“Lose inches without any diet or exercise!” “Drop pounds by eating cookies!” “Trim and tone your tummy in days!” If you’ve ever tried to lose weight, or if you’ve ever watched TV or opened a magazine for that matter, you’re probably no stranger to these types of lofty claims. While promises like the aforementioned are usually pretty easy to detect as phony or misleading, a more recent study involving chocolate seemed pretty legit. Journalist John Bohannon conducted an actual study that suggested chocolate is beneficial for weight loss. The study made news in more than 20 countries and was picked up by a number of media outlets. While this news seemed pretty sweet (see what I did there?) last week it was revealed that it was all a hoax. What can we take away from these faux findings? Don’t believe everything you hear and it’s important to do your homework when it comes to weight-loss and nutrition claims.
As we at TOPS gear up for our annual July conference where we recognize and celebrate our members’ weight-loss triumphs, we’re reminded by our members’ own words and stories that healthy weight loss does take work and there really are no shortcuts for sustainable change. We’re also reminded that favorite treats, like chocolate, can still be a part of this change.
So the next time you’re scrolling through your Facebook newsfeed or eyeing a compelling headline about weight-loss claims, just remember the old adage: if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
By Eva Murray June 14, 2015
I was taken in for decades, trying one fad diet or scheme after another. Each failure was emotionally draining and eroded my self esteem more and more. I got off that bandwagon about two years ago and have made considerable progress by eating differently, eating less and moving more. However, I still look for the magic pill that will speed things up and am still swayed by friends’ recommendations. Intellectually, I know what I need to do but emotionally, I’m still sucked in. This is a journey.
By Maggie Thorison June 17, 2015
Thank you for sharing, Eva. You are absolutely right that this is a journey. Wishing you success along the way!
By Cynthia Rose Spencer June 28, 2015
Thanks! I am going to repeat this at this weeks’ “potluck” meeting.
By Danny Brown August 21, 2015
I just joined TOPS a couple of weeks ago. It’s been a rough start for me. I have also seen the ads making lofty promises. “take this pill…it has concentrated lemon grass zesty whatever…this will speed up your metabolism”. My brain tells me immediately that this is a bold faced lie. But to be honest, I really want to believe it. I want it to be true. The same part of my brain that knows that an advertisement is most likely malarkey is the same part of my brain that tells me it shouldn’t be hard to get my weight below 250lbs. But here we are. Why is it this hard? Why is it that the moment I tell myself that I’m going to do better I am transfixed on the things I need to refrain from?
I feel as though it is a very long road ahead of me. I just hope I have the strength for it.
By Deanna Mae June 29, 2016
Yeah, it’s true. There’s a lots of marketing technique that will hook you if you are not vigilant. As for me, every success often comes with a great sacrifice and perseverance right? Especially when it comes to our weight loss journey.