A study published in the February American Journal of Clinical Nutrition addressed the worldwide epidemic obesity. It suggested that one of the secrets to success might be to start "small". For example, instead of making a big goal to lose 50 pounds, simply make the goal NOT to gain any more weight. Or instead of pledging a dramatic change in diet, make just one small but consistent change -- like eliminating soda or switching from regular milk to low-fat milk.

This type of small goal approach is especially recommended for overweight children or teenagers. It's much easier and more enjoyable for them to set and meet four small, easy goals than one big hard one. If, for example, the child can go a month without gaining weight, that's success. If the child eats one piece of toast each day instead of two, that's success. See how it works? The bottom line is to keep doing small things that eventually add up to a big result. For more information, go to www.smallstep.gov .