Dolphins Too Fat, Forced to Drop a Few

How would you feel if someone forced you -- yes, forced you -- to go on a diet? What if that someone told you your belly was out of control, that you were too out of shape to perform in your job and that no questions asked, you'd be eating better and exercising more? Not sure about you, but I think I might revolt. Poor dolphins -- they don't have this option.

Dolphins at the Japanese Marine World park have been on a low-fat diet since August, ever since their potbellies grew too big and started restricting them from performing aquatically. They were missing their jumping targets and couldn't keep upright in the water. How exactly did an extra 20 pounds creep up on 19 dolphins?

Seems the dolphins were eating the same diet of mackerel with white fish, but the mackerels had gotten fatter, which means the dolphins got fatter. The solution: A serious weight-loss program, featuring more white fish, less mackerel and a lot more exercise.

A few lessons here: One, extra weight matters. It makes normal life activities more difficult. Two, pay attention to the foods you eat. Even your standard fare may change over time -- is that package of lean meat you normally buy bigger than it once was? If so, you're getting more bulge for your buck. Three, watch your gut. If you notice a gain, get a grip. Four, no one likes a forced diet. So, get that grip before your doctor tells you you're bursting at the seams. America Takes It Off is here to help. Click on the badge below for the skinny on shrinking a size.