Getting real about weight loss

A group of esteemed “experts” on obesity, nutrition, diabetes, and healthcare policy have come together to form The Reality Council. Their goal is to appeal to healthcare providers, regulators, media and corporate America to recognize and support realistic approaches to weight loss.

Their first order of business is to convince people that weight loss cannot be achieved by relying on the exaggerated claims touted by over-the-counter weight control pills. In fact, this group believes these products actually contribute to the tremendous health epidemic of obesity.

I applaud their efforts. There’s a tremendous need for some reality about weight-loss methods. Americans spend over $50 billion each year on weight-loss products and services and what has it got us? — rapidly rising obesity rates among adults as well as children.

But, if we are going to bring some reality to this issue, then it needs to be based on the truths.

Sure, “magic pills” don’t work. But neither does making the “lifestyle changes” (eat less and exercise more) that these experts propose. Don’t they know that most overweight people have tried this approach also — with little success?

Come on. If we are going to get real about weight loss, let’s get real!

Allen Oelschlaeger
Author of Finally, the Straight Scoop About Weight, Nutrition and Fitness