BIRMINGHAM, AL — UAB’s (University of Alabama at Birmingham) popular EatRight classes are coming to Gadsden. EatRight, a comprehensive weight management program developed by UAB physicians, dietitians and psychologists, is a 12-week series of classes to help participants learn how to manage their diet and lifestyle to improve overall health. EatRight has repeatedly proven to be successful in rigorous, scientific studies throughout its 25-year history.

The class will meet every Tuesday from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., beginning February 5 at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter, 156 South 9th Street in Gadsden. A free information session will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 29 at the church, two blocks behind the Etowah County Courthouse at the corner of 9th and Chestnut Streets.

“The secret to losing weight and keeping it off is to ease into new eating and exercising habits,” says Suzanne Henson, MS, RD, director of the EatRight program. “EatRight is designed to help you beat the odds of the weight-loss battle.”

“If you're more than 20 percent over your ideal weight, you increase your risk of developing high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, and diabetes,” Henson says. “EatRight shows you how you can replace an unhealthy diet with one designed to both taste good and be good for you.”

Besides information on a healthy diet, EatRight offers recipes and tips on how to cook and prepare healthy meals. The program also contains segments on how to understand food labels, shop, eat out at restaurants, and increase physical activity.

The cost of the 12-week program is $300, with a 10 percent reduction for those who attend the free information session.

Individuals interested in the classes can call (205) 934-7053 for more information, or go to the EatRight Web site at www.uab.edu/eatright.