Yesterday, I wrote about the MSNBC story about how weighing ourselves is just a piece of the weight-control issue. After thinking about this piece through most of yesterday, I want to talk a little more about the “doing something” aspect. The story goes on to say:
5 pounds seems to be the key
According to the article, the study found that:
- 46% in the face-to-face group regained 5 or more pounds
- 55% in the Internet group regained 5+ pounds
- 72% of women in the control group (no intervention) regained 5 or more pounds.
It seems that even if we weigh ourselves and participate in a support group we still have a 50% chance of failure. What can we (here at Eat4Today) to make sure we’re each in the 50% who succeed? [more]
The story mentions rewards of encouraging phone messages and gum. And goes on to describe how those whose weight started to creep up received advice on how to tweak eating and exercise habits. And as they reached that 5-pound-gain mark, they were encouraged to start the weight-loss segment again.
Right then. Like they’d hit a brick wall (As John Walker would say).
Virtual gum?
Now we know a little more about why a daily weigh-in works and that even participating in an Internet-based support group can be very effective. Can we do anything to make Eat4Today a more effective tool? I think we do a pretty good job with incentives and information.
But could we do more for each other? Are there virtual-incentives that would encourage us to stay on track? Could I do more with the site?
I’m not just idly asking these questions. I want us all to be in that successful 50%.
Let’s talk about what we can do here to make that more likely.
Just got back from vacation last night, and had my first chance to weigh myself since 10/6. The good news is that I did pretty well on vacation in terms of what I ate, and EXTREMELY well in terms of exercise.
We walked everywhere it was at all reasonable to walk, and we went to a lot of museums where we walked around a lot. I was probably on my feet at least 4 hours every day, and some days twice that, or close to it. I am sure that no day did we walk less than 3 miles.
Upshot– I think I gained MUSCLE weight, but nothing else. Have to do measurements, but I’m pretty sure that’s it. I am very close to the same weight as when I left– within 2 lbs.
Wow, Catdog! That’s terrific. And that muscle and energy will probably help give you an extra boost toward your goal.
Tomorrow’s the day I do my weekly check-in. I weigh myself everyday, but I’m hoping for a miracle overnight.
Hi Catdog. Sounds like a wonderful vacation. Because you exercised so much, it sounds as if you came back energized as well as rested. Little fluctuations in weight are normal, aren’t they? Especially if you are making more muscle. Muscle uses more calories than fat, so either way, you’re ahead.