America Takes It Off in 2006

Jan. 2, 2006 — -- Monday marks the launch of "GMA's" joint effort with America Online, "America Takes It Off." It's a challenge to America to lose 50 million pounds in 2006, starting today.

The series motto -- "30 Days, 30 Ways" -- refers to the daily weight loss tips designed to help you achieve your fitness goal. This joint effort focuses on creating new, healthy habits in the month of January that will last the rest of the year.

This is not about losing all the weight you can in one month. This is about changing your relationship with food. Not all tips will be perfect for you. Pick and chose through trial and error which ones suit your needs.

Obesity is a huge health problem in the United States. According to a 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination survey, one-third of all adults are classified as obese. In addition, 16 percent of children and teens are overweight. That's triple the proportion in 1980.

Trainer Gregory Joujon-Roche, who owns Holistic Fitness, will be leading the charge for "America Takes It Off." His techniques turned Demi Moore into "G.I. Jane" and Tobey Maguire into "Spider-Man," and got Brad Pitt in fighting shape for "Troy."

His tips are simple. Create a motivational mantra; even something as simple as "just do it" can help you stay focused on your goal. Once that is in place, Joujon-Roche advises assembling a support team -- people in your life who will support your goals.

"When the mind and body connect, your body changes very quickly," said Joujon-Roche, who will release his first book, "One Body, One Life," in April.

So get going and join "America Takes It Off" by logging on to www.americatakesitoff.com to pledge how much weight you plan to take off in 2006, and log on to Good Morning America every day for more fitness tips, weight-loss secrets and healthy recipes.