Founded in 1994, Shape Up America! is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization committed to raising awareness of obesity as a health issue and to providing responsible information on healthy weight management.
James M. Rippe, M.D.
- Harvard College, B.S. Harvard University, M.D.
Dr. Rippe is currently the Director of the Center for Clinical
and Lifestyle Research and Associate Professor of Medicine (Cardiology)
at Tufts University School of Medicine. Dr. Rippe is regarded
as one of the leading authorities on health and fitness and healthy
weight loss in the United States. He has written over 100 publications
on issues in medicine, health, fitness, and weight management,
and 14 books including seven medical text books and seven books on
health and fitness for the general public.
Dr. Rippe has served as Senior Medical Advisor for corporate fitness programs for a variety of companies and Chairman of the Board for a curriculum-based program linking healthy fitness for children in all schools. Dr. Rippe has been featured on national television and contributed articles for many major newspapers and monthly magazines. He has been named Fitness Educator of the Year and received a Lifetime Achievement Award by the International Dance Exercise Association (IDEA) and also named one of the 10 national "Healthy American Fitness Leaders" by the United States Jaycees and the President's Council on Physical Fitness.
A lifelong athlete, Dr. Rippe maintains his personal fitness with a regular walk, jog, and weight training program. He holds a black belt in karate and is an avid wind surfer, skier and tennis player.