Puzzled / shocked

[focused1]

After being a member of this site for a while and getting decent sound advice about general nutrition which seems to follow a sensible approach I thought there was no harm in having a look at the commercial side of weight loss .

I was prompted by a poster by invitation - first meeting was free . Along I went with the story that I wanted advice / help to maintain not to drastically shed anymore weight but to look after myself . I was weighed , advised that I could actually do with shedding another 7lb but the shock was when I was shown a pile of their branded goods which if you looked at their contents even minus my zero qualifications in nutrition / science were awful . No need to go into detail but I after this experience I wouldn't advice anyone to go for anything but group support. I couldn't sustain a healthy lifestyle eating these . My main concern though was a group discussion afterwards about members other ' problems ' . I stayed to listen out of wonderment . Some were telling really personal stories . Nobody present was a councillor . It is no wonder some come onto this forum with little confidence and I can't do it attitudes . We can all do it if given the right support and direction by people who don't have anything to gain other than motivating others .

[gman1961 Restart April 2025]

So true focused1,

A great post as always ,it is like when some people go on holiday they tell everyone everything about themselves etc.Why would you ?

Gary

[focused1 Maintainer 13kg in reply to gman1961]

Thought this was really negative as one person was clearly upset . Shouldn't have a public discussion at a slimming group about sensitive issues where no proper info can be given .

[Love100cats]

I agree with your post having tried a commercial on line slimming club and declaring my heart failure, not once did I get advice or support. I am getting it now from so many people who do understand and are trying to help me.

[focused1 Maintainer 13kg in reply to Love100cats]

The people running these clubs rarely need qualifications . The organiser running this must have told her success story a few times about weight loss . I didn't bother delving into her qualifications as this was a one off visit . I have since been contacted by phone and told her that I could manage to shed the 7lbs myself . As for medical issues I would never take advice that I was seriously going to follow from anyone other than a GP or consultant . General issues like food and diet - yes but exercise needs guidance as does rapid changes in diet if you have medical conditions .

[IndigoBlue61]

How shocking, but mostly very sad ☹️ I have been to WW in the past, always did well and I still like their philosophy which was based on calorie restriction, and when I was a member back in the 80’s it was also quite low carb. But I never witnessed anything like this pushing of branded products, sharing personal stories, or any fat-shaming. My main criticism is the very low calorie targets given, which were the same for everyone, but this might have changed. The main reason for my current success was the generous food plan, and emphasis on health, which is still the key to long term weight management in my opinion.

[focused1 Maintainer 13kg in reply to IndigoBlue61]

I like the personal stories and the realistic recipes that I can easily cook with real food .

[IndigoBlue61 in reply to focused1]

That’s as well!!! 😊. I only found the forum after I’d lost most of the weight though, but the forum is what has helped me keep it off (mostly)

[Hidden]

A great post focused 1 all lot of these clubs are only there to suck you in. They say it’s free but then it’s a rip of once you are there. We know people are vulnerable when it comes to weight and think it will help. Even Drs have Conflicting ideas of what is a good for losing weight. What is good for 1 is not always good for someone else. So a forum like HealthUnlocked is best. There are many folk from different backgrounds all wanting the same thing. to become healthy and in the process loss weight. Save money learn to cook.

It is a great support for everyone and we learn from each other. So it is a win win Situation. The best thing is it is free and voluntary and we only get help and not Criticised at all, and we are in a comfy and relaxed place in our own living room. 😊😊

[focused1 Maintainer 13kg in reply to Hidden]

Exactly ...and the person crying mainly about conflict a friend was not what I came to hear . We all have our issues around weight loss / maintaining but she was in a very public place with nobody qualified to give her advice .