Lysa TerKeurst’s book “Made To Crave” has enjoyed 12 weeks on The New York Times Bestseller List, and several churches have held the weight loss program in Butler County.

Among them is St. Fidelis Roman Catholic Church in Meridian, which recently finished a six-week program.

Maureen Cavanaugh-Brown of Connoquenessing found value in the program.

“To me it was about finding peace and freedom to be healthier,” she explained. “It helped me understand that the focus should be on God and asking him to be my portion.”

Having struggled with her weight her whole adult life, “Made to Crave” author TerKeurst knows what it feels like to be in the vicious cycle of gaining and losing, but never feeling at peace in her struggle.

“Just because a woman finally fits into her skinny jeans doesn’t mean she’s won her battle with food,” said the North Carolina author.

“Too often, women overlook the spiritual component to their physical struggle with healthy eating. ‘Made to Crave’ taps into the desires God gave you to consume food without letting food consume you,” she added.

Tammy Schultheis, 47, of Connoquenessing Township is striving to achieve her goal through participating in the program at St. Fidelis.

“This program along with the spiritual strength and group support helped me to achieve a significant weight loss. Although I have not reached my goal, I am continuing to follow the plan,” said Schultheis.

A typical Made to Crave workshop includes a 20- to 30-minute video segment followed by discussion. The book comes with a study guide with weekly assignments that are typically reviewed in a small group setting.

Upcoming six-week programs include one scheduled on Thursday evenings this fall at Bright Hope Community Church, 4101 Highland Ave.

For information, call Carol at 724-285-9130.