[chosenbreed]

> And that's why weight loss techniques need to be treated like a new lifestyle, instead of a goal you hit and then finish. I lost 60 lbs a couple of years ago ...

Firstly, fantastic achievement. I'm curious as to what motivated you enough to put in the effort (I'm assuming it required effort).

Secondly, I wonder if the speed/drastic nature of the weight-loss can be counter-productive. When you think about people don't become over-weight overnight. Perhaps a more gradual pace with some time for settling at various stages of the process...I'm thinking losing weight over a couple of years as opposed to over a couple of months.

[overgard]

Not a doctor, and this is just anecdotal, but I lost 60 pounds in 3 months, a couple years ago (6'4" -- went from 260lbs to 200). So that was about 0.6lbs a day. (I think that's actually on the low range of metabolism -- some people can do more like 1-2lbs a day fasting).

Honestly, there were no side effects other than my back problems went away, I stopped snoring, and I felt better. Even with fasting, I just think your body has enough time to catch up when it's just a pound a day or whatnot. (Btw, you know what the world record for fasting is? 382 days. I'm not recommending that, I like food, but, as long as you get enough nutrients not to get something like scurvy and you consult with a doctor the human body is a lot more adaptable than people realize)

[SketchySeaBeast]

It was my health. My snoring was bothering my wife, and I was exhibiting sleep apnea so I knew I either had to lose weight or go to a doctor, and I hate visiting the doctor.

And the time is certainly a factor - people have to set up weight loss scenarios that are sustainable over the long term. My weight loss goal was 1-2 lbs a week, so that was aggressive, but I am large enough that I can lose weight on enough calories to not feel deprived. By counting calories and making sure I had enough to enjoy myself it was a relatively easy process, once I got used to the counting and accountability.

[therealx]

For some people, I think they shouldn't be given the false hope that "enough to lose weight" and "enough to enjoy myself" go together. Part of losing weight is a fundamental rewiring of what is "enjoying myself".

[SketchySeaBeast]

Oh yeah. As a sweet freak, for me "enjoying myself" is a cup of frozen yogurt at the end of a day full of chicken breasts, not a plate of nachos or a whole pizza.