Narrator: This is Science Today. Laurel Mellin of the University of California, San Francisco runs a weight-loss program called the Solution. She says that unlike most weight-loss programs, which focus on diet and exercise, the Solution addresses the underlying reasons for overeating and inactivity.

Mellin: When you go on a diet it's like throwing kerosene onto a fire, because your body is not willing. But instead with a very gentle approach, where you help stop the drives to overeat and be inactive, it seems like the most natural thing in the world to follow along with a healthful way of living.

Narrator: Mellin says participants keep the weight off over time -- and make other changes in their lives as well.

Mellin: About 75 percent of people that begin to learn this method find that their health improves, that their vitality improves, their work coping improves. 130 About half of those who had substance problems, you know, it was four drinks or three drinks at night, will reflect back and say, you know, it's funny, but I just don't want it anymore.

Narrator: For Science Today, I'm Steve Tokar.