There is a growing obesity epidemic in the UK. Is the solution to this problem to be found in other countries where there is a focus on calorie control and state-sponsored exercise programs?
Channel 4’s series, Around The World In 80 Weighs, followed six British citizens as they attempted to lose weight by adopting the weight loss techniques of other countries.
They met individuals hired by “fat people” agencies and individuals who had lost limbs due to diabetes. Two of the participants share their experiences.
Sue, 58, a mother of two from Kettering, Northants, said that she had always wanted to travel the world and lose weight. She joked that the only way she would lose weight was if she were sent to a deserted island and fed very little. After struggling with her weight since hitting menopause, and lacking self-confidence, she decided to join the Channel 4 contest. She had attempted various diet plans, including WeightWatchers, and had lost weight but regained it. Realizing that she needed a complete lifestyle change, she committed to giving up junk food and reducing sugar consumption.
She and her group traveled to four countries to learn about international weight loss methods. Some aspects were challenging, such as the social attitudes toward weight in Japan. She embraced new habits from her travel experiences, including eating slowly, selecting the right ingredients, exercising, and consuming fermented foods. She lost 4st and has maintained her weight loss, experiencing an improvement in her menopausal symptoms, sleep, and skin health.
Therryi, 33, a community officer from South London, recalled how her childhood memories revolved around food, as she sought comfort from emotional eating. She realized that she was on a dangerous path with her weight and emotional dependence on food. Joining the show as an opportunity to make a change away from her familiar environment, she underwent a transformation. She acknowledged the addictive nature of sugar and tackled her emotional connection with food. Therryi has adopted healthier eating habits, reduced her sugar intake, and has lost 3st, resulting in improved physical and mental well-being.
The experiences of Sue and Therryi demonstrate the impact of embracing a new lifestyle and the difficulty of breaking old habits for the sake of weight loss. Both participants have achieved significant weight loss and have adopted healthier food choices.
