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KIRKSVILLE, MO -- A Heartland medical facility celebrates a milestone.

A ribbon cutting ceremony for the Center for Medical Weight Loss at Complete Family Medicine took place Tuesday afternoon in Kirksville.

The center celebrated and recognized its nearly 60 participants who lost about 2,300 pounds combined in the past six months.

With 76-percent of adults and 1-in-3 kids in Adair County overweight, Justin Puckett D.O. of Complete Family Medicine said the center wants to help stop the epidemic.

"We know if we don't do something now, we are going to see chronic conditions worsen. We are going to see more cases of diabetes, joint pain, and other chronic conditions. It can be treated with change of diet and lifestyle. We are bringing that into the program in a dedicated and devoted manner," Dr. Puckett said.

The center has been helping people lose weight using the 18 week medically supervised Optifast Program.

Eric Hanson of Kirksville has lost about 76 pounds so far through the program. He said it was the help of the center, his wife, and teenage son that has gotten him to where he is today.

"With the encouragement of Complete Family Medicine, Dr. Puckett, and his staff...anybody can do this," Hanson said. "You just have to take the first step to go get the information. Once you decide to do it, decide with all your heart what you are going to do, the next 12-18 weeks you will see results."

If you're interested in the Optifast Program, you can go to Complete Family Medicine on 1611 South Baltimore Street in Kirksville for their information sessions on the program at 6 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of every month or call at 660-665-7575.