Weigh pound-shedding options in 2013

2013 is a brand-new year with fresh weight-loss options.

One of them is Weight-Wise Woman offered by Brunswick County Parks and Recreation.

It’s a 16-week behavioral weight-management program for women ages 18-64 with a body-mass index (BMI) of 27 or higher.

Each session has a behavioral objective to help participants reach goals using supplemental information and strategies.

Fitness coordinator Ruthie McHugh said her favorite part of the program is watching participants reach their goals and even exceed their expectations. Sessions involve new recipes, healthy-food tastings and fun activities and field trips.

For the first time, the program is being offered twice a week at two different sites—from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at South Brunswick Islands Center or Thursdays at the Brunswick County Government Complex in Bolivia.

Classes start Jan. 22 and Jan. 24. The cost is $65 per person.

Mandatory private consultations are required by Jan. 18. For details, call McHugh at 253-2583 or email rmchugh@brunsco.net.

Other local weight-loss programs include:

Weight Watchers—Meetings are at 10 a.m. Mondays at St. James the Fisherman Church in Shallotte, 11 a.m. Wednesdays at Sea Trail POA Building in Sunset Beach, and 6 p.m. Tuesdays and 10 a.m. Thursdays at Southport Presbyterian Church.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS)—Meets at 10 a.m. Mondays at Sharon United Methodist on Holden Beach Road.