Janet Jackson and the Yo-yo Diet

Despite the glamorous photo shoots and provocative album covers, Janet Jackson is the quintessential yo-yo dieter. It's easy to point the finger at celebrities. They have access to the best personal trainers, chefs, any gym equipment money can buy, and even cosmetic surgery. However, even the richest and most popular person still has to exercise personal responsibility - just like the average Joe.

People see the pictures of chiseled abs and rock-hard physiques - and believe that it's a permanent reality. So apparently Janet Jackson has gained some weight (so what), but what is ironic is the massive transformation she will undergo for an album release.

In preparation for the planned release of her next album this spring, she's resumed workouts with her longtime personal trainer Tony Martinez. Janet jogged, power-walked and pushed through grueling lunges and squats during a recent slimming session on an L.A. beach.

"She's working with Tony again and he has always worked for her in the past. By the time her record is released, she'll be thin again," the source said.

Welcome to the world of fakeness - where public appearances must be thin and 'perfect' - but privately this image is impossible to sustain.

"She has battled this problem since she was a kid. She'll go months eating whatever she can get her hands on, and then she'll go months eating just salads and fruits and drinking Evian water," said a family source.

That kind of yo-yo diet phenomenon is common. If only we could settle for the middle ground, and take a moderate approach to eating year round.

When it comes to celebrities - they are a brand - and they know that in the world of brand-marketing, image is everything.

What goals have you set for your image? Are these goals realistic and sustainable? Or are you setting yourself up for an endless cycle of success and failure?

UPDATE May 2006: Janet Jackson claims a 70 pound weight loss, She has been using gourmet food delivery service "Fresh Dining" to have perfectly proportioned meals delivered (total daily calories 1000-1400. 5-6 days per week she has worked with a personal trainer for 1-2 hours.