Realizing I am rapidly approaching my 30’s and not exactly carrying my weight like in my younger days, I decided that I needed to quit eating junk and learn how to eat properly and proportionately. I had visited several local gyms in hopes that increasing my exercise would help me trim down. I’m sure the exercise did me good, but how do you stay motivated to work out when you don’t see that you’re making progress? Okay, so I moved on to the “Eating Healthy” …salads, fish, meat, etc (or what I thought was healthy). Once again, I tried this method for several weeks and didn’t see any changes in my body like I had hoped. I even went to the extreme of starving myself, thinking that if I didn’t eat that I would HAVE to lose weight! … after all, I can’t gain weight if I’m not eating. Obviously, that method worked about as good as the other two. SO, there I was, weighing more than when I started this whole endeavor, and decided that I was going to find something that worked for ME. I happened to come across Target Metabolism. I went for my initial consult and spoke with Beth Thompson, founder and owner of Target Metabolism, regarding the ClubMET program. Beth explained to me that my weight loss results are based on MY metabolism and should not be based on an “average”. I was ecstatic that someone had finally come up with a solution to personally meet the needs of weight management for any individual, whether overweight OR the athletic-type. Not only has Beth brought this new concept to light, but she has created a reward system for when your mini-weight loss goals are met – a complimentary 30-minute massage! This program and the knowledge of Beth & her employees is what enabled me to be successful with my weight loss. Not only did I receive the knowledge to be successful, but I had a complete support system rooting me on 100%. Beth, because of you and your wonderful employees, your brilliant idea to help people in their journey to healthier living has been a marvelous success! Thank you~ ~Misty Caldwell Avon, IN 29 year-old female

I am so thankful that you followed through with your vision and dream of opening Target Metabolism. You have changed my life forever. You saw the “me” that no one else truly saw. You helped me find the person I have been looking for for so long. I cannot express my appreciation enough! ~ Indianapolis, IN 26 year-old female Glenn Brannon, Plainfield 46 years old

My name is Julie Keaffaber. In January 2005, I tipped the scales at 291 pounds and was wearing a size 24. Having been an athlete through high school and college, this absolutely disgusted me. So, I started the long process of losing the weight. Over the years, as I got bigger, I tried it all. Infomercials were my friend. I’ve tried the pills, powders, not eating, only eating diet foods, guaranteed workout programs – you know, the quick fixes. In 2005, I decided it was time to do it the real way. So, I started reading weight management books and diet books and realized that the best way to take off the weight was to eat healthy and exercise. I became a fan of NBC’s Biggest Loser and their site helped with my initial eating plans. However, in March 2006, I hit a plateau. I was down to 265 pounds and I fluctuated 2-3 pounds for the next 7 months. All the food plans said I should be eating around 1600 Calories. I was getting very frustrated because nothing seemed to work. I finally went to my doctor to review my medical options including a prescription diet pill or bariatric surgery. Anyone who knows me, knows that there was no way I could personally choose to let a surgeon alter my digestive tract or take a pill for the rest of my life. I knew if I could find that one thing that was keeping me from losing, I could do it without medical intervention. Then, In September 2006, several of our firefighters were talking about calorie counting at the station and how Beth Thompson was opening a new business known as Target Metabolism. The idea was simple. Your metabolism is tested and that tells you how many calories you burn and how many calories you should eat. As Beth said, “input verses output”. If you had asked me before I was tested, I would have said that I had a very slow metabolism. Once I came and did the test, I was completely shocked. I had a very fast metabolism! The reason I wasn’t losing weight was because I was eating too little, therefore placing my body into starvation mode; storing fat rather than burning fat! When I left Target Metabolism that day, there was a new plan. My calorie intake was increased by a lot and the goal was to lose 1-1.5 pounds of fat per week. The hardest thing for me was adjusting to the fact that I had to eat a lot more food than I had been doing for a year and a half! I could eat anything within reason as long as my calories added up. I felt like a pig! However, I stayed with the plan. I finally broke the plateau! I am now 256 pounds and still losing! My energy has increased, my fat percentage is lower than my muscle percentage and I haven’t felt this healthy in a long time. I am now down to a size 18 and I am looking forward to wearing those size 16 jeans that I just couldn’t throw out. With the continuous encouragement and assistance from Beth and her staff at Target Metabolism, it has kept me motivated. I can’t wait for my next BodPod to see just how much I am losing! ~Julie Keaffaber Avon Fire Department Avon, IN

If anyone is looking for a program that will be truly customized for their own personal weight loss goals, Target Metabolism will be the key to their success! No other weight loss program I have found offers such a unique and scientific-based approach with sophisticated state-of-the-art body fat and fitness testing equipment that measure precisely how many pounds of fat you are losing, how well you are building and preserving your lean body mass, and how well your fitness level is improving over the course of the program. Target Metabolism is also staffed with college-educated professionals who have credentials in nutrition and fitness. The staff formulates a solid, knowledge-based customized approach to help each client tailor the program to their own individual needs. Then as you see and feel the results of your successes all along the way, you enjoy the benefits of rejuvenating massages that promote relaxation, soothe muscles, and relieve tension. As I near the end of my program, I can’t help but remember Beth Thompson’s words to me during my initial visit to the center. She said, “We’ll get you to where you want to be”. I can proudly say her words have come true, and I can’t say enough about the wonderful support and encouragement I have received from Beth and from all of the Target Metabolism staff members who have helped me reach my goal! ~Brownsburg, IN 46 year-old female

To the ladies of Target Metabolism, I thank you! Words cannot express the gratitude I feel for your guidance, care, and support. My journey through the Target Metabolism program has given me the freedom and clarity that I have been missing for the past 6 years.

In January 2008, I was in search of a program that could help me change what I saw in recent vacation photos - an overweight, unhealthy, unhappy me. For the past few years, I had tried several awful diet pills that raised my blood pressure and made me jittery, and I fell off the wagon with the onset of the most unbearable of side effects. I tried limiting my food intake only to find that after a few days of starving myself, I would fall right off that wagon too. Working out alone didn't give me the noticeable results quickly enough to keep my attention from waning. I thoughtfully weighed the pros and cons of the most popular weight loss programs, and decided to check out the Target Metabolism website after seeing their storefront. I was intrigued by the testimonials and philosophy, and decided to make the call.

From the moment I spoke to Beth on the phone, I felt comforted. I could sense her truly caring nature and I trusted her vow of unending support. I decided I had no choice but to go for it and I got my husband on board for a life changing journey. I set out for 6 months of being hungry and restricted. Much to my surprise (and elation), I found something totally different! I very quickly learned that it was not about restriction, it was about making healthy choices and learning what my body needs. I started the program being ashamed of myself for letting my weight get out of hand, and I started it being very fearful. Fearful that old habits of binging anad purging and obsessing over the scale would be triggered and I would fall into the dark hole of disordered eating all over again. I was ecstatic to find the weight of all those years of low self esteem and feeling not good enough fall off with each pound of body fat. Sure there were days when I struggled, but Melissa and the rest of the team were there to offer advice and support to see me through.

I learned so much about my body through the process; especially as I watched my initial goals sail past me at an astounding rate. I thought I wanted to be X pounds, and Y pant size, but a few months into it I discovered that those two nubmers didn't match up - I realized I had no idea what my body was supposed to look like! If I had followed one of the other popular programs based on averages and not me, I would have continued trying to match my own body with one on magazine covers. How much could I truly learn about my body by basing my standards on other women? Six years of failed dieting attempts, and a battle to overcome bulemia, tell me the answer is - not much at all.

At the end of my 6 month journey, not only had I lost over 30 pounds of body fat, gained lean mass, lowered my body fat percentage, and gone from a size 16 to a size 4, but I had also developed a new relationship with food and myself. No longer is food something to comfort me or something to fear and loathe, it is now fuel for my body to function. I'm only going to put as much fuel in as my body needs, and I know that not having enough fuel is going to leave me stranded on the side of the road instead of reaching my goals. Making healthy food choices is like deciding to use premium fuel instead of the cheap stuff - I get more energy for the calories, and my body needs far fewer tune ups!

I continue to utilize the tools and techniques learned in the program, and continue to see positive results in my monthly Graduate check-ins. My doctor was impressed with my success and proud of me for taking control. Friends and family have been inspired by my transformation. Many have begun paying closer attention to their own habits, and some of joined ClubMET to begin their own journey.

For this ClubMET success story, the journey transcended weight loss. It has undoubtedly positively affected my health, marriage, career, self-esteem, and best of all, my attitude. Thanks to Target Metabolism, I now know that I have the power and ability to make the changes I desire in my life. I am no longer a prisoner of those dark times and unhealthy habits of years past, and I will not let them determine who I am going to be today!

Success Stories I had been putting on weight consistently for the last couple of years. Every time I would go to the doctor I would hear the same thing…that I need to lose weight. One appointment I asked my doctor about the Target Metabolism concept. I heard of Target Metabolism from a friend who had success with it but was skeptical that it would really be that easy; I love to eat and of course not the healthiest foods. My doctor said it really makes sense and I should give it a try. From the minute I called to make the appointment I felt that the staff at Target Metabolism was there to help me and wanted me to be successful. I had my initial appointment for testing; I went back a couple days later to get my target calories. Though I was saddened I wasn’t one of the people not eating enough to lose weight, meeting with the Registered Dietitian (R.D.) gave me hope that I could be successful even with slow metabolism. Melissa (R.D.) gave me the facts about my individual case and customized target calories and danger zone. She gave me a set of sample meal plans to show me that my target calories really could be achieved eating healthy and balanced meals. She gave me a wonderful success kit with tons of information of all kinds to help me succeed. I went back one week later for another BodPod and was pleasantly surprised that I had already lost fat! I had completed my goal of tracking calories and had earned my first massage! I’m a very picky eater and there are many foods that I just don’t eat. What I love about Target Metabolism is that you don’t have to buy food from them like some other weight management programs. They tell you what your daily calorie needs are (based on the metabolism testing) and you decide what you want to eat to come up to that daily calorie count. It is all about you. You can eat what your family eats. You can go out for dinner. You can still have your favorite foods. No foods are off limits. Target Metabolism has support systems in place to help you succeed. The massage therapy reward system is genius! It isn’t specifically tied to weight loss but to meeting bi-weekly goals related to living a healthy lifestyle. The certified massage therapists are wonderful! Another support system is the members only website where you can interact with others who are on the same mission as you. The RD also posts tips and answers any questions members have. I attribute my success to the great support I receive from the staff at Target Metabolism. They always say I’m doing the hard work but I don’t think I could have done it without the state of the art testing and follow-up I receive there. I look forward to my visits at Target Metabolism whether it is for a massage I’ve earned or for the BodPod testing to see how much more weight I’ve lost! Target Metabolism has totally worked for me and I know that my weight loss is something I’ll be able to maintain long term. It really is a lifestyle, not a fad!! Thank you Target Metabolism for being there for me!! Heather Kendall Avon, IN

Success Stories I have so much enthusiasm about this program - I just hope it comes through in this testimonial! We had some holiday photos taken in December 2007. They say a picture is worth a thousand words; well our photo said "get in shape and lose weight"! I felt like my clothes were always tight. I was going back and forth between two sizes and I just wanted to be at one size and lose 10 pounds. My husband wanted to lose at least 40 pounds. He was wearing a sleep apnea machine and getting out of breath while doing only a little activity. I talked with the team at Target Metabolism and went ahead and set an appointment up for both of us. We struggled at first with adjusting to our target calories to eat to lose weight from fat. We measured and began journaling our food and it became easier to adjust to the target calories. I actually realized I was eating more now than I did before I was losing weight! We learned that journaling is a must - it keeps you responsbile and disciplined on what you eat. The change definitely takes some work, but it is worth it! By June 2008, Steve had lost 41.5 pounds and went down to a size 36 jeans; he was wearing a size 40 jeans! His shirts went from a 3XL to an XXL to an XL! I lost 12.5 pounds and dropped 3 pant sizes! This program works! People ask me if I have to eat a special food. Target Metabolism is a teaching facility. They teaach you how to manage the food you eat every day. There is no special food, shake, or pill! Within a couple of months I realized this is not a diet - it is a change in attitude and a way of life! We learned how to count calories and adjust our portions so we could lose weight --- and again we ate normal, everyday foods! Some "diet" programs have you eat their pre-packaged boxed foods. I have seen people do this and then not know how to eat after their pre-packaged "diet" ends. Other programs also weigh clients weekly on a scale and then just adjust the pre-packaged foods. At Target Metabolism, you are weighed - but the focus is on overall fat pounds. When you eat properly according to what your metabolism needs, you lose fat! I'm very happy that my husband and I did this program. We highly recommend other couples do this program. But if you aare doing this by yourself, you are not alone - The wonderful staff at Target Metabolism is with you every step of the way! I have never believed in anything as much as I do about Target Metabolism and what they offer. My husband and I graduated from ClubMET in June, and it is so east to maintain the weight loss! In the 6 months of the program, we established new habits that we will maintain for life! And by the way, the massages were great!! Thank you very much to the wonderful staff! We love your enthusiasm and support! Steve and Cindy Rumple Avon, IN

A friend suggested Target Metabolism to me. I have done several weight loss programs before, lost weight and when the program was over, I put the weight back on. Target Metabolism is an amazing program because there is so much more to weight loss than losing the pounds. Dealing with stress, sleep, eating habits also affect your weight and weight loss. The knowledge, encouragement, and discipline of the staff at Target Metabolism is second to none.

My grandfather had a saying, ‘Give a man a fish and he eats for a day, Teach that man to fish and he eats for a lifetime’. Target metabolism has taught me to lose weight and maintain it for my lifetime, and has changed my life forever.

Oh no! I have to go to my annual checkup and all that my doctor ever tells me is that I have to lose weight. Lose weight-I have tried everything-almost everything. I even looked into surgery. One place I didn’t weigh enough. The nurse will make me get on the scale and then wham- I am in for it.

At least that was my thinking. My doctor did tell me my number ONE health concern was my weight or excess of weight. He gave me the pamphlet for Target Metabolism and said that he had tried it and was happy with the results. So, I did what I very seldom do, I went online and looked it up. No crazy promises or food to buy, just factual.

So, I came in determined to give it a try. Worse comes to worse at least I can say that I tried next doctor visit. Underneath, I really didn’t think I could do it. I had failed so many times before.

Actually, the whole program has been rather simple. OK, the bodpod is a little strange at first and the first few weeks I did throw the calorie book across the room once or twice when I couldn’t find how much something was that I wanted to eat. I do get cranky where my food is concerned…

Now, I have the pattern-and I have lost fat every time- it is coming off and some of the clothes in the back of my closet now fit or even better are a little loose. I haven’t been perfect but there have been a lot more days where I have to eat more to get out of the Danger zone than days I have gone over or had to stop eating not to go over. Most days I am right on target.

I love the staff that is all so positive and encouraging and the massages are from heaven. Julie has helped me in so many ways from my swollen ankles, sore hips, to tense shoulders.

I really believe I can get down to where I should be. I have a long way to go. Journaling and watching those calories does it. Amazing! All I can say is thanks to all. Now, I can’t wait for my next check up.

In August of 2008 my husband and I went on a trip to Zion National Park with friends. We had done this many times in the past. However, this time was different. I couldn't hike the trails at all. I couldn't even walk from our hotel room to the road without stopping to catch my breathe. Needless to say that ruined the trip for me. I came home knowing that I had to do something right away. However, I needed to do something that I hadn't tried before because I had not been able to get to my goal weight with any of the programs I had tried previously.

I saw the Target Metabolism sign when I was driving past one day and went on the website to take a look. The metabolism testing and target calorie approach made total sense to me. I made the call that changed our lives.

I did have concerns because I was in my mid 50's and didn't really think I could lose the weight that I needed to lose. However, I began to lose weight as soon as I started eating my targeted number of calories per day on the program. My husband decided he would join me and he began to lose weight as well.

I lost 80 pounds total, 77 pounds of it from fat. My body fat percentage is well into the healthy range now. It was in the risky range when I started. I went from a size 16W to a size 6. My husband was very successful as well. He went from a XXL shirt to a Medium. We lost the weight in a very safe way, with the Target Metabolism team working with us the whole time. We never thought we would see results like this.

We are now planning another trip to Utah with our friends this summer. I will be able to hike and keep up with my friends this year. I am thrilled.

Thank you Target Metabolism!!

Sue Carr

I indirectly heard about Target Metabolism thru a doctor friend, John Unison. He told my wife, who noticed he looked great, that he lost weight without having to exercise. I was active working out 2-3 times a week, but gradually over the years gained weight. Our office staff was having a biggest loser contest, so I saw it as an opportune time to check out the possibilities at Target Metabolism. When they assessed my body fat composition I was shocked. My body fat % was 34%...and was "at high risk." At age 48, and with 2 younger kids, I wasn't ready to succumb to heart disease or a multitude of other medical conditions associated with obesity..I didn't consider myself "fat"...just needing to shed some pure excess fat!!

Another astounding revelation to me was the amount of calories I was unknowingly putting in my mouth. Keeping the journal is huge in my success...in 3 months I've lost 30# of pure fat, and dropped 2 jean sizes, and feel great. I'm barely now in the "high normal range" for healthy fat content....and don’t plan on going back...thanks Target Metabolism!!..Dr Todd Midla, Orthopedic Surgeon

At 6'1" I always enjoyed being thin and athletic... until my late 30s. Like so many others, I "dieted and worked out" while fearfully watching the numbers on the scale go up and up. After reaching an all time high that I found outrageous, I signed up for a high-end meal delivery plan. After six months and thousands of dollars I lost 55 pounds. Not surprisingly, my success was short lived after reaching my goal and canceling the meal plan. In 10 months I regained 25 pounds and was horrified that I was on track to gain it all back! Last December I heard about Target Metabolism's program and thought it sounded very promising. Not having to buy food or supplements was very attractive. During my previous weight loss adventure I had begun treating myself with a monthly spa outing, so the whole thing seemed to make a lot of sense to me. Early in the program I began to see that all of my past dieting had been doomed to fail. As a very tall female, I am outside of the statistical averages, so eating 1200 calories was simply much too low to establish fat loss. Initially I was blown away at the number of calories I was advised to eat! And yet even with all that eating, my fat continued to evaporate. I soon began working out more effectively with interval training. I began to grocery shop and eat out more wisely and even found a new desire to do my own healthy cooking and baking.

Target Metabolism has helped me to change my lifestyle in small do-able ways that add up to great results. Most importantly, I am confident in my ability to choose what I eat in order to stay healthy. I am thrilled by the changes in my 44 year old body. I've lost over 62% of the fat I had when I began plus lost the weight I had regained and even more. I've sculpted muscles in places I didn't know had muscles. In fact, during one of my Bod Pods the college intern looked at me and asked if I was an athlete! If you are serious about losing fat, it's imperative to get the information specific to your body's needs. Then, as long as you are honest with yourself about your calorie intake, you will lose the fat. It's all in the science and the "weigh" you eat.