Why weight-loss programmes at fitness centres fail

When 38-year-old Sreedip Ghosh — a Bangalore-based techie — got himself enrolled in a weight-loss programme offered by a well-known gym in the city, he assumed that his problems, including high cholesterol, lethargy and the regular taunting from friends, will come to a happy end. This was about a year ago, when Sreedip weighed 88 kilos. Forward to the present. Sreedip, now, weighs 93 kilos — 5 kilos more.

Sreedip is not a loner. Many who intend to lose weight end up with a few extra pounds and no effective results in the long run — because of certain mistakes. Sreedip lost 10 kilos in the first two months after joining the gym. “But after the first three months of gyming, when I had to stay back late at work, to satisfy the US-based clients, my weight-loss programme went for a toss,” he recollected. It was time for weight reversal and no sooner he stopped attending the gym, Sreedip ended up gaining weight.

Why is it that most of the weight-loss programmes are more of a failure than success? Explains Dr HV Shivaram, chief of gastrointestinal and bariatric surgery, Columbia Asia Referral Hospital, Yeshwanthpur: “Weight-loss programmes are effective, so long as the person concerned is a part of the programme. To have a permanent solution through these weight loss programme, one needs to continue with the programme for the rest of his/her life, which is very difficult. However, in 90 per cent of the cases, the moment one stops hitting the gym and exercising, he tends to regain the weight lost and more.” Many fitness centres offer programmes sans dedicated trainers — and those in most of the others lack knowledge and aren’t professionally trained.

What seems to be a more long-term solution is to undergo behavioural changes and lifestyle modifications, along with exercising and dieting, said Dr Shivaram. “One should not lose more than one kilo of weight per week. Otherwise it can harm the body. To maintain your weight, around 45 minutes of brisk walking or jogging or cycling or swimming, at least six days a week is essential,” he added.

Moreover, it is best to consult a doctor, before enrolling in any weight-loss programme. “Only people with BMI (Body Mass Index) between 25 to 30 can lose weight through dieting and exercising. Those with BMI between 30 to 35 are people with morbid obesity and require medical intervention. Other co-morbid problems like blood pressure and diabetes also require to be considered. Generally healthy people with BMI of 35 and people with co-related problems and a BMI of 32 and above are recommended to undergo bariatric surgery,” said Dr Shivaram.

“Often people want quick results, as they would be preparing for, say an event like marriage. This gives them just a few weeks to see the results. However, they need to keep in mind factors such as their fitness history and realise that months or years of lack of exercise can not be reversed in a short span of time. Making fitness part of your every day routine will avoid these situations,” said Anjali Sareen, co-founder of the Zone Pilates Studio and a fitness trainer and instructor.

Moreover, incorrect training methods and forms of exercise lead to boredom, injuries, burnout, lack of results.

Hence, it is always advisable to consult a physician before starting any exercise routine and follow the advice of a fitness professional, she added.
A good fitness plan needs to be a combination of exercise and nutrition. “A successful fitness plan needs to be one that can be incorporated into your lifestyle. Only then is one going to be able to stay with it for the long run, which is what is crucial to see results. The most important factor is finding the right exercise and activity that will help you stay motivated,” said Anjali. It has to be an exercise that appeals to you on a level that it does not just mean having to go through an ordeal of a workout or just sweating it out.
“In nearly two decades of working with people, I have seen really great results being achieved by people who found the right mix whether it was pilates and cardio, yoga and strength training, or an outdoor sport such as running, tennis, swimming,” added Anjali. When it comes to dieting, the common mistake that people do is to confuse between dieting and starving. “Many cut down on one meal as a way of dieting. Now, if you are hungry, you tend to eat a lot. Result is that, they end up eating much more in the next meal, thus gaining calories,” said Jyothi Prasad, chief dietician, Manipal Hospital.
Deepavali to New Year’s is the time for parties and get-togethers. The best way to maintain your calorie count is by taking a serving of soup, salad or sprouts from home before hitting a party. The logic is, since you won’t feel hungry, you will end up eating less, she explained.