weight_losers_10603

Posted: 10/3/03

'Big-time losers' shed light on what works

By Terri Lackey

LifeWay Christian Resources

RIDGECREST, N.C. (BP)–People who want to lose weight should seek out others who have been successful at it, said John Latham, an exercise physiologist who runs a wellness program for federal agents at Oak Ridge, Tenn.

Latham suggested people who want to lose weight visit the national weight loss registry at www.lifespan.org. The registry keeps a list of people who have lost 60 pounds and kept it off five years.

“Success stories there are inspiring,” he said.

Latham listed seven secrets of “big-time losers”:

Big-time losers become broken people. "They can often give you a specific event or time that changed their life. With men, it is more medical issues. With women, it tends to be more emotional."

Big-time losers get educated. "They read everything they can about health and fitness. They are hungry for more information. They get on the Internet. They subscribe to wellness magazines."

Big-time losers keep a log of what they take in. "I've never seen anybody good at keeping weight off who didn't write down what they ate."

Big-time losers weigh regularly. "I recommend just once a week. Make a chart of what you weigh every time, and set an alarm within five pounds of your ideal weight."

Big-time losers always eat breakfast. "Breakfast is the most important meal a day. Your body has been without food for 10 hours. Studies show those who don't eat breakfast eat more later in the day."

Big-time losers become big-time exercisers. "The best single predictor of those who are going to lose weight and keep it off or maintain their weight is exercise. Weight training is also good because muscles burn fat."

Big-time losers do not follow fad diets. "They eat a diet high in carbs, low in fat, and rich in fruits and vegetables."

Be reasonable with your goals, Lathan counseled. Start with 10 percent of your body weight. If you just lose 10 pounds, you've greatly reduced your health risks.