Trying to lose weight? Here's some advice on exercising from the book "How to Lose 9,000 lbs. (or less)" (Hundreds of Heads Books, www.hundredsofheads.com, $13.95, straight from the people who've done it.

            "Walking changed my body so much. Once I started to see those changes, it made me so happy I felt a boost to keep doing it. Combining walking with eating right produced amazing results."

            Diane Szymanski, South Bend, Ind., lost 72 pounds

            "Besides actually helping me lose weight, exercise makes me feel better. Feeling better keeps me from emotional eating and craving comfort foods. I joined a gym about a month and a half ago, and I exercise there at least three times a week."

            Carol Easton, Pa., lost 40 pounds

            "Exercising helps me curb my sweet tooth: I'm a sweetaholic. But when I exercise, the time I spend is an investment, and I don't want to undo it all with snacks."

            Katie Orem, Utah, lost 45 pounds

            "I exercise my way out of things so I can enjoy eating and continue to eat all my favorite foods!"

            Anonymous, San Francisco, Calif., lost 8 pounds

            "Exercise is critical if you don't want hanging skin. I started exercising before I had gastric-bypass surgery. Now I go to the gym six days a week, and I don't have any hanging skin _ none!"

            Laura Sighinolfi, Boca Raton, Fla., lost 150 pounds

            Hundreds of Heads' survival guides offer the wisdom of the masses by assembling the experiences and advice of hundreds of people who have gone through life's biggest challenges and have insight to share. Visit www.hundredsofheads.com to share your advice or get more information.

            (c) 2008, Hundreds of Heads Books, Inc.