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You've heard it all before. Obesity increases your risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart and gall bladder disease and cancer in some forms. One in three North American adults is considered obese. But by losing even a few pounds, you can begin to improve your health. Most of us are experts on weight loss. Haven't we lost weight hundreds of time? And we've gained the weight back, hundreds of times, usually with a few more pounds added each time--the yo-yo syndrome. We all look for the quick answer--lose ten pounds in ten days. Let's see. There was the water diet, the all-protein diet, the no-protein diet, the egg diet, the steak-and-egg diet, the steak, lettuce and egg diet, the cabbage soup diet, the three-day diet. You get the picture. They sound great, but chances are you'll gain the ten pounds back in five days, and all you get is discouraged. We all know the real answer--sensible eating and taking the weight off slowly will get the permanent results you need and want. Dr. William Allard, medical director at BCBSVT says, "There are no easy answers or quick fixes to the problem of obesity, although many of us would desire an easier, quicker method." "People who have succeeded in losing weight and keeping the weight off have generally succeeded because they have made significant lifestyle changes in their habits of eating and getting activity," Dr. Allard continues. Getting more exercise is as important as changing eating habits. Dr. Allard feels the current emphasis on lowering fat intake is important. "Fats are the most concentrated sources of calories. Saturated fat intake has an effect on cholesterol levels, too" he says. In keeping with the lifestyle change approach to the problem, Dr. Allard suggests that a goal of losing one or two pounds a week works. "If one can sustain a loss of a pound a week, it adds up to 52 pounds in a year," says Dr. Allard. If you decide to use a weight loss program, there are many weight loss services available in Vermont to help you take off the weight, and take it off in a sensible manner. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont does not recommend one program over another. Always consult your physician before beginning any weight loss program. Overeaters Anonymous Overeaters Anonymous describes itself as "a fellowship of individuals who, through shared experience, strength and hope, are recovering from compulsive overeating.” At Overeaters Anonymous there are no dues or fees, though a participant may make a voluntary contribution. There are no contracts to sign, no weigh-ins or lectures on weight control and food. OA does not solicit contributions. It is suggested a member go to a nutritionist and set up his or her own food program. The primary purpose of OA is to not eat compulsively and to carry the message of recovery to others. OA is a 12-step program, and it is spiritually oriented like Alcoholics Anonymous. Anyone who wants to stop eating compulsively is invited to join OA. Like AA, Overeaters Anonymous members don’t use last names in their meetings. They do exchange phone numbers and are urged to call each other for support. If you would like information concerning OA meetings, call (802) 862-2655. Weight Watchers International Weight Watchers does not require a member to sign a contract. You pay as you go after an initial joining fee of $29.95 The weekly fee is $10, but members pay $9.95 per week and the owner of the franchise donates the five cents and a matching nickel to charities and groups concerned with women's issues. The food program is based on a point system, with every food given a point value, and each member given a point range per day, depending on his or her weight. Points are based on a combination of calories, fat and fiber. Weekly weigh-ins, group meetings and group support are basic to the program. Weight Watchers recommends that a member eat a variety of foods, focusing meals on fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products and foods rich in complex carbohydrates, with some lower-fat protein included daily. The plan encourages participants to make this program into a lifestyle he or she is willing to pursue and maintain, and still allows him or her to enjoy dinners out and family celebrations. Weight Watchers encourages members to do some kind of physical activity on a regular basis. After maintaining goal weight for six weeks, a participant becomes a Lifetime Member and may attend meetings at no charge, providing he or she weighs in once a month and is no more than two pounds above his or her goal weight. Weight Watchers has locations in most of Vermont and all of New Hampshire. Call 800-651-6000 for a location near you. |
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