Over the years, we've received several emails from people taking part in office weight loss contests. You know the deal: everyone throws in 10 bucks and they compete to see who can drop the most weight in a set period of time. Winner gets the prize money.
Inspired by TV weight loss shows, these little competitions are supposed to provide motivation and help everyone at the office lose some fat and get healthier. Sometimes even the company pitches in the prize money.
But the people emailing us aren't asking for effective and sustainable training or nutrition advice. They're asking us how to rig the results so they can win the cash.
Okay, let's play along. Let's answer the question, "How do I lose the most weight by a set date?"
Here's what will happen:
The sad part it, many people trying to lose fat adopt many of those self-destructive practices. Why? Two main reasons.
First, they want to lose weight as fast as possible. Sure, everyone who has weight to lose wants that. But they don't differentiate between "weight" and "fat" (or even fluids). You don't really want to lose weight. You want to lose fat.
In fact, since the amount of muscle you have is the largest contributor to your overall metabolic rate, you should actually be trying to gain weight... muscle weight. If the scale number goes up and your pants size goes down over time, you're doing it right (as long as you're not starting off obese, of course).
Second, it often just comes down to not knowing any better. Even today, every weight loss commercial on TV focuses on the scale, that blind device that doesn't know the difference between muscle, fat, water, and that big poop sitting in your colon. With media bombardment like that, even those who do know better can fall into the scale-weight trap.
The scale can be okay to use if you have a ton of fat to lose, but it should be third on your list of progress measurement tools, behind photos or mirrors and tape measurements. Those who are already in pretty good shape and just want to bring out their abs don't need a scale at all. Seeing those natural, daily functions in weight can be demotivating and get you off track.
You probably already know better, but many of your family members and friends do not. Help spread the word: ditch the scale. And don't participate in that silly office weight loss contest.
Ask Me Anything I receive great questions in my T Nation Community Coaching Lab. If…
Ask Me Anything I get a lot of great questions in my T Nation Community…
An Exaggerated Warm-Up Isn't Helpful I don't know when the lengthy warm-up became a thing,…
Training and Your Metabolic State When I think "workout," I think of speeds. Your metabolic…