A new report claims that by 2018 more than half the population in the state will be obese.

"My knees hurt more, my back hurts and the blood pressure's starting to go up," said Deanna Mayes.

Mayes knew it was time for a change. She tried diets, but the pounds always returned. Losing weight has always been a struggle for Mayes.

She said it was no surprise when she learned that a new report claimed more than 50 percent of Ohioans will be obese by 2018.

"I believe it. We're fast paced, busy. It's easier to pick up fast food than it is to go home and cook a healthy meal," said Mayes.

That lifestyle is what registered dietitian Maria Adkins blames, in part, for America's obesity epidemic.

"People became somewhat complacent and they don't realize it's happening over the years and then they come to us anywhere from 18 years old to 70 years old," said Adkins.

She said the report by Emory University's Kenneth Thorpe is a realistic prediction, but with exercise and a well-balanced diet, we can fight fate and fat.

"Fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains and lean meats. And portion control and just not getting out of hand where you're just eating all day long, grazing," said Adkins.

More than a thousand people come to The Good Samaritan Weight Management Center to lose weight each year. Patients learn skills like how to exercise and eat healthy.

Mayes said losing weight isn't just about her. It's also about her 10-year-old daughter, who just wants to play soccer with her mom.

"Hopefully I'll get to play with her more. It's hard when you have all the excess weight to get out there and play for more than 5 minutes and hear, 'Mom I'm not ready, I'm done playing yet,'" said Mayes.

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