Weight Loss Success Stories
Dieters are generally cautioned against uncritically accepting the weight loss success stories normally trumpeted in diet books, and especially on TV infomercials, where "before" images of apparently obese people are compared to amazingly slinky "after" photos are displayed of the same persons after trying a certain program. Most have noticed the before picture is usually a poor resolution and contrast quality, with the person in an unflattering "two dollar outfit," while the after image features a person wearing a designer outfit in a professionally lighted setting.
Weight loss success stories use powerful imagery like this, so where is the accuracy? One thing the presenters of these programs do not explain is what the original subject was like "before the before." Some large 30 something women, for example, may have been dancers or cheerleaders in their 20s, then may have month with temporary situation that got them away from an active lifestyle. As soon as they hit the gym or again got serious about their eating habits, their bodies were going to snap back into shape anyway, regardless of what system they used.
The true test of authentic weight loss success stories should come from featuring subjects who were always weight challenged, and showing how even they could change their situation dramatically. The TV reality show "The Biggest Loser" features contestants of this type, and has been successful largely because of its commitment to showing the truth about what it takes to drop the pounds. Your own weight loss planning should be geared around real examples like this, and not the gimmick commercials.
