Group: I am overweight or obese

Created: 2012/01/01, Members: 381, Messages: 6449

Being overweight is a common trait these days and there is not enough help out there. Find out how you can shed those pounds and improve yourself from within.

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Biggest Loser

vwshepherd
vwshepherd
Posts: 71
Joined: 2005/07/28
United States
2007/11/21, 11:21 AM
What do you guys think of the show??
ReptilianFeline
ReptilianFeline
Posts: 187
Joined: 2007/08/28
Sweden
2007/11/23, 06:57 AM
In order to win you have to be really really over weight, because they measure weight, not percentage from start to end.

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Getting there... one kg at a time...
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Vedakathryn
Vedakathryn
Posts: 1,585
Joined: 2004/05/28
United States
2007/11/23, 12:44 PM
I watch it sometimes, it has a way of showing some tough choices in a very exaggerated way, but how we have to make them every day, they use the rewards vs. food a lot...for instance, I don't think I would be one of those that would eat tons of donuts in order to "possible" win $5,000, etc., $5,000 is a lot of money, or the other "wins" they give, but at what cost? I think they are trying to show that and in reality, we face choices on a smaller scale, but still face them...should we go for the donuts each day, or find the satisfaction instead in buying a new pair of pants that are a size smaller? The "contestants" work hard and for hours each day and it is inspiring to see them reach their goals at the end, but we can all accomplish our goals at home, too, we may not do them in three or four months, but we have the ability to succeed and really have no excuse not to.

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Veda

It is more important to know where you are going than to get there quickly. - Mabel Newcomber

Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success. - Napoleon Hill
penbiker
penbiker
Posts: 6
Joined: 2006/09/21
United States
2007/12/03, 06:14 PM
I would like to know how they can lose that much weight and have tight skin over 100 lbs in 3 months with no flabby skin ?
BILL06
BILL06
Posts: 755
Joined: 2006/08/08
United States
2007/12/05, 08:55 PM
Its actually percentage of weight loss that they base the winner on, if you have ever seen a finale, the 3rd season, this past one, the 1 guy lost 42% and the female lost 41%.



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How do you feel? That is the question
But I forget.. you dont expect an easy answer
When something like a soul becomes
Initialized and folded up like paper dolls and little notes
You cant expect a bit of hope
So while youre outside looking in
Describing what you see
Remember what youre staring at is me.
----------
Get busy living or get busy dying.

Bill

Vedakathryn
Vedakathryn
Posts: 1,585
Joined: 2004/05/28
United States
2007/12/06, 09:58 PM
Well.....they don't show them naked, lol! Truthfully, though, some people will have more flexibility to their skin, age plays a factor and so on, some chose surgery and some just are pleased to be healthy and deal with some saggy bellies and boobies, lol!!

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Quoting from penbiker:

I would like to know how they can lose that much weight and have tight skin over 100 lbs in 3 months with no flabby skin ?
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Veda

It is more important to know where you are going than to get there quickly. - Mabel Newcomber

Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success. - Napoleon Hill
returnofplex
returnofplex
Posts: 801
Joined: 2007/10/26
United States
2007/12/11, 04:35 PM
I find the show to be inspirational, but a little misleading as well. I love seeing these people fight so hard for better health, but I also think that the average person watching might actually believe that 5-15 lbs of weight loss per week is normal or healthy. But over-all I enjoy watching how fitness changes these people's lives.
amyksmith76
amyksmith76
Posts: 601
Joined: 2005/07/26
United States
2008/01/02, 01:00 PM
Little late posting on this but oh well. I watched The Biggest Loser Couples premier last night. I won't lie, I enjoy the show. However, these people were losing like 15 - 29 lbs in ONE week on last night's show, and will continue to lose 10-15 every week after that. I don't understand how they do that, I really don't. I understand that they are under supervision of Dr's and trainers, etc. But, seriously. How is that even possible without being so unhealthy. We are all taught 1-2 lbs per week is healthy. And we wonder why so many people ask "how do I lose 50 lbs by the end of next month". On The Biggest Loser, they could! Help me understand.
flyonthewall
flyonthewall
Posts: 1,823
Joined: 2005/01/18
Canada
2008/01/02, 03:11 PM
I watched it as well and have to admit that I'm now hooked! These folks literally spend 4-6 hours per day working out and have a supervised diet as well, this explains the high wt losses. Also, since they are all obese and have extremely high fat percentages, they will loose fat more quickly than someone who is leaner. You have to remember that these guys are at it full-time while they are at "camp". Personally, I think it is an unhealthy way to loose wt as it must be a huge stress to the system....but it is kinda fun to watch:)
Reddy
Reddy
Posts: 597
Joined: 2003/09/11
United States
2008/01/02, 03:15 PM
I don't have cable so I only read about it - I do like the idea of the couples - that seems more fair in the battle of sexes

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Reddy

All people smile in the same language
amyksmith76
amyksmith76
Posts: 601
Joined: 2005/07/26
United States
2008/01/02, 05:34 PM
Reddy, it's on local programming, you may be able to get it?
Fly, my husband said the same thing last night when I was on my rant about them losing so much in a week. He said that while I'm at work all day sitting on my butt, then going to the gym for an hour or so, they are at the gym all day long. I hate it when he's right. lol
It is a fun show to watch. I've started DVRing reruns from the realitytv channel and watch them in the morning while I drink my tea before I work out to give me motivation. :)
Reddy
Reddy
Posts: 597
Joined: 2003/09/11
United States
2008/01/02, 05:40 PM
I can't get anything but snow
might be interesting to see what all they really do & not just the highlights. a list of everthing would be nice

Most of the time I don't mind not having cable - dvd's & videos I have (need new ones)

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Reddy

All people smile in the same language
returnofplex
returnofplex
Posts: 801
Joined: 2007/10/26
United States
2008/01/04, 03:44 PM


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Quoting from flyonthewall:

I watched it as well and have to admit that I'm now hooked! These folks literally spend 4-6 hours per day working out and have a supervised diet as well, this explains the high wt losses. Also, since they are all obese and have extremely high fat percentages, they will loose fat more quickly than someone who is leaner. You have to remember that these guys are at it full-time while they are at "camp". Personally, I think it is an unhealthy way to loose wt as it must be a huge stress to the system....but it is kinda fun to watch:)
=============

This is so very true. I love watching that show, but I do have to say that it kinda sends a negative message about healthy ranges of weight loss. It makes the healthy 1-2 lbs a week seem like a snails pace in comparison. But overall, it's still uplifting to me.
amyksmith76
amyksmith76
Posts: 601
Joined: 2005/07/26
United States
2008/01/04, 04:32 PM
Oh my gosh! Listen to this! Yesterday I was disappointed because I didn't lose any weight. PMS probably. lol. Well, I KNOW BETTER! I always preach not to get on the scale, and only measure, and blah blah blah.
I flipped a gasket telling my husband that it wasn't fair, those biggest loser people lose like 20 lbs a week, and I can't even lose a half ounce! Even AFTER contributing to this post!!! As soon as the words came out of my mouth I came back to reality, and realized how silly I was being.
But, talk about sending a bad message. If someone like me (not to sound egotistical) who has a pretty decent knowledge of nutrition and fitness, who KNOWS BETTER gets caught up in it even for a second, what about the average person just starting out. Yikes!
This last paragraph sounds really bad, but I don't know how else to describe it. I hope you guys know what I'm trying to say.
yessicarathsak
yessicarathsak
Posts: 249
Joined: 2007/09/20
United States
2008/01/04, 06:43 PM
Amy-
I COMPLETELY understand what you mean. I go through stages where I'll eat 6 small, healthy meals a day, exercise normally, and feel great, and then for some reason I'll get on the scale and the number will completely consume me. I'll then do cardio like crazy and eat one small meal a day at most. I don't understand why I do that because I KNOW better, but I guess the senseable part of my brain turns off. That's why I try my hardest to never get on the scale, it always sends me spiraling out of control. I just thought I'd share so you know you're not the only one who sometimes feels that way. :big_smile:
amyksmith76
amyksmith76
Posts: 601
Joined: 2005/07/26
United States
2008/01/04, 08:01 PM
Thanks yes! Glad to know I'm not the only one. I usually throw a little tantrum, stomp around the house saying "why do I bother, blah blah blah" but I do get over it. lol
yessicarathsak
yessicarathsak
Posts: 249
Joined: 2007/09/20
United States
2008/01/04, 08:24 PM
Yup, obviously I don't last long only eating one meal a day. By the second day I'm grumpy and irritable, and my workouts suffer, so I get over it pretty quickly haha.
EmmaAppeared
EmmaAppeared
Posts: 6
Joined: 2008/01/07
United States
2008/01/13, 07:55 PM
Entertaining yes, but for me it has lost its inspirational appeal.

This show sets such unrealistic expectations for weight loss. I don't think people ever do connect the fact that those on this show are doing this day-in and day-out. This is their job. So when they step on the scale and see a 20lb loss in 7 days it is almost to be expected if they are drastically overweight and doing their job right.

Another unrealistic expectation this show sets is that you will never plateau. Everybody does at some point in their exercise regime. But when these people go from losing 20lbs to 2lbs they get criticized and belittled. You can only do so much and your body can only take so much.

I guess it is just frustrating for me to see people fall into the Biggest Loser trap expecting to lose all of this weight and then when they don't they are crushed and give up. Or like I did- you start losing the weight, plateau, then give up because you just don't think you can do this because "this is not supposed to happen." It is just disappointing.
amyksmith76
amyksmith76
Posts: 601
Joined: 2005/07/26
United States
2008/01/16, 10:16 AM
Ok y'all! The moment you have been waiting for. My work's version of Biggest Loser's WEEK ONE LESSON! Below is the lesson that we received from HR yesterday on how to lose weight. Along with my commentary in paranthesis of course. lol Don't think that I'm cynical. I'm not at all. If the below tips work for the people I work with, more power to them. However, at this rate, I expect that I should probably be the biggest loser without a doubt! lol

7 Steps to Weight Loss
1 - Weigh yourself. To change your body, you need to know where you stand. A recent study by Brown Medical University Medical School showed that daily weigh-ins are key. You should place your scale on a flat, uncarpeted surface and weigh yourself at the same time every day. Use the number as a way to track your progress. A realistic goal is a weight loss of 1 to 2 pounds a week. (weigh in EVERY DAY? Most of us ban the scales at all because they are not a realistic guage to weight loss. WEIGH EVERY DAY!? YIKES!)

2 - Clean out your cupboards. Toss all those naughty little goodies that might prove too tempting when you're tired or hungry. Or put them at the back of the cupboard or refrigerator so you won't be faced with them every time you open the door. And divide large bags of snacks into single-portion baggies or buy pre-packaged 100-calorie options. (Ok, fair enough for beginners, lol)

3 - Keep a journal. Write down everything you eat each day. You're the only one who has to see this--so be honest. Estimate the calories of each entry as you write it down. A free online resource to keep your daily journal including calorie intake as well as document your exercise is www.sparkpeople.com.
(good tip although "estimating" calories may not be the best idea. For today I estimate that the Big Mac I had at lunch was only 150 calories. I don't understand why I'm not losing weight! I only eat 400 calories a day!)

4 - Tell everyone. Sit your family down and tell them your goals. Be clear that losing weight is important to you and that you would appreciate their support. A weight-loss buddy also can improve your chances of success. (Ok, fair enough. "Mom, I'm trying to diet, quit making spaghetti for dinner!!!")

5 - Eat several small meals a day. It's natural to be a little hungry during the first few days of any diet. Remind yourself that it is just a physical sensation, and you can handle it. Still, any diet that leaves you hungry all the time will lead to overeating. Many people find that having five or six small meals a day works best for them.
(Ok, this is probably the best tip on here)

6 - Give yourself treats. If you deprive yourself endlessly, you'll end up going on a world-class binge at some point. Consider adding a treat to your weekly plan, but pay attention to portion size and calorie count. A 1/2 cup of low-fat ice cream or three pieces of chocolate can work as long as you limit yourself to that.
(another good tip, BRAVO HR!)

7 - Start an exercise plan. Besides burning calories, exercise also builds muscle and boosts your metabolism as you progress. One of the best things you can do is walk. Try to aim for 10,000 steps or more per day. It's the only number you want to see go up, up up! (Parade)
(Walking is good, "one of the best things you can do"? That's up for debate. I think that pounding out heavy reps in the gym and doing a 60 minute kickboxing routine is the best thing you can do, but that's my opinion I suppose".)


Tip of the Week - Soup is your friend.
Soup can be filling, it is difficult to eat too quickly and it's often loaded with good-for-you stuff. I haven't yet stumbled across a Twinkie soup or one made from high-fructose corn syrup!
(No Twinkie soup for me. Although I have stumbled across soups made out of sodium!)

A dietician at the Hy-Vee Supermarket says eating soup slowly at the start of a meal helps slow your eating before you hit a more calorie-dense main dish. It takes the body approximately 20 minutes to let your brain know that it's full. If you eat a food such as soup first during a meal, your body will start to feel fuller faster.

Pairing soup with a half sandwich or fresh salad and a whole-grain bun can be one of your best bets for lunch. TIP: Whether you make your own soup or dine out, choose veggie-laden, broth-based versions when you can. Eat slowly and savor the flavor. Don't overdo fat-laden toppings like cheese, bacon, sour cream and saltines. (Omaha World-Herald)
("half sandwich, salad, bun and soup is a best bet for lunch." Who needs protien! A good dose of carbs and sodium make a great diet friend!")
BILL06
BILL06
Posts: 755
Joined: 2006/08/08
United States
2008/01/16, 09:08 PM
i actually love the theme song " What have you done today, to make yourself feel proud " ...... plus jillian reminds me of someone i knew a long time ago :(

--------------
How do you feel? That is the question
But I forget.. you dont expect an easy answer
When something like a soul becomes
Initialized and folded up like paper dolls and little notes
You cant expect a bit of hope
So while youre outside looking in
Describing what you see
Remember what youre staring at is me.
----------
Get busy living or get busy dying.

Bill

DAYNSH
DAYNSH
Posts: 16
Joined: 2007/08/23
United States
2008/01/27, 03:06 PM
Here is the scoop on the Biggest Loser. I got my information from Ken Coleman, who was on season 3. He is now a personal trainer at the gym I attend. The truth is that the contestants work out 6-8 hours per day. That is why they can lose so much weight in such a short period of time. I asked the same question about "lose" skin. He lifted up his shirt and showed me. He lost over 100 pounds, and had to have a tummy tuck...He is planning on 2-3 more surgeries. He said that the program doesn't really talk about the diet, because they want the public to purchase the books, etc...

Biggest Loser is inspirational because it get us off the couch, but it is not realistic. Most people cannot work out 6 hours a day!

Dana

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Quoting from vwshepherd:

What do you guys think of the show??
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amyksmith76
amyksmith76
Posts: 601
Joined: 2005/07/26
United States
2008/01/28, 01:40 PM
Thanks Dana! I remember Jessica Simpson talking about working out 7 hours a day to get into the daisy dukes on the Dukes of Hazard movie. Have to admit her body was SMOKIN' in that movie, but yikes. You are right, who has 6 hours a day!
merzz3
merzz3
Posts: 10
Joined: 2008/01/21
United States
2008/01/31, 10:27 AM
The biggest loser is what motivated me into going to see my Dr. and getting on a weight loss program. Now, I eat healthy and work out at least 1 1/2 - 2 hrs a day 5 days a week. I have really picked up my workouts this week and Plan to continue that because I have lost 2.5 lbs in 2 days. I use the calorie tracker on fitday.com to keep track of my workouts and food intake.

I have really bad asthma. Many times during the night I have waken up to a severe asthma attack. I was having them about 3 times a day even on maintenance medication. Since December 2007 I went to the Dr. and told her I really need to do something about the asthma because it is going to kill me if I don't. She suggested joining weight watchers. I went home and thought about that. I did not follow her advice. Instead I joined a GYM and did some research online for a healthy diet. I went to see the Dr. yesterday and she said I am doing great. BTW I have not had a single asthma attack in 3 weeks. YAY!!!!
amyksmith76
amyksmith76
Posts: 601
Joined: 2005/07/26
United States
2008/01/31, 01:16 PM
Congratulations!!!
Lue20
Lue20
Posts: 1
Joined: 2010/11/01
United States
2010/11/01, 10:41 AM
Hello i am a new member i was wounering if you could give me some work out tips.