Scale Back Alabama

Goals and Motivation. It is great to have an organized team effort in accomplishing a goal.

In "Scale Back Alabama" the citizens of our state are invited to form teams of 4 people that aim to lose 10 pounds over 10 weeks. Weigh ins begin this Monday, January 25 and the scale back concludes with ending weights recorded the week of April 10.

The Good: People working together in an organized fashion to modify eating habits and get some exercise to accomplish a goal. I love this concept, that is why I joined a team and will scale back to my high school wrestling weight. Note the confidence in that statement. If you are participating in this program, as with most things in life, if you believe you will do it you will do it.

More Good: I have several "scale back" clients that have lost in excess of 15 pounds that are working to the max NOW(modified eating habits and exercising regularly), not waiting until January 25 weigh in. Evidence of a person that will accomplish their goal.

The Bad: Most people will fall out of the modification funk and return to their previous lifestyle; and not only gain back their 10 pounds but add a few more for body shock insulation. Much like the concept as to why diets don't work and lifestyle modifications do.

More Bad: While during the lunch break at a company wide function (Training Day Monday) a "scale back" team leader was examining their teams lunch plates. She wanted to make sure that everyones' plate was full and that all her team members grabbed dessert and went back for seconds. Is this not similar to the bariatric (gastric bypass) candidate with a BMI between 39 and 40 eating their way to a BMI over 40 so they can "qualify" for the surgery. Think about it.

Lifestyle modifications. Are you going to continue your behavior after our 10 weeks?