And when those expectations don’t gel with the reality, weight regain may follow. But to say it puts a strut in their step might be going too far.”Īll of this hype leads to fairy tale expectations about weight loss. Charles Burant, director of the University of Michigan’s Metabolomic and Obesity Center. “Anecdotally, patients say they feel better and are happier and studies support that,” says obesity researcher Dr. It’s well documented that even small amounts of weight loss can improve mobility and energy levels, and also gives a boost to self-image. To be fair, some folks who lose weight do wind up doing all these things. They become social butterflies, the life of the party. They go back to school or get promotions. They find their true selves and their true loves. But weight loss chat rooms, forums and blogs are filled with people who are wondering why their newfound svelte selves and stellar metabolic profiles are leaving them ever-so-slightly disappointed.Īnd who can blame them? Reality shows, weight loss books, movies, TV shows and advertisements all tell tales of people dropping major poundage and gaining seemingly perfect lives. In a culture obsessed with BMIs, the tears and triumphs of “The Biggest Loser,” and the latest-greatest surefire way to lose weight and keep it off, Larsen’s take on her new lean physique sounds like heresy. “I think fat people are sold a fantasy, and then get no support in the reality, because we’re simply supposed to be grateful that we’re no longer fat,” Larsen says. She thought she’d be dynamic and brave and ready to take on the world, just because she was thin. Larsen thought skinny came with a mega-boost of self confidence.

Half-Assed by Jennette Fulda