Abstract
Weight loss is a major concern for most people, especially women who are so keen on their physical outlook and attractiveness. With the kind of diet and lifestyle that people adopt, it is no wonder that many people have issues with their weight. Product developers tend to produce some items claimed to help in weight loss. An analysis of one such claims is given below.
No Weighting Critique
It is common for human beings to go for cheap, easy and instant things. Developments in all aspects of life have made it easy to get instant results in almost everything. This has dealt a serious blow on the patience of in humanity, with people regarding everything that takes a process to complete as time wasting. Marketers have identified this weakness in humans and have therefore come up with products and adverts that promise potential customers instant results. This makes the consumers make wrong and sometimes disastrous results while the marketer smiles all the way to the bank.
The No-Weighting advert utilizes this marketing skill quite effectively; employing the aspect of mob psychology. The advert’s wording is synonymous with no-waiting. This means that within no time, the desired results will be achieved. The article has further employed the use of influential personalities. By quoting the model and TV star Carrie Stroup and pasting her poster outlining her perfect body, the article erases any doubt that the consumer ma have. A desperate individual seeking to lose weight would definitely fall into this trap and decide to buy just for ‘trying purposes’. Whether the product works or not, the loss is to the consumer while the marketer or producer reaps the entire benefits. The advert also claims that there are products that can help to suppress the appetite, hence lead to quick weight loss. This can be quite tempting to a consumer, though its viability and applicability is not proven, as discussed later in this essay.
It is not disputable that weight loss enhances self esteem and confidence. Besides, it also helps to prevent some serious conditions such as heart problems, diabetes, stroke and physical immobility (Clark et al, 2011). However, these health professions from John Hopkins hospital have a different approach to weight loss. They claim that use of diet and exercises is the best method for weight loss. They offer exercising coaching services by both one on one basis and through long distance calls or e-mails. Whichever the method used, the results are observed after a period of six months and above. This professional counseling directly contrasts the claims and the methodology in the article. For instance, there are statistics on the success rates of different people who applied the program in different ways. These percentages lead to verifiable conclusions that can be relied on by prospective clients who want to adopt the strategy. Though it takes longer, it provides greater security than the no-weighting article that gives just empty promises.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Diseases (2008), there are many methods applicable for weight loss. However, not all are safe. Therefore, consumers are asked to make wise and informed choices. According to the NDDK, the consumers need to consider factors such as the nutritional factors, their weight issues and their weight loss goals. Furthermore, they should seek qualified personnel who are well trained and qualified to offer such advice. From this point of view, it is not clear from the No-Weighting article whether any qualified personnel was consulted in coming up with the conclusions. There is also no accreditation from a recognized, trusted or registered professional body. How then is the consumer supposed to know whether the claims therein are true or false? This sheds quite a lot of doubt on the validity of the products.
Lastly, the article puts it that suppressing the appetite can help to control weight. From a nutrition professional’s perspective, this claim is grossly misleading. Once an individual refrains from eating, it is the muscle mass that is lost. However, effective weight loss should involve the loss of excessive fat. That is, through the reduced intake of calories and the increased breakdown of the accumulated fat. This means that exercising and observing an active lifestyle is the key to effective weight loss (Everyday health, 2011). However, suppressing the appetite can also lead to a condition called anorexia bulimia. That is, the individual refrains from eating for some time, but later, the individual eats too much that there is no gain. Would this mean that an individual have to continue taking the appetite depressants in order to avoid overeating again? If so, wouldn’t this be a form of addiction which is not safe for the individual? From this perspective, it would be much better if an individual adopts the natural weight loss methods.
In conclusion, this essay has given a critical analysis on the article on no-weighting. It has given the general ideas discussed in the essay and then went on to use scientific evidence to disclaim the wrong perceptions in the essay. By demystifying the aspect of weight loss, it helps to inform the consumer on the best way of losing weight. It cautions the consumer against making hasty and ill informed decisions that may end up being harmful to his body. Rather than getting quick results that lead to long-term suffering, it is better to exercise patience and get results that assure long-term happiness and satisfaction.
References
Clark, J.M. et al. (2011). Telephone Coaching Weight Loss Program as Effective in-Person Coaching. Retrieved on 9th Dec. 20111 from http://newsroom.heart.org/pr/aha/telephone-coaching-weight-loss-218963.aspx
NDDK. (2008). Choosing a Safe and Successful Weight Loss Program. Retrieved on 9th Dec. 2011 from http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/choosing.htm
Everyday Health. (2011). Weight. Retrieved on 9th Dec. 2011 from http://www.everydayhealth.com/weight/calories.aspx
