Commitment to controlling weight in the new year

READY -- by SJAs 2005 comes to close, it will come as no surprise that the No. 1 personal resolution for the new year is weight loss. In tribute to all those wanting to shed the extra weight, I offer the final social coverage of 2005 on an event dedicated to just that.

The American Foundation for Obesity Research held a Celebration of Life Gala at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Irvine. Fitness celebrity Richard Simmons, signer Carnie Wilson and radio talk host Bill Handel, all honored in abstention, joined author Edward Taub and bariatric surgeon Mathias Fobi in receiving the National Obesity Awareness Award.

The inaugural event held in O.C. brought together a diverse turnout of locals intent on improving weight-related health issues.

“Our nation’s obesity problem is resulting in long-term health problems, especially in the younger generation,” Stacy Protor said in a written statement.

Protor is a representative of the American Diabetes Assn. supporting the new American Foundation for Obesity Research.

Protor added, “We need to work toward preventing excess weight gain and facilitating a better scientific understanding of the cause of obesity if we want to improve people’s lives and combat the numerous diseases to which obesity contributes.”

The evening of celebration attracted 500 guests and began with a reception and auction, followed by dinner.

Evening highlights included positive reinforcement for weight loss from celebrity honorees, and a fashion show featuring models who have had successful surgical weight loss treatments.

The ladies and gents showed off their slimmer figures in clothes by Facconable of South Coast Plaza. More than $100,000 was raised to launch the foundation. Funds will support research and education concerning weight control.

The organization, founded by bariatric surgeon Brian Quebbemann is a nonprofit, nonpolitical foundation dedicated to the treatment and prevention of obesity. Quebbemann was joined at the gala by Newport’s John Joliffe, Mike Mesenbrink, George Argyros Jr., Bill Cote, Michael Kinsman, Holly McCabe and Linda Cailet, all members of the board of directors of the foundation. Also in the crowd were dignitaries and medical professionals including Trish Kelly, mayor of Mission Viejo; Catherine Chang; and Cheryl Spetrino.

For more information on the association, call (949) 975-1234 or (800) 233-1234.

* THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.

20051231isc7b2nc(LA)Brian Quebbemann, American Foundation for Obesity Research founder, and Mathias Fobi, an obesity awareness award recipient 20051231isc7alnc(LA)Anneli and Edward Taub share a dance. They were honored guests at an event championing weight control. 20051231gzf7uqke(LA)Lorin and Shannon Ely-McGregor, George Argyros Jr. and Beth Jaeger attend the inaugural gala for American Foundation for Obesity Research at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Irvine. 20051231isc7a8nc(LA)Lorin and Shannon Ely-McGregor, George Argyros Jr. and Beth Jaeger attend the inaugural gala for American Foundation for Obesity Research at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Irvine.