"The Water Ballet," is a new public service announcement from the Federal Trade Commission on behalf of the Partnership for Healthy Weight Management. With more than 97 million U.S. adults overweight or obese, it is important to communicate that miracle cures for obesity simply do not exist. And, with more than $30 billion being spent on weight loss products and services each year, consumers should know that there are strategies and tools available to help them become healthier.

"Water Ballet" depicts six obese men and women performing synchronized swimming to the music of Strauss. The positive, energetic, and empowering images are accompanied by a responsible message about the importance of setting realistic weight-loss goals and the benefits of a sustained modest weight loss. This compelling 30-second piece offers consumers beginning a weight-loss program a free brochure, Setting Goals for Weight Loss.

"The Water Ballet" Public Service Announcement Script

Setting the scene:

An indoor swimming pool, high contrast, slow-motion, movie-style waves of water lap across the surface. In the background, violins rise (a la Strauss) and cutting through the water we see a delicate hand movement touching the top of the water creating ripples.

Then, the hand arcs out of the water and over a smiling face. The music builds. Cut to an underwater shot of a pair of legs pirouetting effortlessly across the bottom of the pool. Music builds, more strings.

The voice-over (a woman, the voice of the swimmer we're watching).

VO: I've been pretty obsessed with my weight for as long as I can remember...

Close-up of her face turning right, then left. Pull back to reveal two other women.

VO: I'd lose some, put it back on...I always felt like I was failing...and I knew it wasn't healthy...

Man's legs underwater spinning, then from above with arms extended.

VO: Then I learned that just a 5-10% gradual weight reduction could have a significant impact...

Underwater and above kick line, all synchronized.

VO: better health, lower blood pressure...and gradual weight loss helps...

Music builds to crescendo, they've made a circle with their arms and woman emerges from the middle, eyes open...

VO (announcer): Armed with reasonable expectations and professional help, getting the weight off and keeping it off is a realistic goal.

Available from the Partnership for Healthy Weight Management
www.consumer.gov/weightloss/psa.htm