Psychologists vs. Weight Watchers. The Thrilla not in Manila

Last week a friend pointed me towards an article in The Age.  "More big losers make program the big winner over counsellors"  A startling headline.  I found the whole article at the L A Times - link below.

http://www.latimes.com/news/science/la-sci-weight-watchers-20121010,0,7567805.story

The title implies (infers?) that Weight Watchers ("WW") is miles ahead of counselling as a method for losing weight.  There's no mention of it being permanent weight loss - just weight loss.  

Those on WW lost on average 6kg over 48 weeks.  Those who spent 48 weeks in counselling lost about 5.4 kg - which, the article states, IS NOT A STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE.  What does this mean?  Well, firstly, don't believe the headlines.  And, secondly, should we find out if the author has shares in WW??

In my (not so humble) opinion, Weight Watchers is a reasonably acceptable weight loss program because it allows higher calories than most others.  This means it is less likely to induce the famine effect in the body.  That is when your system realises its being starved and fights back tooth and nail with reduced metabolism and psychological urges to eat calorie dense food.  Nevertheless, WW is still a diet and therefore by nature a temporary measure that focuses on the symptom i.e. the excess weight.  

As the late Rodney King said "can't we all just get along?"  If a person addresses the CAUSES of overweight or obesity with a counsellor, it may then be appropriate for them to choose a reasonable, balanced tool to handle the slow and steady loss of their excess weight.

Oops!

I forgot to include this wonderful quote which appeared on Stella Boonshoft's blog:

Never underestimate the huge middle finger you are giving to the world when you make peace with your body.

Amen, sista!

Deal With It!

A client was kind enough to send me a link to a blog/photo that is causing a stir.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/this-is-my-body-so-deal-with-it-says-student-stella-boonshoft/story-e6frf7jo-1226500551170

If you link in to her blog http://thebodyloveblog.tumblr.com/ you'll see an interesting history of discrimination and bullying related to weight.  

This person's weight does not define her, and neither should ours.

You go Stella!!!

Verification once again

G'day girls and boys.  Research has shown that emotions become the focus of eating disordered behaviour, even when the initial focus may have been weight-related.

http://www.theage.com.au/lifestyle/diet-and-fitness/how-stress-can-feed-eating-disorders-20121010-27ch9.html

Eating (or in the case of anorexia - not eating) is about control and stress management.  It is a coping skill - albeit one which causes more stress than it relieves.  

Sitting with those emotions, even if only for a short period of time, can build strength and an awareness that the emotions aren't going to drive you mad or kill you.

Bad things happen to good people, good things happen to bad people - and vice versa.  "Life was not meant to be easy" was the Malcolm Fraser version but I prefer George Bernard Shaw "Life was not meant to be easy, my child.  But take courage, it can be delightful!"

And when its not delightful, we can cope with it by a) dealing with it directly, b) distracting ourselves, or c) doing nothing (i.e. sit with it and breeeeeathe)

For those male clients of mine who are post-menopausal

This will be of interest.  Ha ha, just messing with your heads.  I recently read a study about post-menopausal women, and the overall lesson could be

less animal products
and
more fruit and vegetables

We've heard this in many formats over the years (except from Dr Atkins, who unfortunately died of a massive heart attack), so please take this as another opportunity to think to yourselves: "How can I add some healthiness to this meal?  I know, I'll throw in a bit more veg".

Unless the veg is coated with 3 pounds of butter or a cream sauce, you're doing fine!

Happy Broccoli and a Merry New Potato.

Fatties 1: Bullies 0

If a person's worth is judged solely by their appearance, where do we draw that line?  How many extra pounds/kilos are OK and how many reduce the individual's value as a human being?  At what point is it alright to criticise an overweight person?

Well this woman decided it wasn't alright and said so on television.

http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/presenters-reply-to-fat-jibe-hits-nerve-20121007-2774l.html