75% of the Nurse Staff Needs to Lose Weight

Recently I had to take my mom to the emergency room. As I sat outside her room near the nurses station I observed the staff. There were four nurses on duty. I watched them scoot back and forth across the floor in their chairs from one spot to another. I just shook my head. Two of them were eating chips and a third had a candy bar.
My point is, three of the four nurses were extremely overweight. They had me beat...and believe me...I still have to lose a lot of weight to be in the healthy range.

I thought to myself, what kind of example are they setting for patients? Most people look up to the medical profession. To me, they should know all the potential health problems obesity causes. I would think they'd address the weight loss issue way before they got that big. Perhaps they reinforce each others bad habits while at work. Even the girl at the intake desk had an open bag of doritos sitting on her desk when we filled out mom's paperwork.(She was overweight but not as extreme as the nurses)

As I sat there I thought, if they don't care anymore about themselves than that, how can they give good care to the patients? I watched two of them walk up to the intake area...they waddled. It was obvious, it was a real effort for them to walk.

I left there with a smile...my mom was ok and they made me fell thin for a short time.

Weight Loss...Lose 100 Pounds With Behavioral Changes

To think a person could lose 100 pounds in just 44 weeks by changing their behavior is quite impressive. James Anderson, a doctor and professor at the University of Kentucky has just led a nine-year study of patients who have lost 100 or more pounds. This weight loss result was achieved by following an intensive behavioral program.

Dr James Anderson, who is a professor at the University of Kentucky (UK), has been involved in clinical research for more than 33 years. In the early 1980's, he pioneered the use of high fiber diets for treatment of diabetes and launched the "oatmeal craze." Therapeutic specialties include obesity, diabetes, lipid disorders, and nutrition. He is also the director of the Obesity Research Network, a nationwide network of physicians and scientists recognized for their work in the treatment of obesity and experience in clinical research trials.

There were 118 men and women involved in the weight loss study using behavioral changes. There were 63 men and 55 women involved in this 9-year study. The average starting weight of the participants was 353 pounds. The study showed the average weight loss was 134 pounds in just 44 weeks.

According to Anderson, "This study shows that one in four persons who participate in an intensive weight loss program for 12 weeks can go on to lose over 100 pounds. This program has much lower risks than surgery and can lead to similar long-term weight loss."

Study participants were enrolled in the Health Management Resources(HMR) Weight Management Program, an intensive behavioral program, which is a partnership between HMR and UK. The program is based on limited calorie intake -- 1,000 to 1,200 calories daily. They used specialty entrees and also meal replacements (ex: protein drink). They were also required to increase their physical activity. Most of the participants chose walking as their mode of exercise.

Their dramatic weight loss had many benefits. It lowered blood pressure, cholesterol levels, diabetes, and sleep apnea. 66% of the group were able to discontinue their high blood pressure medicine as well as medication for high blood lipids. They were also able to discontinue medicine they were taking for diabetes or degenerative joint disease.

"Losing more than 100 pounds is a great achievement," Anderson said. "But the overall benefits in ability to enjoy life and be a full participant in activities with family and friends are more important to most people than are the reduced need to take medicine and worry about health issues."

You Can Be In a Weight Loss Study in Your Area

Have you ever wondered where Universities and Drug Companies find people to participate in their weight loss clinical trials? I've never known anyone who was involved in any type of study. I think it would be interesting to try one.

I'm wondering if being a part of a weight loss clinical study would be more likely to keep a person motivated to reach their goal and maintain their weight loss. I wonder what the success rate is for completion of various weight loss trials. The more I think, the more questions I raise.

I was researching clinical studies and came across the University of Kentucky's website. They have done/do all types of research. They recently completed a 44 week weight loss study where the average weight lost was 134 pounds. WOW!!!!!

The University of Kentucky is located in Lexington. They have various studies available in which you can participate if you meet the criteria. The study on diet programs is here. You can also put your name on a list for upcoming studies.

There is another site in which offers various clinical trials. They cover a multitude of conditions as well as weight loss. All you have to do is type in what type of research you are interested as well as which area and it will research clinical studies available in that field for that area. The site is called Clinical Trails.gov.

I found another site, National Cancer Institute. At this site you can find a clinical trial in which to participate. You can also read the results of studies done on various types of cancer.

Last but not least is another site in which you can apply to be a participant in various clinical studies. This site is called Center Watch. This site covers a multitude of studies as well as their geographic region.

I'm debating on whether to become a participant in one of these studies. Sitting here thinking, perhaps if I find a study that involves weight loss as well as high blood pressure, I might just see if I meet the requirements of a study planned for an area I'm near.

L A Weight Loss....Divided by two Equal....New Name

A few years ago, L A Weight Loss was divide in half with one owner taking control of all corporate owned and operated centers which were called LA Weight Loss Centers, Inc. The other half became the franchisor of the franchised owned centers. It appears that during the past three years, the two separate companies have grown in different directions with obvious different program changes. For this reason, the corporate owned and operated centers have changed their name to Pure Weight Loss.

According to Pure Weight Loss, by changing their name, they now have complete control over their brand and reputation. They chose "Pure" because they felt it reprsents their focus and mission to offer healthy and effective weight loss programs to the public.

Pure Weight Loss is one of the largest weight loss companies. They claim to have over 400 centers through out the country. They claim to have helped over a million people lose and maintain their weight for the past 18 years. They accomplished this through customized meal plans, and a balanced food program, along with one-on-one weight loss counseling.

I went to Pure Weight Loss to see what the new site looked like. (The site no longer exists 01/03/08.) There is a place to put in your zip code. When I did that, it took me to a site called L A Weight Loss. I sure found that rather odd. It looks like perhaps they don't have all their ducks in a row yet. I'm sure it is quite an undertaking, changing names with all their stores. I'm wondering though, is it that hard to change the name on a website?

Like Shakespeare said, "What's in a name that ........" If it successfully helps a person lose weight......who really cares what it's called. It must be all about the money.....you think?

Weight Loss Failures.....Who's to Blame?

As I stated in my last post, I sited poor food choices and bad habits as the culprits for people having trouble losing weight. I realized there are more elements that contribute to weight loss problems for dieters.

There are so many weight loss plans, pills, equipment, and books written about weight loss. How many of them make claims that are untrue. Let me be a little more blunt about it. How many of them are scams and make fraudulent promises? There are too many!!! There doesn't seem to be a lot of repercussions for any of these miracle diet plans or pills when they are exposed as scams.

A few have helped weight loss but at what cost? Drugs such as fen phen as well as ephedra, and redux have caused death.
According to the RAND report, the number of deaths, myocardial infarctions, cerebrovascular accidents, seizures, and serious psychiatric illnesses in young adults is sufficient to warrant further evaluation of the safety of these products in a controlled manner (such as a hypothesis-testing case-control study) to test the possibility that consumption of ephedra or ephedrine causes these serious adverse events.

In 1997, fen phen and redux were taken off the market. There were many class action lawsuits filled against these manufacturers. These drugs caused a wide variety of health problems, ranging from vascular problems in women to heart problems.

As I stated before, weight loss is all about calories in/ calories out. If we lower our calorie intake and increase our exercise, the weight will come off. It's important to remember, losing weight slow gives a person a better chance of KEEPING it off. Read your labels, trade in that piece of cake for some fruit. Take the steps instead of the elevator. Trade in a half hour soap opera for a walk in the park.

Bottom line is this: No one knows your body better than you do. A low-calorie cookbook is going to do you far more good than many of the scams and fads available in the weight loss industry. Weight loss is a slow process.....just DON"T give up!!!

Lose Weight .....Why It's So Hard

We all know that losing or gaining weight has to do with calories in/calories out. It can't get much simpler than that. So what's our problem? Why is there so much money spent on the 100's of various weight loss pills and programs out there?

It's the POOR CHOICES we make in our daily lives that lead to packing on the extra pounds. We've incorporated quick and easy in our lives far too much. Have you noticed how many new restaurants are going up in your area? A good portion of fast food places have also spent big bucks on updating their establishments as well. I recently saw a Taco Bell that now has internet access.

Another point which makes it hard to lose weight, is our to inability to break bad habits. It sure is easier to grab a cheeseburger and fries at a fast food drive-thru than it is to try and eat a healthy salad or a plain baked potato. Of course, we have to wash our food down with a soda. Water isn't listed under drink options although you can get it if you ask.

It's all about time. We have convince ourselves we are too busy most of the timeto fix ourselves a healthy lunch before leaving for work in the morning. If we don't have time to fix a lunch, we also tell ourselves we don't have time to eat a healthy lunch. We seem to meet ourselves coming and going on this time line.

In actuality, we are killing ourselves. We are shortening our time line. Next time you go to order that cheeseburger and fries....think about your priorities. Don't you want to be around to see your kids and grandkids grow up?

My advice is QUIT procrastinating and make POSITIVE choices to start down your weight loss path. It's all about getting your priorities in order. And as I've stated before, DOCUMENT .... DOCUMENT .... DOCUMENT. Writing things down will show you in black and white what works for you.

Remember...it's all about calories in and calories out. Proper food choices and
exercise are the keys to weight loss success.

While Losing Weight......Ways to Strength and Condition as Well

There is a lot of reliable information available at the National Strength and Conditioning Association. It is one of the world's leading authorities on strength and conditioning. The site offers reliable, research-based, strength and conditioning information. It's intent is based more on action and less on hype.

There are so many exercise videos available on this website. There is something there for everyone. It's worth checking out.

LA Weight Loss....7 Office closed Abruptly.....Why?

It appears all the LA Weight loss offices in Las Vegas have closed down without any warning. There is just a note in the door saying "Due to circumstances beyond our control, we can no longer conduct business."

I was reading an investigative article in the Las Vegas newspaper concerning this weight loss company. There have been a few states that have sued companies for misrepresentation on the fees they charge. (Geesh...there is a lot of money being made in this industry)

Perhaps the LA Weight Loss program has worked for some. I'm sure these people are mad to see it closed down and feel the allegations made are untrue. I think about the ones that have been scammed by various weight loss companies and complained to the right people to get something done.
I also think about the people that have forked out money and abruptly find the place closed. Perhaps it's best to think they have saved money in the long run.

It is going to be interesting to see how this weight loss story unfolds.

Losing Weight on a Cookie Diet?

Dr Sanford Siegel, a renowned weight loss expert, just opened the first retail store for his diet cookies in Moorestown Mall in South Jersey. These cookies are packed with amino acids of some sort to curb your appetite as well as take a nice chunk out of your wallet. Six cookies a day....will it keep the fat away? Hmmmmm I think that's how I got this way....the cookie monster got a hold of me wayyyy too often.

It it's a weight loss tool that works for some....that's great. I guess I'm just a skeptic about such things.

Weight Loss....Rewarding....and Avoiding

When you are on a weight loss journey, it feel it is important to reward yourself when you have reached goals you have set. People always have off days as well and temptation can be so overpowering.. I was over at the thin club blog, she has a nice list of things to indulge ourselves with as well as a list of places to avoid.

I love sharing positive weight loss tips.

Sweating to the Hum of the Lawn Mower

There doesn't seem to be a break in this weather. Hot....Hot...Hot... AND ....Humid. I decided to cut the back and side yard yesterday. I started about 7 am with my trusty push mower. I worked until about 8:30 and had to call it quits because it was already so hot and my leg was really hurting. I went out again about 7 pm and cut some more. I quit about 8:30. That heat wipes me out but when I see how nice the yard looks when I'm done, it makes my efforts all worth while.

I weighed myself this morning and I've lost 1 1/2 pounds from yesterday. I'm sure I can attribute that to sweating during my lawn mower workout. I know I didn't drink enough fluids yesterday.

My husband works a lot outside. I'm always harping on him to take a break and drink some water. Me....I don't seem to follow my own advice. It's the ole saying "Do as I say, not as I do." (Sighs....will I ever learn?)

Weighing All the Facts and Fighting Back

I recently joined a group called Sisterwoman. It's a site where people share personal stories and where you get support and encouragement from other members.

I wanted to share an article having to do with child custody and abuse.( give the site a few seconds to load...and the voice with start automatically) It is heart wrenching to say the least. Rather than just talk about the cases, we need to write/call our congressman and relay our concern with these issues.

People in these situations need support and encouragement from all of us. Leaving them a message could be what makes the difference between them giving up or fighting on. Take the time and leave a message.

Weight Loss Success Story

I enjoy reading other weight loss blogs. I'm encouraged and am encouraged by so many people. Here is a successful weight loss video. (Pictures say thousand words) Another Weight Watchers success story.

Lose Weight on the Dog Diet

I was reading an article in the Orlando Sentinal about Patti Lawson. author of The Dog Diet. Things happened in her life making her unhappy. (this happens to all of us) Like many of us, she turned to food for comfort.

She decided to get a dog to help relieve her loneliness. This was the beginning of the dog diet.
These are my two dogs, the newest addition, Sara 8 months old and Meadow 3 years old whom we got when she was 8 months old. My children are all grown and out of the house. These "girls" have added so much joy to our lives.

Tips from Lawson's book :

1. When it comes to snacking, if your dog likes it, it's probably not good for you. ( When I eat cheddar cheese and sour cream potato chips, it's one for me, one for Meadow, and one for Sara.)
2. Eat quiet foods that don't emit enticing aromas---they're good for you and won't arouse the beast in your dog. (My dogs never hang around me when I'm eating a salad.)
3. Sure, you can walk your dog, but a traditional workout can be adapted to include your dog--you burn more calories and it's a lot more fun. (The dogs and I run around playing frisbee and ball in the yard. That wears us all out.)

It's all about having fun on your weight loss journey. Grab your dog and head for the yard. You'll both end up having a good time. (I've learned not to wear good clothes...my dogs love jumping up on me.)