’Tis the season for weight loss challenges and body transformation contests. With a few exceptions, I’m not really a fan of these things. What do they really accomplish? Do the participants learn a lot about safe, sustainable fat loss? What percentage of people keep the weight off? Do these events educate people? Do they provide real support? I’m not so sure about the answers to these questions, but it seems unlikely. I’m skeptical. As soon as I hear the words “transformation” and “challenge” alarm bells go off. The very word transformation implies a dramatic overhaul. But does a typical contest last long enough to really achieve that?
Our culture is besieged with a quick-fix mentality.
These events are often accompanied by a sales pitch, or organized by someone with an agenda. If someone is pitching a so-called “transformation” contest, and claiming how easy their plan is to follow and how you won’t be hungry etc…you should realize they don’t know what they’re talking about. Actual nutrition professionals would never sugarcoat facts or mislead people.
I don’t specialize in telling people what they want to hear. That’s the business of salespeople, who are chasing a sale and a buck.
The reality is, fat loss can be very difficult. For many people, it’s a major, long-term challenge. But if I’m trying to sell you something, I’m not likely to mention that. Instead, I may paint a rosy picture. I won’t mention how many people try and fail. Or that it takes dedication. I won’t talk about effort, discipline, and trial and error. That can be a bitter pill to swallow.
After all, if I share all these unpleasant facts with you, It might just make you less likely to buy my product, or join my “team.”
So naturally, there will be a seductive narrative, such as “hey, I have this pill you can take or this special shake, and the fat will melt away!”…. or “take these special supplements, it’ll be a breeze and you won’t even be hungry!”…. When you hear people making promises like this, your guard should be up. Because the exact opposite is true.
There’s no mention of the hard work. No mention that it’s a lifestyle and it’s not gonna happen quickly. Nor do they prepare you for the ups and downs that are bound to happen.
Do short-term challenges give you the tools to succeed? Do they seek to educate you with facts? I haven’t seen this to be the case. Typically what I see is a ton of hype, hoopla, and not much substance, but plenty of eagerness to sign you up for whatever they’re selling.
If you want useful information about fat loss, short-term contests, and challenges ain’t where it’s at. I don’t believe these things promote healthy behaviors. In fact, they may do harm by giving a false impression that dramatic results can be had quickly. That could set you up for disappointment and frustration.
Fat loss is not a short-term endeavor.
But hey…I’m not here just to be negative, without offering some sort of alternative. I may not have any over-the-top promises, and I don’t have any hype, prizes, or exaggerated claims but…I have something much more valuable than that. I have information and real strategies.
I actually have a whole FREE video series on fat loss that covers a lot of the nuts and bolts, do’s and don’ts, and the ins and outs of fat loss. Give that a look on my youtube channel and enjoy some straight talk. Hopefully, you will find that helpful, and maybe it will encourage some meaningful habit changes that you will be able to sustain over the long term. Check it out here!
