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Don't Ditch Support Groups

I usually don't feel compelled to express myself via correspondence after I read an article, especially one that I mostly agree with! However, there is an important point I must make regarding the Frugal Weight Loss article I just read. Twice in this article, the writer says that money and/or time is wasted on meetings. Research has proven conclusively that support is an integral part of any successful weight loss effort. Support groups are just one more part of the puzzle, along with portion control, exercise, positive self-talk, etc. The fact is, if it was just a matter of portion control, wouldn't we all be thin by now? The writer is actually guilty of offering up one single solution to a multi-faceted problem.

Perhaps the writer had a bad experience with Weight Watchers. I was a member of WW for almost a year when I got discouraged both with the program of counting points and the high price of attending meetings. I found a book in my local library about an organization called TOPS, which stands for Taking Off Pounds Sensibly. It's a non-profit support group for weight loss. Since it is non-profit, the dues are low ($20 annual, plus $2 weekly) compared to WW ($40 to join, plus $10-$15 weekly depending on your location). Please see www.tops.org.

My point is that support is out there, it is affordable, and it can mean the difference between success and failure when it comes to weight loss. So please don't tell people they don't need the accountability and positive reinforcement offered by a good support group! Sometimes, the only thing that keeps many of us on track is knowing that we have to face the scales once a week.
Angie

Stop Eating at 80% Full

Diva is right on target. Portion control is the absolute key to weight loss. I would like to add just two thoughts to this excellent article.

1. Many people still have problems controlling their portions. In addition to cutting down on the quantity of food you eat, another rule should be to stop eating when you are 80% full. You will find this helps decide how much "portion" is the right one. If you stop at 80%, within a half-hour, you will fill full. Many (most!) Americans do not stop until they are past full. We've ruined our ability to judge how much is enough. Oversized restaurant portions and processed food that is specifically made to taste so good (with added salt, sugar and fat) we can't stop eating are to blame. Getting to the point where you'd "honestly rather have a piece of fruit" is an ideal goal.
   
   
2. Many medications cause an increase in appetite. If you find that you just cannot stop eating or it all tastes so good you can't resist, you should consider asking your doctor if any of your medications are the culprit. I couldn't believe how much easier it was to stop at 80% when it was time to quit taking one medication. I believe one answer to America's obesity problem might be a nasal spray that dampens our appetite (which is being developed). This could be a true lifesaver for a certain percentage of people.
   
   

For the rest of us, following Diva's advice is a better way!
KHH

Kudos to Diva

Thanks for the Help

I really appreciate this story. I'm trying to lose weight and this is the most sensible thing I've read or heard anywhere. I needed this. It quite possibly could save my life. Thank you so much.
Nancy

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