Diet: Changes Rarely Last

I've read a couple of diet studies recently and the results were terrible! Very high drop out rates and very little weight loss in the ones who stuck with it.

We want it all NOW but weight loss is one area where consistency is SO important. Slow and steady wins the weight loss race no?

The No1 strategy in my view is to set mini-goals, step by step, be realistic and be consistant.

It seems to me that when we were children, we were more into the process of learning a new 'skill'. Now as adults we are focused on the end point. I agree with P.F.H. Maintain the process and be consistant.

The more I read about the high "failure" level of diets, the more I think I must have done the right thing. I've lost 90 pounds and maintained within a pound or two for nearly three years.

It took two years to lose the weight. I could have lost it a lot faster, but now I'm glad I took the "slow and steady approach". You can't change a lifetime of poor eating habits and attitudes overnight. I never set myself a goal or a deadline, I just plugged away and only weighed myself once a month.

Then you should be inspiration for all weight loss seekers. In the study I read which was hailed a success, the average weight loss was something ridiculous like 8 or 14 pounds in one year! And thats with the full support of the study team!

Seems to me 1lb is ideal. 1 lb/wk is 3stone 10lb per year....much better than 8 - 14lb. Also, the focus MUST be shifted away from all these complex regimes. Focus on what's important not on all the fluff. Well done redpanda.

ps. to RedPanda...I'm always up for a good positive testimonial for my site if you get a spare 1/2 hr... might help a lot of people. 500 words or less though please :) ~Mike.

Will power fails people, forcing yourself takes all the fun out of eating healthy. You can’t force yourself to do what you really don’t want to do.

ps. to RedPanda...I'm always up for a good positive testimonial for my site if you get a spare 1/2 hr... might help a lot of people.

Mike, I was going to take you up on your offer - until I read your article on your site, "The Natural Healthy Weight Loss Program". I stopped reading when I got to the bit which advises people to lose weight slowly because "we don’t want saggy skin. Have you seen those TV programs where folks have their stomach stapled? Yes they are forced to lose a stack of weight very quickly but end up with a massive load of skin hanging to their knees which then has to be surgically removed. Not a pleasant thought."

I guess you've caught me at a bad time because I'm scheduled for surgery the day after tomorrow to remove loose skin. It's not exactly "a massive load of skin hanging to [my] knees" - thank you for that delightful image - but it does bother me and, yes, I have chosen to have it surgically removed.

In my research about loose skin after substantial weight loss, I've learnt that that whether or not anyone will end up with loose skin depends on a range of factors including their age, their genetics/luck, how long they carried the extra weight, and how much weight they lost. I would defy anyone to be overweight their entire life, lose 40% of their bodyweight in their 40s - as I have - and not have some loose skin to show for it.

To suggest, as you have in your article, that a dieter can avoid loose skin by losing weight slowly (as I have done) without knowing the other contributing factors is irresponsible to say the least. The surgeons I have consulted about my procedure have told me that many people are actually afraid to lose weight because they are scared of ending up with loose skin, or they actually regret having lost weight in the first place. So thanks for perpetuating this fear.

And yes, I do lift heavy weights, do Pilates, drink lots of water, and use cocoa butter - these things have helped a little - but I'm still going ahead with the surgery.

Hi RedPanda,

Firstly, my sincere apologies if my comment offended you. I am making the point that stomach stapling is a extreme measure and causes sagging skin and that losing weight slowly gives the best chance of avoiding the problem.

That section is reinforcing the idea that 1lb is best to shoot for many reasons, excess skin being one of them. This is a good thing no? If you research what people are looking for on the net you see “weight loss fast”, “fast weight loss” crops up often at the top of the list. I stand by my opinion and reasons for taking it slowly.

On reflection, I agree that the tone of that paragraph is too flippant and will certainly be taking your feedback on board and doing some re-wording :). The Articles on my site are not set in stone by any means and are under continual review to reflect the best information and feedback such as yours. I especially welcome negative feedback, because now I am aware of the issue, I can do something about it.

Incidentally, when I asked for ‘testimonial’ it was your story I was after, not a review of my site. Like I said earlier, your story should serve as inspiration. Seems you did everything ‘right’ and that would be great motivation for those on the ‘starting line’. If you have been left with excess skin, again you are being proactive and doing something about it and I applaud that.

As far as me being irresponsible goes, the other factors that you mentioned are out of our control. Age, genetics/luck and how long they carried the extra weight. The only one that isn’t is the rate of weight loss so I don’t see how I’ve been irresponsible? We can only start from where we are now.

I take your point that my flippancy may reinforce the fear factor and I will rectify that.

I do hope your surgery goes well tomorrow, good luck! Thanks again for the feedback and if you change your mind about writing a little bit about your story for my site, that’ll be great. You could even review any further articles on weight loss for me if you’d like to get involved, make sure I don’t ride rough-shod over any more feelings :). If so, just use the contact form on my site to get in touch.

Again, my apologies. Bye for now, wishing you the best of health, ~ Mike.

To Redpanda... Have amended the offending section to read

"Thirdly, we want to minimize the risk of loose skin. It’s important if you’ve a lot to lose that the fear of loose skin doesn’t prevent you reaching your targets. There are many factors that affect the issue of loose skin including age, genetics and length of time carrying the excess weight. But there is only one factor that you can do anything about and that’s the rate of weight loss."

Let me know what you think :)
Mike.

p.s. I would be most grateful if you'd contact me using my contact form as there's some things I'd love to ask you but I feel I'm clogging up Jim's site with all these comments :)Thanks ~ Mike.

Mike - thanks for your well wishes. I am recovering well and looking forward to being able to resume my exercise routine in a few weeks. :-)

Thanks for changing the relevant paragraph too. I think it's now a lot more balanced and realistic.

Good news :) Are you pleased with the surgery?