Obesity, not bio-terrorism, is the fastest-growing threat to American health, says the assistant surgeon general - at least right now.

More than half of Americans, including children, are overweight. Obesity is a prime risk factor for many of the leading causes of death.

Long work days, frequent business travel, stress, and dining out often lead to dangerous combinations of substandard nutrition and inadequate exercise.

Recently released health statistics paint a bleak picture of the strongest nation on earth. In spite of quantum tech leaps, a robust economy and a booming preoccupation with health, Americans are in the grips of a health epidemic that will surely be recorded in the annals of history alongside the Black Plague and AIDS. It currently afflicts one in two Americans and the numbers rise daily. America is losing the battle of the bulge.

Today, 54 percent of America is considered overweight; 20 percent is clinically obese (BMI over 30).

A growing body of test data from organizations such as the National Institute of Health clearly shows a relationship between excess body fat and increased risk of heart attack, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, and even certain types of cancer. Most people, however, believe that weight and fat are the same thing. They are not.

While most people are conscious of their weight, it's more important to be aware of your body composition. The body's weight can be considered as two compartments; a lean compartment of functional tissues, including muscle, bone, fluid and organs, and a fat compartment. The relationship of these compartments defines a person's body composition. The proportion of your weight that is from fat is termed "percent body fat".

When it comes to tracking weight loss, most of us rely on the scale to tell us whether we've lost or gained weight. But, as people are fast learning, this isn't the best way to keep track of your weight. A scale measures everything including muscle, fat, bones, and what you ate or drank that day. It doesn't tell you what you really need to know: how much fat do you have?

Heart Screen's Body Composition Analysis

• Results in Seconds

• Just a simple measurement.

• No need to undress

• Includes counseling, educational materials.

• A 2-page fitness report is optional.