Thanks for your comment. I would argue something different. People that need to lose 100 lbs or more have two things working against them. First and most importantly, they don’t know how to eat properly. The balance of macronutrients is heavily favored toward simple sugars (bad carbs). Secondly, their condition leaves them with little energy to be active – they just don’t feel like doing anything. So they basically do nothing, eat an overly-processed carbohydrate diet and do no physical activity.

The result? A slow metabolism and significant weight gain, specifically body fat.

If you make small changes in diet, it doesn’t take long for the effects to take hold. Once they start feeling better, it’s relatively easy to continue (at least until they hit a plateau).

So while the caloric ceiling and limits might work in theory, they don’t offer much in practice.

Thanks for your comments.

I would like to add my two-cents. This is in response to the last one “If you want cheesecake or a sweet . . . “

This last one I think is often overlooked. When someone has more than a 100lbs to lose they often don’t need a reason to overindulge. Everything for them is a “special occasion” for something sweet or not on there diet. Like someone on a budget, once you’re out of money or calories, you can’t spend or eat anymore. A person trying to lose 100lbs or more should be given a caloric ceiling and a time limit to lose the weight. They should be taught to make allowances so they don’t feel constantly deprived.

Time is equally important. Imagine asking someone “how long have you been trying to lose 100lbs?”

They respond “Aaaaaahhh seventeen years”. Completely unacceptable.

Good advice Dr Sekula.

jp

This is a great list of motivational tips. I’d like to add that most limitations we face are self-imposed. Once we realize that “we” are the ones holding ourselves back, we can begin to become what we want to be.

I like your writings and have added your blog to my blogroll at Shoulder Performance & Rehab.