What’s The Best Way To Curb NJ’s Obesity Problem [AUDIO]

A third of all people in New Jersey and across the nation are now considered to be obese.

In response, the American Medical Association has classified obesity as a disease, so more doctors will be more proactive with medications and surgeries.

Not everyone is thrilled with this approach.

"The answer is not in a prescription, the answer isn't even in surgery for that matter, it really comes down to what people are eating and consuming and drinking, versus what they do for physical activity everyday," says diet, exercise and nutrition expert Dr. Felicia Stoler.

She stresses no matter what kind of special diet you go on or medicine you take, "if people do not change their relationship with food and their ability or desire to increase physical activity, the weight comes back."

Dr. Stoler also points out people need to think about - are they eating large portions? Are they sitting more hours of the day than standing?

For those trying to lose weight, she recommends keeping a food journal - writing down exactly what you're eating - even if it's embarrassing.

"People are not eating their veggies, they're not eating their fruits, they're making excuses," she says. "And, the fact is, we should be eating foods like baked potato, and not necessarily as a French fry or as a potato chip…These days portion sizes have become enormous, and people should be sharing entrees, they should be ordering off the kids menu."

Dr. Stoler adds many people think the answer is in a quick fix - a quick pill, or doing something for a week, but it's really the small changes over time that lead to life-long changes.