The plan may include a motivational-interviewing program called Conversations, developed by Healthwise, a nonprofit that designs patient-education materials.

WSJ: Motivational Interviewing: Tool for Smoking Cessation, Weight Loss and Chronic Disease Management

Doctors and even health coaches often have limited time, but Shelley "has all the time in the world, " says Donald Kemper, Healthwise founder and chief executive.

WSJ: Motivational Interviewing: Tool for Smoking Cessation, Weight Loss and Chronic Disease Management

Fat, fit people tend to be better off healthwise than thin people who are unfit, Gaesser said, suggesting that being fit is far more important than being thin.

CNN: Thin is in, but fat might be better

Going Green makes sense, dollarwise and healthwise.

FORBES: Green Greens versus Red Greens