Winning At Losing

By Krista Campbell

Lisa on the day she received her Weight Watchers ribbon for losing 100 pounds

Two years ago, Lisa Sorbara was a very sick young woman, but she didn’t realize it.

Lisa, who has Down Syndrome, is only five foot one inch, but she weighed 260 pounds. Her self-esteem was extremely low; sometimes she said she wanted to die. But something happened that changed her life and her view of herself, and today she’s a slimmer, happier person.

Weight problems like Lisa’s are becoming more common. According to recent statistics, by the year 2000 the number of overweight North Americans could reach 50 per cent of the population. The reasons for this are far from simple. Weight-loss specialist, Michael Alexander explains that our bodies were originally designed to store fat in times of famine. This worked well when we were nomads and spent our days roaming from place to place, with no guarantee of food. However, our bodies still have the same predisposition for fat storage which helped us survive in those early times. This, combined with our decreased activity in daily life and our penchant for fast, cheap, high-fat food is a recipe for disaster.

People with an intellectual disability can be especially prone to weight problems for a variety of reasons. They may have limited understanding of concepts of fat and calories, and may be unaccustomed to regular exercise. Often, they are unaware of the health risks of obesity and can be oblivious to the social stigma attached to it.

Lisa’s wake-up call came in the form of a heart attack. Despite physicians’ warnings, pleading from family and friends, and health concerns like asthma and dizzy spells, Lisa was not ready to make the changes necessary to lose weight.

Experts agree that efforts to lose weight are fruitless if the desire is not there. The person must be committed to their goal. Those who have successfully lost weight often cite one specific event that made them decide it was time to make a change. Lisa’s was a heart attack and a subsequent stay in the hospital which she found disturbing. "I don’t want to go back to the hospital," she says now.

It is difficult and frustrating when a loved one doesn’t seem to care about their health. Ultimately, everyone has the right to make their own lifestyle choices and cannot be forced to make changes. However, healthy habits can be gently encouraged.

There are many complex reasons for overeating and, in some cases, counselling helps uncover emotional or psychological causes. However, it is often possible to understand overeating by encouraging the person to look inward. Ask questions like, "When do you tend to indulge, is it at times when you are bored or depressed?"

Lisa was helped by Weight Watchers, where her coach Mary Mack uses a phrase at every meeting that says it all: "Talk to me!" Sometimes talking can really help; people are often surprised at what they say or hear from others!

Initially, a weight loss plan must be made with the help of medical professionals, especially in the case of people who are obese and whose conditions could constitute a health risk. Before Lisa’s heart attack she swam several laps twice a week and did a weight workout once weekly. After her injury, isometric and aerobic exercises were out of the question, as they would strain her heart. Returning to an exercise plan was a slow process, which began with water walking and stretches. Now she’s back to her old routine, and next year she plans to rejoin her friends at the Special Olympics.

There are often medical reasons for obesity which can be determined by a physician. Some medications, especially anti-depressants, can cause bloating and weight gain. (Ironically, studies conducted recently at the University of Manitoba have shown that exercise can be an effective treatment for depression and researchers say it may be a viable alternative to medication.) Some syndromes and conditions, such as Down Syndrome, can cause people to be predisposed to obesity.

The healthiest way to lose weight is by shedding a couple of pounds a week. It requires patience, but will pay off in the end. Lisa is a perfect example. She averaged a loss of one to three pounds a week for a year and a half with some relapses along the way before finally achieving success - a loss of 135 pounds.

Positive thoughts and feedback are important to someone trying to lose weight, especially if there has been some weight gain. Often people see regained pounds as a reason to give up and become depressed. Stress the positive to encourage them, for example, "How do you feel about yourself, do you feel healthier? Remember how far we walked this week? What can we do next week to keep you on track?"

Utilize volunteer services. Contact your local YMCA, Community Living Association or even colleges and universities. Often students hoping to get into programs like physical education are anxious to gain related experience in their field, and are happy to volunteer to help someone. They can offer encouragement and friendship to a person who may not have a lot of support systems in place. The Special Olympics program and sports programs for people with disabilities are another option for those with a competitive drive.

The more people involved in the weight loss efforts the better. Lisa’s supports included her physician, a resource team to help her deal with stress, volunteers and peers, her Weight Watchers coach, and the other Weight Watchers members. Their positive encouragement was something that Lisa looked forward to each week; it helped turn negative feelings around, and kept her spirits up. Often, the best way to keep from engaging in self-destructive behaviour is to have a positive self-image. A person whose life is filled with friends, activities and hobbies will have little time, or need, for negative thoughts.

Lisa can see concrete results from her weight loss; she can walk upstairs without getting winded, and her asthma has all but disappeared. She also hears constant compliments from peers and friends, especially those who haven’t seen her for a while. Often, they don’t recognize her.

She sometimes has lapses in her healthful habits but she has learned from her friends at Weight Watchers that tomorrow is another day. When she does "cheat," she’s more likely to favour hard candy or iced tea, than the poutine or pogos of the old days.

And with the change in food tastes and priorities has come a change in attitude. Lisa is happier, she now has a job she loves and by sustaining healthy habits for two years, she has made sure she will never have to go to the hospital again.

Krista Campbell is a special needs counsellor and freelance writer who lives in St. Catharines, Ontario.

Tips For Healthy Weight Loss

( Support networks are imperative. Search out people who share your goals and will support you in your weight-loss efforts. If you have a family member who is overweight, the same principle applies. Be supportive and encouraging.

( A counsellor is sometimes needed. Often, established weight loss programs like Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig offer group or one-on-one counselling. A dietician or a family doctor can also provide support and advice.

( Keep low-fat snacks in the house and try to refrain from buying fattening, unhealthy food. If fattening snacks are not in the house, you’re less likely to eat them. If a family member is trying to lose weight, try to set an example. Keep the fridge filled with fruit, sliced veggies and low-fat dips for any snacking urges. If you can’t give up your favourite snacks, keep them in a place where only you can access them.

( Instead of watching television after supper, do something physical.

( Focus on the positive such as reaching weekly exercise goals. Try not to focus on weight gain, should it occur.

( If you encourage weight loss with rewards, don’t use food of any kind. Find something else that can be enjoyed. Rewards like clothes, a new hair style, or a bubble bath help encourage a positive self image.

( Make small changes at first. If you drink homogenized milk, try two per cent, then one per cent, and then skim. Just try to go as low fat as possible.

( If you are averse to the idea of exercise, rather than exercise itself, trick yourself into exercising. Choose a parking spot at the end of the lot, or plan activities with a physical component such as gardening, window shopping or cleaning.