Obesity is one of the major health problems confronting the United States. It is estimated that approximately 30% of the population is overweight and over five million Americans are more than 100 lbs. over their ideal weight. Most obese individuals have struggled unsuccessfully with their weight for many years.

The numerous diets, commercial slimming clubs, and weight loss centers offering treatments such as hypnosis, pituitary hormones, appetite suppression drugs, and behavioral therapy attest to the great difficulty many overweight people have in losing weight and keeping it off.