When Melissa McCarthy shed 75 pounds (from the 265 pounds she had on her 5-foot-2 frame), she did it right, losing slowly and steadily, sticking with a get-heathier nutritional plan, getting plenty of physical activity and, as she said, "living a boring life - going to bed at 7:30!"

We say congratulations.

McCarthy reduced her risk for all kinds of chronic conditions, from arthritis to diabetes and dementia. (The best and healthiest weight for her height is 104 to 135 pounds.)

Her challenge is one lots of Americans face. According to “The State of Obesity 2016” report, four states have obesity rates of 35 percent or more; 25 states say 30 percent of their population is obese; and all 50 states have rates of at least 20 percent. In 1991, no state had a rate ABOVE 20 percent.

If you want to reclaim your health, picture your future, healthier self. Enjoy 5 to 7 servings of fresh produce daily, but no processed grains, no trans and few sat fats, and no added sugars or syrups.

Establish an exercise routine (walking 10,000 steps daily or equivalent); add in strength-building twice a week; and get seven to eight hours of sleep nightly.

You'll say goodbye to behaviors of the past and hello to a healthy, happy future. We guarantee you'll love it.