Think you need to sign up for one of those expensive weight loss programs that require you to show up for regular meetings? Or do you believe a doctor’s the best resource to turn to when you want to lose weight?
Actually, the answer may be staring you in your face. Literally. That computer monitor you’re looking at is your window to weight loss, says a recent study from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston.
The study, conducted by Dr. Kevin O. Hwang, analyzed postings over a 1-month period (during 2006) in 18 weight loss forums.
Of the 3,368 initial messages posted to the Internet forums, 266 (nearly 8 percent) were requests for weight loss advice, the researchers report.
A total of 654 messages were posted in response to those requests, including 56 postings (8.6 percent) that contained erroneous advice. However, about a third (34 percent) of this misinformation was later corrected, the investigators observed.
Only 43 messages (6.6 percent) contained advice considered to be potentially harmful, such as encouragement to take over-the-counter weight loss aids that can cause potential harm. But more than a quarter (28 percent) of those messages were also later corrected, the investigators note.
Which is why, naturally, you should have Chubby Mommy bookmarked, if not set to your home page. Because I’m looking out for my waistline, as well as yours.