Let’s face it: fighting the ‘Battle of the Bulge’ is tough at any age. I should know. I’ve battled it all my life. First diet, age thirteen. Current age, fifty-five plus (we won’t say plus what). That’s a lot of years of trying to figure out how to win this war. And “figured out” is exactly what I’ve done and continue to do. I entered the fitness industry in 1982 after being a programmer analyst, because I felt so strongly about helping myself and others around me become winners in this raging war against fat. (And isn’t it raging?) Just pick up any newspaper or magazine and you’ll find newer, more discouraging statistics about the number of us that are losing this war. Did you catch that issue of Time magazine dedicated entirely to “Obesity in America”?

I’ve since become a weight management specialist who teaches, trains and coaches people in the skills necessary to get to and maintain a healthy weight. Yes, it gets tougher as you get older (and ladies, menopause is another whole battle in itself!). But that doesn’t mean it can’t be done, it just means that you won’t get away with as much as you used to. And, if you’re like me and you think you never really got away with much anyway, then you just have to get it: there’s no easy way. But there is definitely a way. That’s the very good news.

I’m telling you my story because I think it will help you understand that you can do it when you hear it from someone who’s struggled and won (Okay, well, I’m still struggling, but I’m still winning. This battle is a lifetime commitment. No kidding.). I’ve made it my profession to figure out what the answers are, apply them to my own life and teach/train/coach them to and for my clients, friends, family members, and anyone else who wants to get the weight off and become healthy and fit.

Now here’s the bad news: There are no quick fixes. The sooner you realize that, the sooner you can get down to the real job of losing weight and getting fit.

Good news: You can lose weight and get fit at any age! Bad news: Age is no excuse for not doing it!

So what’s the answer? You may already know it but not want to hear it (as an American, you want a fast and easy answer, because that’s how we like to do things, but it won’t work here)…so, here goes…the answer is—healthy, balanced eating and activity/exercise!

More good news: You can do this. You can decide to eat healthier and get moving at any time in your life. And when you decide, seek the support you’ll need to get the job done. Now that might look different for different people. Some people join a weight loss program or group (make sure that it teaches healthy, balanced eating from all the food groups). Some join a club/gym or group exercise program. Some make use of the facilities (pathways, pools, playgrounds, parks, exercise rooms) and equipment offered in their own communities. Some buddy-up with a friend or co-worker to create some companionship and accountability. Some hire a professional (weight management specialists, personal trainers, counselors, and coaches). But the first and most important part is to decide you’re going to do it. And “do it” means that you’re done with eating just anything that’s available and you’re done with making that spot on the couch deeper and deeper. You’re done with it. You’re ready to take care of you. You can do it. Just know that. You can. Good Luck!

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MILLIE BETTS is a Life Coach, Personal Trainer and Weight Management Specialist, with nearly 30 years of experience, who specializes in helping her clients with healthy weight management. She can be reached at 703.421.4395 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Milliebetts.com.