'Guiding Light' Actress Caitlin Van Zandt and New York Times Best-Selling Author Dr. Michael Roizen Team Up in the Fight Against the Second Leading Cause of Preventable Death in the United States

'Guiding Light' Actress Caitlin Van Zandt and New York Times Best-Selling Author Dr. Michael Roizen Team Up in the Fight Against the Second Leading Cause of Preventable Death in the United States

Campaign To Educate Americans Why Diet And Exercise Alone May Not Work In The Fight Against Obesity

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Until recently, "Guiding Light" actress Caitlin Van Zandt was among the millions of severely obese Americans who struggled with unsuccessful attempts to lose weight and keep it off long term. Now, through her role as spokesperson for the "Moment is Now. Here is the Truth." obesity health education campaign, Caitlin will share for the first time how she won her battle against obesity to help others understand the availability of treatment options beyond diet and exercise. In partnership with Caitlin, Dr. Michael Roizen, best-selling author of "YOU: On A Diet" and co-founder of RealAge.com, will educate the 70 million obese Americans regarding obesity-related health risks, the science behind why it's a challenge for people 100 pounds or more overweight to lose weight through diet and exercise alone and the availability of effective treatment options.

Obesity is a national epidemic. In the United States, approximately 60 million adults are obese and 9 million are severely obese.(i) Most people know that obesity is unhealthy but many don't realize just how devastating this disease can be and that obese people are at greater risk for related health consequences such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and even premature death.(ii, iii) In fact, obesity is considered the second leading cause of preventable death in the United States.(iv) Yet, treating this disease remains a challenge.

For the severely obese, studies have found that diet, exercise and behavior modification alone fail 95 percent of the time.(v,vi) "One reason why so many diets fail is not about willpower, it's about science," explains Dr. Roizen. "Excess belly fat acts like an extra organ in the body that interferes with your ability to regulate how much food you eat, how much energy you store and how much fat and sugar your body uses, ultimately, impacting one's ability to lose weight and keep it off long term.(vii,viii)"

Like many, Caitlin carries her excessive weight around her middle, fat that has been linked to higher weight-related health conditions. For Caitlin, her excess weight contributed to her high cholesterol, asthma and low self-esteem. At the age of 22, Caitlin was 100 pounds overweight and after years of unsuccessful diet and exercise programs, she came to a moment of truth, a realization that she needed to speak with a doctor about weight-loss treatment options to avoid long-term complications from her weight.

"My moment of truth was when I was visiting my grandmother and we were watching 'Guiding Light' - I became really emotional when I saw myself on TV. I realized that my moment is now and that I needed to act before my health became seriously impacted by my weight," remembers Caitlin. "It wasn't until I met with a surgeon that I was finally given hope. I realized the LAP-BAND AP(R) Adjustable Gastric Banding System would be the tool that I could work with to safely lose weight and keep it off long-term."

Caitlin's surgeon, Dr. George Fielding, associate professor of surgery at NYU School of Medicine, notes, "Many people who need help avoid weight-loss surgery because they fear gastric bypass. With an adjustable gastric band, like LAP-BAND AP(R) System, there is a safer and less invasive treatment option that is as effective."

In February of this year, Caitlin had the LAP-BAND AP(R) System procedure and is coming closer to achieving her goal weight, having lost 65 pounds to date. Her mother, Barbara, followed her lead, having the procedure two weeks later. Caitlin inspired her mother to take the next step in achieving long-term weight loss, and by sharing her story, Caitlin hopes to inspire others struggling with their weight. "I want to share my journey with others who are more than 100 pounds overweight and encourage them to speak to a physician about weight-loss treatment options. I feel like I've taken the first step to being a healthier, happier person and I hope that others will do the same," said Caitlin.

Through the campaign, Dr. Roizen aims to help people understand the truth about obesity and why diet and exercise alone may not work for the severely obese. Dr. Roizen believes belly fat is a scientific and biological reason why many people continue to gain or regain weight, despite efforts to lose it. In his book, Dr. Roizen explains that belly fat is the most dangerous fat you can carry because of its proximity to your organs, increasing the risk of serious health consequences related to being overweight.(ix) He cautions that waist circumference, and not weight alone, is the most important indicator of mortality related to obesity. As a person's waist size increases beyond the optimal sizes, so does their risk for weight-related health problems.(x)

As part of the campaign, people are encouraged to learn if their belly fat may be putting their health at risk by taking the LAP-BAND(R) Challenge. Individuals can take the challenge by measuring their waist and reviewing the risk assessment provided in the "Moment is Now. Here is the Truth." online center on http://www.realage.com/. Through the online center, Dr. Roizen describes the health consequences of obesity, as well as how losing weight can help fix and even reverse weight-related health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease.

"While obesity can have serious health implications, the good news is that the body is amazing. And, if you can lose the excess weight, you can resolve many of these obesity-related health risks and get a 'do-over' in life," said Dr. Roizen.

The Web site also provides information about weight-loss treatment options, including weight-loss surgery options such as the LAP-BAND AP(R) System. Diet and exercise alone may not work for the severely obese, given for people who are more than 100 pounds overweight, studies have found that weight-loss surgery is more effective than traditional dieting.(xi,xii)

About the Campaign

The "Moment is Now. Here is the Truth." obesity health education campaign is sponsored by Allergan, Inc., the makers of the LAP-BAND AP(R) System. The campaign is designed to help the millions of individuals more than 100 pounds overweight understand the devastating impact of obesity, the science behind this disease, why it's a challenge for them to keep weight off, and the availability of effective weight-loss treatment options beyond diet and exercise.

A significant part of the campaign is the online availability of information, resources and tools, which are available on http://www.realage.com/. The site features:

-- Caitlin Van Zandt's personal account of her weight-loss journey,
documented through video diaries and journal postings
-- Barbara Van Zandt's weight-loss journey
-- Video message from Dr. Roizen explaining the science behind obesity and
providing hope for long-term weight-loss
-- The LAP-BAND(R) Challenge, a belly fat measurement for individuals to
assess their health risk
-- Free excerpts from "YOU: On A Diet," the best-selling book co-authored
by Dr. Roizen
-- Obesity facts and information about treatment options

About RealAge, Inc.

RealAge, Inc. (http://www.realage.com/) is a lifestyle media company that inspires consumers to "Live Life to the Youngest" and to pursue their health and wellness goals by making their RealAge younger. The company produces RealAge.com, a top-ranked, award-winning healthy-lifestyle Web site that features the patented RealAge Test, which has been taken by over 20 million people. RealAge.com is also the online home for the best-selling RealAge and YOU books. Other media produced using the RealAge name include books and television programming. RealAge, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hearst Magazines, a division of the Hearst Corporation.

The "Moment is Now. Here is the Truth." campaign is an educational initiative sponsored by Allergan, Inc.

A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF RELEVANT INDICATIONS FOR USE, CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS, AND ADVERSE EVENTS FOR THE LAP-BAND(R) SYSTEM.

Indications: The LAP-BAND(R) Adjustable Gastric Banding System is indicated for use in weight reduction for severely obese patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 40 or a BMI of at least 35 with one or more severe comorbid conditions, or those who are 100 lbs. or more over their estimated ideal weight. The LAP-BAND(R) System is indicated for use only in severely obese adult patients who have failed more conservative weight-reduction alternatives, such as supervised diet, exercise, and behavior modification programs. Patients who elect to have this surgery must make the commitment to accept significant changes in their eating habits for the rest of their lives.

Contraindications: The LAP-BAND(R) System is not recommended for non-adult patients, patients with conditions that may make them poor surgical candidates or increase the risk of poor results, (e.g., inflammatory or cardiopulmonary diseases, GI conditions, symptoms or family history of autoimmune disease, cirrhosis), who are unwilling or unable to comply with the required dietary restrictions, who have alcohol or drug addictions, or who currently are or may be pregnant.

Warnings: The LAP-BAND(R) System is a long-term implant. Explant and replacement surgery may be required at some time. Patients who become pregnant or severely ill, or who require more extensive nutrition may require deflation of their bands. Patients should not expect to lose weight as fast as gastric bypass patients, and band inflation should proceed in small increments. Anti-inflammatory agents, such as aspirin, should be used with caution and may contribute to an increased risk of band erosion.

Adverse Events: Placement of the LAP-BAND(R) System is major surgery and, as with any surgery, death can occur. Possible complications include the risks associated with the medications and methods used during surgery, the risks associated with any surgical procedure, and the patient's ability to tolerate a foreign object implanted in the body.

Band slippage, erosion and deflation, reflux, obstruction of the stomach, dilation of the esophagus, infection, or nausea and vomiting may occur. Reoperation may be required.

Rapid weight loss may result in malnutrition, anemia, or other complications that may require additional surgery. Deflation of the band may alleviate excessively rapid weight loss or esophageal dilation.

Important: For full safety information please visit http://www.lapband.com/ or call Allergan Product Support at 1-800-624-4261.

CAUTION: This device is restricted to sale by or on the order of a physician.

(C) 2008 Allergan, Inc. Irvine, CA 92612. (R) marks owned by Allergan, Inc. All rights reserved.

(i) American Obesity Association. AOA Fact Sheets. Health effects of
obesity. Available at
http://www.obesity.org/subs/fastfacts/obesity_US.shtml.
(ii) American Obesity Association. AOA Fact Sheets. Health effects of
obesity. Available at
http://www.obesity.org/subs/fastfacts/Health_Effects.shtml.
Accessed 1/18/07.
(iii) Ahroni JH, Montgomery KF, Watkins BM. Laparoscopic Adjustable
Gastric Banding: Weight Loss, Co-morbidities, Medication Usage and
Quality of Life at One Year," Obesity Surgery 2005; 15:641-647.
(iv) American Obesity Association. AOA Fact Sheets. Health effects of
obesity. Available at
http://www.obesity.org/subs/fastfacts/Health_Effects.shtml.
Accessed 1/18/07.
(v) Atkinson R, Hubbard V. Report on the NIH Workshop on Pharmacologic
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(vi) NIH Technology Assessment Conference Panel. Methods for voluntary
weight loss and control. Ann Intern Med 1993; 119 (7 pt 2):764.
(vii) Roizen M, Oz M, You On A Diet. New York, Free Press, 2006: 77.
(viii) Roizen M, Oz M, You On A Diet. New York, Free Press, 2006: 86.
(ix) Roizen M, Oz M, You On A Diet. New York, Free Press, 2006: 10-11,
76-77.
(x) Roizen M, Oz M, You On A Diet. New York, Free Press, 2006: 10-11.
(xi) Shekelle PG, Morton SC, Maglione M, Suttorp M, Tu W, Li Z, Maggard
M, Mojica WA, Shugarman L, Solomon V. Pharmacological and Surgical
Treatment of Obesity., Evidence Report/Technology Assessment No.
103. (Prepared by the Southern California-RAND Evidence-based
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(xii) Muscelli E, Mingrone G, Camastra S et al. Differential effect of
weight loss on insulin resistance in surgically treated obese
patients. Am J Med 2005; 118; 51-7.

Source: RealAge, Inc.

CONTACT: Lora Grassilli, +1-212-229-8445, mobile, +1-646-932-3735, for
RealAge, Inc.

Web site: http://www.realage.com/

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