According to National Institutes of Health(NIH), in 1999, almost 108 million adults in United States were overweight or obese--55 percent of adult population. Being obese or overweight substantially increases risk of morbidity from hypertension; type 2 diabetes; coronary heart disease; stroke; gallbladder disease; osteoarthritis; sleep apnea; and breast, prostate and colon cancers. In addition to thousands of lives that are cut short by obesity, economic cost is staggering. The total costs attributable to obesity-related disease approaches $100 billion annually (NIH).

There are lots or reasons to lose weight. To be healthier. To feel better. To look better. To have more energy. No matter what reason, successful weight loss and healthy weight management depend on sensible goals and expectations. In fact, losing even five to 10 percent of your present weight is kind of goal that can help improve your health. Experts suggest aiming for a loss of 10 to 20 pounds which is very realistic and quite doable. Did you know that 20 pounds equals 9,072 paper clips, or 1,599 quarters, 480 slices of uncooked bacon or 2.5 bowling balls?

Saying holistic practitioner is similar to saying doctor. While there are general practitioners that cross along many paths, most specialize in one or more holistic methods or areas. The main areas of specialization are body-centered therapists, energy-centered therapists, mind-centered therapists, soul and spirit-centered therapists, emotional release therapists, and coaches/counselors. All of these therapists strive to bring a greater quality of life to their clients. That may occur through inner balance, self-empowerment, physical ease, or even emotional confidence.

One thing to realize is that many holistic practitioners work in many areas. In fact, it is usually challenging to limit a practitioner to one area. For example, a hypnotherapist may also be a chakra therapist, a bodyworker could also be a spiritual counselor, etc. Also, since mind-body-soul connection is just that, connected, wherever you begin, be it in energy work, bodywork, or even mind, you will find that all of you is affected by work.

Use this article as a guide to explore realms of possibilities, rather than limiting your choices to an area.

Body-centered Therapists

Samples of body-centered therapists are bodyworkers, massage therapists, pilates and yoga therapists, rolfing professionals(often termed rolfers), acupressure therapists, myofascial release and sports massage therapists, reflexologists, thai massage therapists, watsu practitioners, feldenkrais and alexander method professionals, and movement therapists (this list is provided to offer an overview as there are at least 50 types of body-centered therapists).

While each body-centered therapist has their own way of working with clients, many use a combination of movement, breath, and physical pressure (from massage to trigger points) to allow body to release tension. This release of tension then allows mind to also find a relaxing state. Sometimes relaxation state is goal of sessions, other times, it is true starting point.

Energy-centered Therapists

Samples of energy-centered therapists are integrative energy workers, reiki practitioners, healing touch practitioners, breathwork therapists, jin shin do and jin shin jytsu therapists, matrix therapists, applied kinesiologists, orgone therapists, polarity workers, cranial sacral workers, qigong and tai chi masters. Acupuncturists and homeopathy practitioners could also be deemed energy workers.