Soap Opera Star, Caitlin Van Zandt and Lisa M. Tate, CEO of Womenheart

Obesity and Heart Disease

Soap opera star Caitlin Van Zandt was one of the millions of women more than 100 pounds overweight and at risk of heart disease due to her weight. Her wake up call came when – at only 22 years old – Caitlin’s physician considered putting her on cholesterol medication. Scared for her health and for her mother’s, who was also significantly overweight, Caitlin shared a heartfelt moment with her mother and they decided to embark on a weight-loss journey to reduce their health risks. After years of unsuccessful weight loss attempts, Caitlin has finally found success! In the last year, Caitlin has lost nearly 90 pounds with the assistance of a gastric band. And, thanks to the weight loss, Caitlin’s bad cholesterol level is no longer dangerously high.

Caitlin Van Zandt stars on “Guiding Light” as Ashlee Wolfe, and has had other plum acting roles including a recurring part on “The Sopranos.” Recently, the actress had a “Heartfelt Moment” with her mother, where they took action to beat their battle with weight and reduce their chance of developing heart disease. Both Caitlin and her mother have the LAP-BAND AP® Adjustable Gastric Banding System. Lisa M. Tate has served for more than 25 years in public affairs, healthcare advocacy, and non-profit management. In 2007, she joined WomenHeart: The National Coalition of Women with Heart Disease as CEO.

Dr. Derrick DeSilva

5 / 5 / 2009