Please Observe Speed Limit

I've been spending some time at one of my favorite virtual hangouts -- the Weight Watchers message boards. Here's some of what I've been reading there lately:

"I want to lose 50 lbs by August, is that possible?"

"I have been on the program 2 months and have lost only 8 pounds, and I'm really discouraged."

"Hey, guys -- how long did it take you to lose 30 pounds? Think I can do it by summer?"

Maybe I've been hiding under a rock, or something, but it still astonishes me the number of people who want to lose weight FAST. Everyone -- or at least a good percentage of "everyone" -- apparently is in a tremendous hurry to lose. They want the ol' avoirdupois gone right now. Some of 'em, I think, would stick a tube in their hip and suck the fat out, if they could. (Can you imagine what the demand would be for a DIY liposuction kit, were that ever possible?) Health experts say it's best to take it slow . . . but still, folks want to exceed the speed limit, where weight loss is concerned.

I understand why, though; I really do. When you feel like you're trapped, you just want to escape. "Right now" often isn't soon enough.

Last year, I ruptured a lumbar disc and had to have an MRI. I forgot to tell my doc that I much prefer "open" MRI. I remembered only when I came face-to-face with the "donut" machine. Oops.

It was too late (and I was in too much pain) to back out, so I decided I could deal with feeling like I was stuck in a coffin for a while.

If you've had an MRI, you know that it's pretty boring (other than the claustrophobic part). And that it takes an excruciatingly long time. My session went on for about half again as long as eternity, and all I could do was stare at that little plastic ceiling, not 12 inches from my face. Shutting my eyes helped only marginally. I wanted desperately to sit up, and was barely able to keep a lid on my rising panic. I'm sure I drove the tech crazy with "Is it over? Can I move now?" "No, you have to keep perfectly still. Just a few more minutes." (Liar.) Hard to do when your back and leg hurt like hell and you think (irrationally, of course) that you're going to choke on the remnants of your winter cold -- or worse, ruin the MRI and have to start all over again.

I survived, of course, got patched up (surgery, but that's another story) and lived to write these words. The whole process was well worth the end result.

I doubt that being trapped in layers of fat generates the same panic that claustrophobia does . . . but there's no question that it can generate plenty of self-disgust. That, both from my observations and from personal experience, is one of the big reasons why folks want to drop the pounds in record time. I remember very well what it was like to be a prisoner of fat, and yes, I did want to get rid of it quickly. In the end, though, it took me several years. Frankly, I'm better off, and I am very glad I took the scenic route. As with my MRI, the process was worth what I ended up with.

By now you've figured out that I don't think quick weight loss is such a hot idea. The "why nots?" are many, but here are a few:

--It strips your body of lean tissue -- muscle mass and other useful body materials -- in addition to fat.

--It doesn't give you time to learn new eating habits.

--It doesn't always give your skin time to catch up to your new size.

--It's a quick fix, and quick fixes don't last.

There's a reason for losing weight a little at a time. Slow loss is healthy. You're able to eat enough to keep your body well-fueled and your immune system functioning properly. Why jeopardize your health by losing too quickly?

So, remember -- where weight loss is concerned, heed the speed limit. Take it slow. Take the time to do it right. Don't put a timetable on your loss . . . as long as you're losing, no matter how little, you are moving in the right direction. Do not get discouraged. You'll still get to the same place, you'll be more likely to stay there, and you'll have had more practice on the way. And as with anything worth doing, practice makes (practically) perfect.

More reading --

Mayo Clinic - Are You Ready to Lose Weight?

Healthy Weight - Brigham and Women's Hospital

JAMA - Maintaining a Healthy Weight

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Comments

[Mili Arroyo]

I recently had an MRI and what you said is a very good comparison of how we feel and the wrong notion of “losing fast!” When I started with WW a month and half ago, I also wanted to lose fast. Until one day I realized that was the reason why I kept going back to where I started with some extra pounds more – as you said, “quick fixes don’t last”. Now I have made up my mind… after all I do not like speeding! I am also taking the scenic route! Thank you!

[Nancy Huck]

I really enjoyed your story about observe the speed limit!! It is so true. I have lost almost 33 pounds and it has taken me 1 and 1/2 years to do it. This is my second time around with Weight Watchers. I was envious of some members ability to lose 2-3 pounds a week! And I would only lose .2 or 1/2 pound or I would have a setback and gain a pound or two. But through all this time I have learned from my setbacks and what I learned is what my triggers are and what not to keep in the house.
I stopped buying WW candy bars--they are too good! And I couldn't stop eating them. I stopped making WW muffins--only make them if there are other people here to eat them, otherwise I will eat them all! And I only make dessert if I am having company for dinner. I have learned that I have to walk for exercise along with healthy eating to lose weight. So, I love Weight Watchers, it is a lifetime commitment this time.

[Debbie]

Nancy, congrats! WW is for life, if you do it right!

[missy]

Are you a professional writer? Because if you're not, you should be. Write a book, make some money & get all the costume jewelry you can handle!!! Your words are very easily read, and very inspirational. Thanks

[Debbie]

Thank you! No, I'm not . . . I write as part of my job, but I'm not a professional writer, per se. I leave that to my dear hubby. A book? Maybe someday.