Last week, WDEF News 12 launched a month-long investigation into the obesity epidemic in the Tennessee Valley.

In Hamilton County alone, health experts classify 60% of all adults overweight or obese.

As part of our continuing coverage, we're following four area residents on their quest to change course.  They are four people from different walks of life, all with something in common.  Each recently started a journey to slim down and get healthy in order to live a longer, more productive life.

Emily Scoggins says "I've been overweight my entire life, I've struggled with weight since I was a child." 

Scoggins, Tommy Crump, Heather Curry, and Victoria Bordelon desire to change course.

One wants to lose a little weight, two hope to beat heredity, and all desire to change their lifestyle for good.

Tommy CrumpTommy says "in December of 2006 I was 296 pounds when I went to the doctor."  He began struggling with his weight upon reaching adulthood.  "I think I'm probably typical of most people that have a weight problem, you gain it you lose it you gain even more back than what you had lost to begin with and over time it escalates"  After a warning from his doctor, the paralegal joined Memorial's Weight Management program, making nutrition and exercise his top priorities.

Heather CurryHeather, a nurse, says "I have pretty much been overweight all my life, it didn't become an issue until 30, my dad at 35 had his first heart attack." Fearing she might be on the same path, Heather sought professional help too.  "I've had a lifetime of weight problems, it may take a year or a couple of years to get it off, because its not just the exercise, it's the mental process of figuring out why you overeat."

Victoria BordelonVictoria says "its just a constant problem for me, I like food, I don't like to exercise... once I get out the door I'm ok, but I don't like to get off the couch."  This social worker with the Hamilton County Health department, joined her in-house fitness program to shape-up for a summer triathlon.  She wants to finish in the middle of the pack, and not toward the rear.

Emily ScogginsEmily says "for me I don't really focus on the pounds. a lot of people get focused on I want to lose five pounds this week or two pounds this week or ten pounds this month and I've really tried to not focus on that, what I've tried to do is just focus on the hard work part of it."  The media specialist with the Whitfield County school system, says it takes commitment to truly change course.

A year ago, she got her mind set on getting healthy... fearing a lifetime of ailments from being overweight.

We'll be tracking these four on their journey over the next four weeks., with updates on their progress, temptations, and inspirations every Monday.

Tuesday, on WDEF News 12 at 6:00, we learn how area companies plan to battle the bulge.  Some encourage employees to be healthy by offering free health club memberships, while others provide incentives, like insurance discounts.  Find out how employers battle the bulge, Tuesday on WDEF News 12 at 6:00.