A huge part of Scale Plan is debunking myths and damaging mindsets about weight loss – it isn’t a game! ?

There are so many approaches to weight loss – and one approach can be really damaging – on an emotional, mental, and financial level. I came across an interesting article on BBC News the other day about how US weight-loss wager firms are targeting UK dieters (BBC: "Divisive weight loss wager firms target UK dieters").

These companies encourage you to set wagers about how much weight you can lose over a certain amount of time. Deposit a wager, lose the weight, and you “win a cash prize!” Lose weight and win money? This sounds like a total no-brainer. But remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. There is so much more at stake gambling on your weight-loss than money.?

These websites claim: ‘leading academic research shows that money enhances weight loss success’. A quick look at this research shows that yes, people will lose weight in the beginning. But what the websites fail to report is that people will soon put the weight back on once they stop placing wagers and may even end up at a heavier weight compared to when they started. You won’t lose the weight in a safe and sustainable way, and you may lose self-confidence in your ability to lead a healthy, happy lifestyle once the weight creeps back on. ?

I found a really interesting disclaimer on one of these websites– “Results may vary. Our job is to supply fun and motivation; your job is to supply the effort.” It looks like the fun and motivation comes through generic, one-size-fits-all emails sent to your inbox. ?

To lose weight, you need to be given more than fun and motivation. You need education, coaching, and support that is tailored for YOU, to fit in with YOUR lifestyle. To be fit and healthy, it’s all about making small changes, one habit at a time. ⚖️