Why Biggest Loser Programs are for Losers!

Alright, the Biggest Loser WAS awesome. I won't deny that - I cried right along with the rest of the nation. And, it did play a major role in the "weight loss" kick here in America. It sparked a host of facilities - companies, gyms, churches, friends, EVERYONE to host their own Biggest Loser competitions. That is awesome! However, there are certain flaws that go along with this phenomenon.

The fact that weight is the only measure of "health" in these competitions is not effective. The fact that its all about what the scale says is 1. easy to manipulate and 2. psychologically damaging. Just by changing my hydration status over the course of 24 hours, I could easily drop well over 2lbs - which would be a substantial weight loss over the course of an entire week. Wait...there's more.

Every study done on weight loss programs mirroring that of the Biggest Loser showed that during the program, weight was lost. However, after the competition, almost 100% of the "losers" re-gain their weight. Now, I'm not talking about the celebrities on the show "Biggest Loser." I'm talking about Average Joe who lost 20lbs. for an office Biggest Loser competition. Its ineffective, and actually counter-productive. Losing weight in rapid, large increments does not give the body time to adjust and the weight will come back much easier and bring some of its l.b. friends with it. Wait...there's more.

When someone starts a new exercise regimen, they are not only burning calories, but they are building lean muscle mass. This lean muscle mass is exactly that....mass. Meaning, it has weight. So, if you start using resistance training and are packing on some muscle, that is great! But, its not going to show on the scale. The shift of fat to muscle in your body will show more in your pants size and your energy level. Your body can change shape without ever seeing a pound of weight loss on the scale. Meaning, you can be becoming "healthier" without seeing weight loss at all! Wait...there's more.

Can you see cholesterol on a scale? Can you see triglyceride levels on a scale? Can you see blood pressure on a scale? Can you see more energy on a scale? Can you see more flexibility on a scale? Can you see higher self-esteem on a scale? Can you see a better SEX LIFE on a scale? NO! So, why are people putting so much pressure on themselves to see a certain number on that damn thing?!!!!!!!!!!

So, what do weight management programs need to do? First, change the name to Health Management Program. Second, THROW OUT THE SCALES. You don't need them. Instead, add in behavior surveys that show how people's behaviors are changing (including eating habits and exercise habits), get a blood pressure cuff to monitor changes in blood pressure, order clients to have blood work done before and after the program to see changes in cholesterol and triglyceride levels, keep a tally of how many medications participants come off of and how much money is being saved. Focus on the education!

P.S. I wouldn't suggest asking people how their love making is going - just leave that up to them:)

These are the real testaments to health, and what should really be monitored in a Health Management Program.

Quit being a loser, and toss the scale out! You know what to do when it comes to your health! Just do it!