Flabby Americans resist weight loss.

Americans are bigger than ever before, according to data from the National Center for Health Statistics, which revealed that one-third of adults - approximately 58,000,000,-000 - are overweight. Patient resistance to physicians, recommendations on healthy eating habits is worsening the problem, according to Eugene Mochan, assistant dean of primary care and chairman of biochemistry and molecular biology, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He points out that many patients are often resistant to their doctors, suggestions regarding diet, exercise, and other litestyle changes required for weight loss. Encouraging weight reduction is even more challenging when the patient has failed previous diet attempts.

Are genetics to blame for expanding girth? Many physicians believe that a combination of factors - including genetics, environment, and psychological force-contribute to obesity. Because weight problems often run in...