"That's certainly encouraging," I grumbled Friday morning as I listened to the radio.
What prompted my sarcastic outburst was a story by a CBC reporter about obesity that was written around the premise that once you gain weight you're doomed. According to psychologist Tracy Mann of the University of Minnesota only five per cent of those who lose weight keep it off permanently.
A daunting statistic for those of us who fight a constant battle with the bulge, and there is a mountain of anecdotal evidence to support what she's saying, but was saying it out loud the best course of action?
The experts cited in the report said weight loss regimens make profound changes to our metabolism, neurology and psychology that make it almost impossible to keep that weight off.
Other experts admitted it's a harsh message, and there is almost an assumption that it is politically incorrect to breathe the nasty truth. That is why what was called the "myth" of weight loss continues.
Won't people abandon all efforts to live a healthy lifestyle if they know their efforts to also be thin and svelte will be thwarted? That's what some of the experts in the story were concerned about.
It certainly could have the effect of making those trying to improve their lifestyles abandon all hope and hit the couch with a huge bag of chips and giant sized cola.
On the other hand, it might make others that much more determined to prove the experts wrong, or simply to become a member of the elite five per cent. Achieving the permanent loss would be an Olympic gold medal to strive for.
The web version of the article certainly raised the ire of a few folks who posted comments. Most cited what is a Weight Watchers motto - "It's not a diet, it's a lifestyle."
But, to quote Erma Bombeck, "In two decades I've lost a total of 789 pounds. I should be hanging from a charm bracelet."
Her quip seems to prove the point of the article, but I think it also shows we should never give up the struggle. I occasionally have the privilege to share a workout class with a woman - an instructor - who firmly believes exercise has nothing to do with the scale. It's doing something good for your body, and once you embrace the benefits that a great cardiovascular and strength training session give you, the numbers on the scale will fade into insignificance.
So, do not abandon hope, all of my fellow flab fighters. Even if we have to do like Erma and keep losing it over and over again, at least we aren't letting it pile up and pile up until we are crushed under the burden.
If you are interested in the story and the ensuing debate visit http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/obesity-research-confirms-long-term-weight-loss-almost-impossible-1.2663585.
