The Facts: Weight

Someone you love trying to lose weight? Want to help? Here's how.

Encourage.
Don't criticize. Anger, loneliness, rejection. They can all be excuses to ditch a diet. Be gentle.

Pitch In.
Bring a salad or a tasty low-fat dessert to get-togethers so there's at least one healthy option on the table.

Out of Sight, Out of Mind.
Put away candy, cookies and other tempting foods. Better yet, keep them out of the house.

Two's Company.
Next time you go for a jog or to the gym, invite your mate to come along.

Take Off.
Used to be only the wealthy and famous went to health spas. These days they're affordable. Look for camps, cruises and getaways with nutritious meal choices (not all-you-can-eat buffets) and fun ways to stay fit (like yoga, rock climbing and dancing).

Celebrate.
Ask everyone in the family to drop a dollar in a jar for each pound your mate loses. Use the money for something special when he reaches a weight goal.

Reduce Your Risk
People with metabolic syndrome—also known as Syndrome X—have a cluster of health problems, including:

• Excessive fat around the abdomen (a waist circumference of 40 inches or more for a man and 35 inches for a woman)
• High triglyceride level
• Low HDL (good) cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• High fasting blood glucose level (an indication of resistance to insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar)

A recent study found that metabolic syndrome can double the chances of having a stroke. It also increases the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The causes of metabolic syndrome are unknown, but small lifestyle changes can slow its development. Doctors recommend:

Close Monitoring.
Watch your glucose and lipoprotein levels and blood pressure.

Weight Loss.
Shedding just five to 10 percent of your body weight significantly reduces the risk factors outlined above.

Exercise.
Try taking a brisk 30-minute walk every day. You'll notice a difference.

Healthier Diet.
Carbohydrates should make up no more than 50 percent of your daily calories (make them complex carbs, like whole grain bread and brown rice). Cut down on red meat and alcohol.

For an inspiring weight loss story, read Choose to Live!