My parents use a butter spread that claims to "actively remove cholesterol". I've noticed several types of butter/oil spreads at the grocery store, meant to replace butter or margarine, and are touted as "healthy alternatives".

However, one brand says that it is "clinically proven to actively remove cholesterol". Is this true, and to what degree? Is this butter spread actually healthy (use some every day) or is it just a healthy alternative (no trans-fat like butter).

So, Nintendo, makers of the popular Wii gaming console, will release next week what it's calling Wii Fit. This new unit gives 'gamers' the options of strength training, yoga, aerobics and more, with interaction from the video game. So, I'm wondering how many people would try this? Will you give it a go? If so, why would you choose this over a personal trainer or your own plan?

For more, visit The New York Times Web site

Has anybody ever tried Positive Changes for weight loss or know of anybody who has? I was just wondering if it worked and how much it cost?

A report that came out last month states that eating disorders sometimes occur in clusters. Do you think this type of extreme behavior is contagious?

Read more and share your opinion

I think many women have at least tried diet pills. I made the mistake of trying Alli and spent a lot of money on a bottle and the side effects...let's say I stopped straight away and lost my weight the old fashioned way.

Now that I am maintaining pretty well, I am still seeing ads for tons of weight loss pills, some that cost an absolute fortune.

Alli is FDA approved which made it sell pretty quickly at first but now - not so quickly. Those side effects are pretty terrible!

Since my mid-forties, I've been frustrated by weight creep, the inevitable midlife "spread." Even though I'm fairly active and try to eat healthfully, the scale is not being very friendly. I've been thinking about going on some sort of "managed" diet program, like Jennie Craig or Nutrisystem; but, concerned that they're more marketing gimmicks than anything else. What's so special about their packaged foods? Is it more just the convenience of having things figured out for you? Has anyone tried such programs and gotten results? Inquiring mind wants to know. :)

If you want to add two hours to your life, all you may need is a pair of sneakers and a little time -- at least according to the American Heart Association. Today, kicks off National Start Walking day. The organization is recommending taking your sneakers to work and getting your colleagues involved. The benefits of walking they say include:
* Reduce the risk of coronary heart disease
* Improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels
* Improve blood lipid profile
* Maintain body weight and lower the risk of obesity
* Enhance mental well-being

So I've just learned that I'm obese. And I had NO IDEA. But not only that, no one I've shared this with believes me! Not even my team here at EmpowHer! People have been laughing and rolling their eyes at me all day long. And I can't say I blame them because when you see me, obesity is the farthest thing you think of.

I'd like to hear feedback on the idea of food being an addiction, much as drugs and alcohol are. Can someone be addicted to food - in a physical and psychological sense?

Should some clinics or rehab for food addicts be free, like they are for drug and alcohol patients?

Does an obese person (through over-eating) need therapy to stop, or do they just need more self-control and a change in lifestyle?

What do you think about sports drinks? There are more brands out there, targeting (or focusing on) women. Some have lots of sodium, calories and sugar. Others are low-calorie, and all claim to provide electrolytes lost after exercise.

How many of us low-to-moderate exercisers need our electrolytes replenished? Are sports drinks a marketing ploy for us to pay lots of money for something we don't need, or are they really beneficial in helping us drink more fluids after exercising?

What do you think?