A ANITA BATT

Anita Batt of Southfield
wore a size 22 dress when
her mother was diagnosed
with diabetes two years
ago.
"My mother was heavy;
and I realized that although
I was only 35 years old, I
was headed in the same
direction unless I made
some changes and lost
weight," says Batt, a coordi-
nator at Yeshiva Beth Yehudah in Southfield. "My husband and I have four children, and
I managed to gain some with each child." Though she had twice tried Weight Watchers
— which touts a comprehensive weight-management program that includes food, activity
and behavior modification — each time it had been a struggle, eventually gaining back
everything she had lost.
"But for some reason," says Batt, "the third time at Weight Watchers was easy for me.
It took 18 months, but I went from weighing 230 pounds to weighing in at 143 pounds
— and I now wear a size 8." What's more, her husband, Eric, lost 43 pounds during the
same time period, and the entire family started biking together for exercise.

A

Marci Graff (above, left) of Farmington Hills lost her weight working with
Medical Weight Loss Clinic. "Even though I exercised when I was heavy,
I could never lose enough weight and keep it off," says the stay-at-home
mom, 38. "I finally realized that I felt healthier when I wasn't so heavy." So
three years ago, Graff entered the Medical Weight Loss Clinic program
and lost close to 65 pounds — a substantial amount for her 5-foot 2-inch
frame. Two years later, she hasn't gained a pound of it back and slides right
into a size 6 or 8.
"I finally decided that eating an entire pizza wasn't worth it anymore.
And considering [I used to] love to eat fast, greasy food and lots of desserts,
I'm now a good role model for my kids."
According to Tracy Strieter-Mandrik, sales supervisor at Medical
Weight Loss — a chain of 28 privately held clinics throughout Michigan
— the weight-loss program includes nutritional counseling and exercise.
In addition, prescription therapy — including FDA-approved appetite
suppressants and medically approved nutritionals — is a major aspect of
the program. There are several program options clients may choose from,
depending on their weight-loss goals and how long they want to participate
in the program. For example, some clients may enter a program for under
$200, while others may pay more according to their medical profile.

Mike Anstandig of Farmington Hills lost more than 50 pounds — also at Medical
Weight Loss. "I learned how to portion my meals and in 20 weeks I lost 50 pounds,"
says Anstandig, 56. "The professional support I received is one of the reasons the pro-
gram worked for me. I lost weight right away and could see immediate progress. Even
my customers [at Baron's Wholesale Clothiers in Farmington Hills] noticed the differ-
ence. The nurses and staff
were my cheerleaders; so if
I started getting down on
myself, it was only tem-
porary. I am more active
and healthier than before
and more able to enjoy my
grandchildren."