January 15, 2009--Miami tops the list of fattest cities for 2009. Men’s Fitness has released their 11th annual survey of the Fittest and Fattest Cities in The United States. The survey takes many health predictors into consideration, including amount of fitness centers and sports stores, number of fast food restaurants, nutrition, sports participation, TV viewing, air quality, access to health care, state and local initiatives, and more. (1)

Although Miami has a greater number of gyms and health clubs than other cities, residents are less likely to use their memberships when compared to the national average. Miami residents are also 30 percent less likely to participate in sports and 35 percent less likely to jog or cycle, despite the wide availability of local running and biking trails. (1)

What are Miami residents more likely to do? According to Nielsen Media Research, TV viewers in the Miami television market spend 20 percent more time in front of the TV than average. 1 They also enjoy frozen treats; the survey identifies ice cream shops as 141 percent more popular than the national average. Dining options are plentiful in Miami. The city has 74 percent more pizza places per capita and 31 percent more fast food restaurants. (1)

Robert Fields, M.D. of |medi| encourages overweight Miami residents to seek out physician-supervised weight loss programs, "Being overweight or obese is a serious health risk. Trained medical professionals can monitor the individual throughout the weight loss process and provide an individualized strategy for each patient." Dr. Fields can be contacted at (954) 437-4333.

|medi| is a physician-supervised weight loss program. The program is designed by experts in medicine, nutrition, fitness, motivation, and education. Throughout the program patients receive advice, encouragement, and motivation every step of the way. Patients will experience reduced hunger, a boost in energy, less cravings, and a faster fat burn. The program allows patients to shed unwanted and unhealthy pounds rapidly and make long-term weight loss goals a reality.

There are three locations in the Miami area. Each location is accepting new patients. "We are excited to offer the |medi| program to the Miami community. Many patients who go through the program experience life changing weight loss," owner Randy Griffin comments.

Miami Area Clinics:

3099 North East 163rd Street North Miami Beach, FL 33160 Phone: (786) 274-1240 Fax: (866) 529-4896

1951 SW 172nd Ave #300 Miramar, FL 33029 Phone: (954) 437-4333 Fax: (954) 374-6505

1731 E. Hallandale Beach Blvd. Hallandale, FL 33009 Phone: (954) 455-6551 Fax: (954) 653-4077

|medi| has over 60 locations in Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Kansas, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Texas. To find the location nearest you, call 1-877-MED-LOSS or visit the website at www.mediweightlossclinics.com.

For information on opening a clinic, please contact the Business Development Department at 1-866-551-MEDI.

Source

1. "The Fittest and Fattest Cities in America." Men’s Fitness.

   <http://www.mensfitness.com/lifestyle/215>.