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As tropical storm Fay breezed through South Florida giving us a real soaking, the Kat caught up with Co-op member Dr. Kathleen Fuller. A neighbor from nearby Stuart Florida, Dr. Fuller is a leading expert on eating disorders, depression, and stress management. This Kat, who always strives to lead a stress-free existence, was very interested in what Dr. Fuller had to say.

OHC: You were a fat kid. How did this influence you?

Dr. Fuller: Once you've been fat, you never stop feeling fat. I'm still a food addict at heart, but now I control my addiction instead of letting my addiction control me. I see many patients in my practice who struggle with obesity and its flip side, anorexia. I'm a big fan of the Co-op's 5-HTP and highly recommend my patients wrestling with their weight give it a try. 5-HTP raises the serotonin levels in the brain, which results in increased motivation. Motivation is the key to making any change. I've found 5-HTP also curbs my desire for sugar and carbohydrates. It's been a long time since I was that fat child, but you don't forget what fat feels like. It gives you empathy and compassion for what your patients are going through.

OHC: You've also steered patients suffering from depression, anxiety, and stress to 5-HTP. How can one product work for so many conditions?

Dr. Fuller: It's simple. 5-HTP supports healthy serotonin levels which play an important role in not only appetite, but also sleep, anxiety, and depression. Serotonin works on the brain, intestinal tissues, and central nervous system. There's been studies done that show that the therapeutic efficacy of 5-HTP is equal to that of traditional antidepressants without the side effects

OHC: Your personal history is fascinating. Among other things, you've beena fat kid, Seventeen Magazine model, national champion equestrian, doctor's wife, mother, homeless person, author, and PhD in Philosophy. What have you learned along the way?

Dr. Fuller: Oh, I've learned so much! Most importantly, I've learned that change is always possible if you work at it. The mind, spirit, and body must be in sync.

OHC: You were once married to a doctor and had a ringside seat to how the medical profession works. Why do you think more doctors don't advocate alternative therapies?

Dr. Fuller: Two words: training and time. Most doctors are resistant to change. They're trained in a certain direction. Unfortunately, too many of them use the drug reps to keep them informed. Then there's time. They're churning patients through their practice, dealing with the insurance companies, running a business. There isn't the time to read up on and explore many of the alternative approaches. Certainly, there is a sprinkling of doctors out there who have embraced a more holistic approach, but we have such a long, long way to go. All of which is a shame, given all of the side effects of so many traditional medicines. Why would anyone expose themselves to side effects if there was a safe, effective alternative?

OHC: Talk to me about stress.

Dr. Fuller: It's nearly impossible to be alive in this day and age and not experience some level of stress. I tell my patients stress is normal, but can be managed. Among the Co-op products I recommend to counter stress are B-100 Plus, Green Tea Extract, and Greens Plus. Ultimately, it's all about nourishing the body and the soul.

OHC: The Kat hears you've got a new book coming out in January. Can you give us a preview?

Dr. Fuller: Certainly! The book is called Not Your Mother's Diet: 11 Secrets to Diet Success Through Weight Loss Coaching, Discover Fearless Eating and Food Freedom from the Inside Out and will be available through Amazon.com. It's much more than just a diet book. It's a step-by-step approach to healing and finding your purpose in life.

OHC: How about sharing one of those secrets with us.

Dr. Fuller: Here's a simple one. You'll eat less and be more aware if you write down the food you eat. Keep a food diary. It's an easy way to get you to think twice before popping that bon bon in your mouth! I also strongly suggest you read the labels on the foods you eat. Better yet, eat fresh.

OHC: What do you think your mother would have thought of the book?

Dr. Fuller: I think she would have liked it. After all, she taught me everything, the good, the bad, and the ugly.

OHC: Time to fess up now. I hear cats are not your favorite animal.

Dr. Fuller: Oh, I love cats! I truly do, especially the Co-op Kat, but you're right. Horses were my first love. As a child I wanted to compete in the Olympics. I never reached that goal, but I was the National Dressage Champion in 1989. I learned discipline and follow through. I also found working with horses taught me a lot about behavior modification therapy. You could work with the horses and get them to change, something you can't always do with a cat!