Realistic Weight Loss

Well another season of Biggest Loser is over. In my opinion the best show on television. Not everyone agrees. One reason is people are sick of “reality” shows in general and second some folks don’t enjoy watching super heavy people sweat, throw-up and cry every week. Me, I kind of get a kick out of it:)

The show overall is very unrealistic in terms of weight loss. It’s real, but the fact that these people are isolated for 3 or 4 months and workout close to eight hours a day is extreme and almost impossible to do in the real world. You do the math. There’s no way we’d survive. Another thing is the workouts, TOUGH. I don’t think I know anyone that could survive one of their “last chance workouts”. If anyone wants that workout, please let me know, I’ll supervise with a smile…………..

Then how the heck do these people do what we’re seeing, I wish I knew. We’re talking about 400lb people running, jumping and lifting unreal weights for hours. The trainers are Military type trainers, who needs it? Apparently these folks.

The message the show does convey is that anyone can change if you’re willing. It’s out there for you, if you want it! AND IT’S NEVER TOO LATE!

But the thing that bothers me the most is that the show has really hurt the average weight loss enthusiast. I’ve seen someone lose 31lbs in one week on the show. Yes 7 days. So my client works with me, loses 2lbs in one week. How’s that feel, hopefully good? But you get the picture. Ordinarily, 2 pounds would be an outstanding pace at which to lose weight each week, but with TV shows and infomercials advertising double-digit weekly weight loss results it’s hard to be that impressed with a couple of pounds here and another few there.

Think about weight loss realistically. In the real world 1% weight loss per week is great, and if it happens you should be proud of yourself. So if I weigh 170 pounds and I lose 1% that would equal a 1.7 pound weight loss. This is a realistic goal to shoot for each week and better yet, your results will be far more likely to be permanent.

So unless you plan on leaving your family, quitting your job and dedicating your life to losing weight, it’s a much better idea (and healthier) to aim for a 1% weight loss per week through both a balanced nutrition plan and following a MarkOne Fitness program!



Keep Training!