Diet and Health FAQ

Tagged As: online diet weight loss

Question:
I'm a writer with CIO, a business and information technology magazine published outside of Boston, Mass. I'm writing an article for the Feb. 15, 2002 issue on personalization technologies and the privacy issues around personalization. I'm looking to speak with someone who has used or considered using an online diet weight loss program, such as e-Diets. I'd like to hear aobut your experience using the program, why you chose to use it or not choose to use it, and if when considering it, you had any concerns about the privacy of your personal information.

Answer:
I was an eDiets member and still receive their newsletter several times a week. I was not successful using their program, but it was not because of a fault in their program. The problem was on my side, in that I don't think I was at my highest level of dedication. I started at 202 pounds in December of 1999 and had planned to reach a goal weight of 144. I bailed out in March of 2000 after having lost about 10 pounds. I was on a 1500 calorie program and started with the meal plan that included recipes. Not being a cook, I switched to the plan the was built around pre-packaged Healthy Choice meals. I started the eDiets program just after Christmas of 1999. This is a time when many dieters are really up for a weight loss program. However, true to form, I did not continue and actually gained a few more pounds. The eDiets program provided a great deal of great tips, pointers and resources that could be printed out. I still have the copies of the exercises they provided. The exercises were a unique part of their program because they were animated so that one could view how they were to be done. The exercises were categorized as beginner, intermediate, etc. There was also a printable journal that one could keep from day to day in order to keep an eye on what was being eaten as well as a place to jot down notes on one's mood, feelings, attitude and other personal tidbits. eDiets hosted chats sessions for dieters at various levels. However, as with many chat lines, the one I participated in got off topic readily and tended to be dominated by one or two strong-willed dieters so I dropped out of that also. I sort of need a support group that bolsters everyone up even when they fail. The eDiets chat I was in also somehow hooked to my email so everyone involved with the group got a great deal of email every day; and after a time, members started begging to be taken off the listserv. At this time I am a returning Jenny Craig client having been their client some years ago. I have been on their program since July and have lost 32 pounds (from a start of 209). My goal this time is 135 pounds. I have more motivation this time around--living longer. I had a high blood pressure reading at my last physical and a stern warning to get a grip on my blood pressure and my weight or I may suffer very negative consequences. Scared out of my wits, I returned to dieting and I am doing the right thing. I never fail to drink eight glasses of water a day. I'm eating what is prescribed by the diet, and I am exercising at least four times a week. I have gone from size 18 to size 14 (still some 16's). I hope to lose a total of 75 pounds and extend my life span as far as possible.