One of the men I work with has a major weight problem. We've tried many things to help him. He never over eats at meal times at home. He has an overwhelming sweet tooth coupled with an aversion to motion (excercise).
We have tried dieting together. In a six month time span I lost 40 lbs. On the identical diet he lost 4 lbs. in the same time period. He had a minor heart attack. After recovery his cardiologist sent him to a rehabilition program. He wouldnt attend unless I escorted him. We faithfully went three times every week for eight weeks. He was very successful. His weight dropped significantly and his heart rate and blood pressure showed great improvement. Now he refuses to continue the program.
In desperation we had a long discourse with the psychiatrist he regularly sees. She tends to use a very gentle and sympathetic approach with him. Sometimes he gains ground with this method so I had great hopes for him. He admitted that when he is out of my sight he stops for 'snacks'. On a daily basis his snack regimen could include two or three pieces of carrot cake, a large frappacino to wash them down, a piece of pumpkin pie (maybe two) with a cola for rinse, five or six donuts moistened with coffee fortified with sugar and cream.
Doctors' theory was to explain to him that he would be most successful if he didnt attempt to give up all treats but rather to limit the quantity. Her suggestion was reduce the intake to one treat a day and we'd look at the results in a month. After the month of 'one a day' there was no change in weight. We finally figured out that he had translated the meaning of 'one a day'.
One piece of carrot cake with one frappacino.
One piece of pumpkin pie with cola.
One donut with fortified coffee.
Somewhere he added 'repeat several times daily'.
He really is sticking to the letter of the law. Never more than one of each item.....at the same sitting!
I guess I have to give him points for trying to make the system work in his favor.
