That's why Westminster Presbyterian Church in Upper St. Clair offered a new program this year - Lose It for Life (LFL). Amy Holmes, the facilitator for the program, said LFL is different because it takes a look at why people overeat or eat the wrong things. The program examines how you look at food and how you use it.

We look at the "why" - some people eat because of stress, anxiety, pain, or boredom said Holmes. Some people use food as a friend or for comfort.

As an example, Holmes said that for those who use food as a friend, work is done to learn to make connections with other people instead of using food. We also turn to God, allowing God into the spaces in our lives, she said.

Holmes went to a Lose It for Life intensive weekend program, based on the book Lose It for Life by Steve Arterburn.

She said the program has you take a look at why you're eating. You ask yourself "How am I using it?" "Is it to nourish my body or to feed something else?"

The program also encourages building community said Holmes. We try to exercise together and form bonds.

Lisa Boyd at Westminster said there has been a big response for the 17-week program, which is at capacity. "There is a huge need for it," she said, stating that she gets calls about the class everyday.

We try to provide programs that address things that people need help with said Boyd. We try to address their felt needs and meet those needs. Losing weight is more that eating right and exercising, and while we have a lot of exercise programs in our gym, we had nothing to address eating issues. "We were pretty surprised at the response."

Boyd said that while the Lose It for Life program is at capacity, their Westminster Recreational Outreach Center (WROC) offers a variety of programs.

For more information, visit their website at www.westminster-church.org and click on the link to WROC. For more information on the Lose It for Life program, visit www.loseitforlife.com.