. It's beneficial in many ways. We feel better, we look better, we fit into our clothes better and we have more confidence in ourselves. I love to help people lose weight and achieve their goals but more importantly I thrive on helping individuals who have become obese and need to lose weight for their health. Obesity kills! We need to reach out and lend a caring hand to those that are less fortunate than us. The ones that really need the help are the people who are more than 100 pounds overweight. In the past few years I have been lucky enough to be able to help 14 individuals lose more than one hundred pounds. Every one of these people are now able to live happier and healthier lives.

While I was training Newt Gingrich in Washington DC last year, the Speaker of the House asked me if I could do him a favor. He wanted me to spend some time with the Congressional Photographer. No, it's not what you think. My days of narcissistic photos in muscular poses are long over. The Congressional Photographer, whose name is Dwight Comedy was overweight. Mr. Gingrich informed me that he was worried about Dwights health and asked me to set Dwight up on the nutritional program and weight loss supplement. Dwight started on the program and found it to be very easy to follow. When he started the program only nine months ago he weighed 408 pounds. He now weighs 292 pounds. He has lost an amazing 116 pounds, and is continuing the program until he reaches his goal weight. At that time he will switch to the maintenance program.

I am not telling you this because I want the credit for my work or the financial rewards. I make a good living and I do not want for anything materialistic. I also do not charge a fee for my advice. I am telling you this because you can make a difference in a loved ones life and longevity.
Everyday I see overweight people who need some help. The most difficult task for me is to be able to approach these people without offending them. I just want them to realize that they can do it. It's within each and everyone of their reach. It is my goal to be able to help in every way that I can by allowing them to realize that they really can lose the weight and be healthier.

I am very happy to have "The Forum" as a forum to share my knowledge of Nutrition, Fitness, and Health. I appreciate the time that everyone takes out of their busy schedule to read this column. The feedback has been great and the phone calls I receive enjoyable. I will always answer your Weight Loss and Fitness questions. But I now have a favor to ask. I would like everyone that is reading this column to think of a friend, relative or loved one who is overweight and risks health problems. Someone who needs to lose weight and become healthier. I don't mean 10 or 20 pounds, I mean 50 or more pounds. Find a friendly way to tell them that you care and you want to help them. If you would like, you can give them my phone number (561) 968-6578 and I would be glad to offer my assistance. You can help those loved ones get started on a journey that will lead to a longer, healthier, and happier life. I have witnessed thousands of successful weight loss stories. Anyone can do it. I have a favorite saying:
Whatever you wish, Whatever you Dream, is yours...If You Only Believe!

Your Coach & Friend, John DeFendis (The Fitness Expert)
NOTE: JOHN DEFENDIS IS A CONTRIBUTING WRITER FOR THE FORUM NEWSPAPER. HE IS A FORMER MR. U.S.A. AND HAS BEEN FEATURED ON "ABC T.V.'S 20/20", "GOOD MORNING AMERICA", AND "THE JOAN RIVERS SHOW". HE HAS BEEN A TRAINER FOR OVER 20 YEARS AND IS THE DIRECTOR OF EXERCISE WITH THE IFPA. HE DEVELOPED THE BURN FAT BUILD MUSCLE PACK AND CAN BE CONTACTED AT (561) 968-6578.