(Michael Friedman's 2nd visit)

Dearest:   My guest tonight became a Weight Watchers® leader in Oakland, CA. 
after shedding 85 pounds on the internationally successful program.

                         M I C H A E L   F R I E D M A N

... went from 256 to 171 pounds and has become an endurance and marathon runner, 
participating in some of the country's most popular marathons.  Michael also raises 
thousands of dollars for the Arthritis Foundation in the process. Losing weight, 
becoming fit, and successfully completing the marathon have changed Michael's 
life forever.  His current goal is earning a Certificate in Fitness Teaching.

Michael, welcome back to Power Surge :)  Why do you suppose so many people have 
little trouble taking OFF the weight, but have major problems KEEPING it off?


Mike Friedman:   Did you all know that I became a lifetime member of WW in 1991 and then 
regained my weight?  It's true.  The reason for that was, in part, that I hadn't dealt 
with the reasons I ate like I did.  I didn't understand my relationship to food.  
My attitudes toward food.  Now I've learned about that and made the necessary 
behavioral changes.  That's the bottom line.  We have to learn about why we eat as 
we do.  Not just the abc's of eating less.  That's not enough.  Back to you, Dearest!


Dearest:   Were you a stress eater, Michael? A compulsive eater?  Did your eating 
habits fall into some category, or did you just like to eat?  


Mike Friedman:   I liked and like to eat.  But, more importantly, I tended to eat all 
too often for reasons having nothing to do with health, nutrition, or physical hunger.


Dearest:   Would you say that some people should go into some form of therapy 
first to understand why they're not eating healthfully? 


Mike Friedman:   Most of the time, no.  Most of the issues we have can be dealt with 
in a weight loss program like Weight Watchers. Not a lot of the issues are mental 
health issues.  Sometimes it can be the case, however, and then it is beyond the 
capacity of Weight Watchers to handle it.


Dearest:   Michael, what are your thoughts on fat acceptance?  By this, I mean... 
when someone is morbidly obese, do you think it's healthy to accept that they're 
fat and remain that way? 


Mike Friedman:   You know what, Dearest?  That's really none of my business.  Whether 
or not someone chooses to remain overweight is a personal matter.  It's not what I 
wanted for myself nor do I ever want to be back there again.


Dearest:   I understand that, Mike. I'm interested in it as a general health issue.


Mike Friedman:   As a general health issue, I believe that all we can honestly say is that 
there are links between obesity and certain health problems, such as heart disease 
and some forms of cancer.  On the other hand, that does not tell us that any individually 
obese person will have any other health problems.


Dearest:   Thanks, Mike :)  O Sea, go ahead with your question.


O SEAPEARL:   Emotional /stress eating is the worst as gives comfort to an uncontrolled 
life.. Mike what I have found is that WW has given a different path to follow 
than relying on emotions for stability in stress. Is this true and how does this 
work with WW?


Mike Friedman:   Whew!  Pearl that question covers a lot of ground. At WW we use what 
we call the Tools for Living.  These are eight different tools we have that support 
our members in figuring out how to deal with emotional issues around eating as well 
as many other things.  One of our basic precepts is that everything we do is for 
some positive benefit. That is, we are always trying to satisfy some real need 
in what we do. Sometimes, though, we choose inappropriate methods to deal with 
some issues.  For example, many times we deal with stress by eating. What we would 
do at WW is using the tool we call Reframing, ask the member to see if she can 
think of a nonfood way to deal with the same issue and try to work that direction.  
I'm sorry, but this is a very oversimplified answer, but to say more would become 
a long speech!  :-)  


Dearest:   I think you handled that very well, Mike. Thanks.  Ram, go ahead with 
your question for our guest.


Ram Mex077:   Does increased age affect weight loss in your experience?


Mike Friedman:   Increased age definitely affects weight and weight loss.  But not as 
much as we tend to think. One of the reasons we tend to gain weight as we grow 
older is that we tend to become more sedentary in our life style.  Dealing with 
that and becoming more active will deal with some of that tendency to gain weight 
as we age.


Dearest:   H2ogrl, go ahead.


H2ogrl6068:   Do you feel exercise is important in keeping weight off?


Mike Friedman:   Not only do I think that exercise is important, but so do all the leading 
studies.  There no longer is really any credible doubt that the KEY to maintaining weight 
loss is exercise.  It's even more important than what we eat.  I can't even begin to tell 
you how many references I've seen which support that conclusion.


Dearest:   Mike, you do a lot of work with the Arthritis Foundation. What would you say 
is the least difficult, yet most effective exercise for people with arthritis?  


Mike Friedman:   Dearest, I don't know the answer to that question.  I'm not an expert on 
arthritis itself.  I do think probably it depends on the form of arthritis an individual 
has and which joints are affected.  The Arthritis Foundation has many publications and 
exercise is something they cover.  They do have a great web site as well.


Dearest:   Okay then, generally speaking, is there a simple exercise that can provide 
good results?


Mike Friedman:   I would imagine that some form of water aerobics would be most effective 
since it isn't weight bearing.  Also for those less severely affected, walking would be 
excellent.  I've known of some who have arthritis who actually run.


Dearest:   Thanks, Mike.  Abishag, go ahead, please.


Abishag3:   Your opinion of high protein diet please? 


Mike Friedman:   Abi, I actually have no opinion whatsoever about a high protein diet.  As 
far as I can tell what works best (for me and everyone I know and work with) is a diet 
which is as close as possible to the Food Pyramid. Protein is part of that eating 
regimen. Complex carbohydrates are important as well.


Dearest:   What are your thoughts in general about the scores of diets out there... the 
Zone, Sugar Busters, the Atkins Diet, etc?


Mike Friedman:   I guess I'll have to take a careful look at each of these!  I haven't paid 
much attention to them.  I just know that WW is highly successful.  Some people in WW 
choose to eat in ways that are close to the Zone or Atkins, which they can do and be 
successful on WW.  I know that all this is somewhat controversial, but I haven't found it 
productive to get into the fray.  


Dearest:   When I looked at the most current WW diet, it seems as though you can eat just 
about anything, but simply have to limit your portions. Is that an accurate assessment of 
the program?  


Mike Friedman:   That's a reasonably accurate conclusion.  WW doesn't preclude anything.  In 
fact, WW has recently published a desserts cookbook!!!!  The point is to pay attention to 
what you eat and keep track of the POINTS which is our way of determining the value of a 
food.  To get the most out of your points, you will begin to find yourself eating a more 
healthy diet.  Otherwise you might find yourself quite hungry!  And unhappy.


Dearest:   It's come a long way from the WW I was on 28 years ago after my daughter was 
born and I lost 17 pounds on a very restricted WW diet. 


Mike Friedman:   It's fun to talk to members who have returned to WW after many years.  They 
hardly recognize it.


Dearest:   Let me ask you all a question....How many of you have weight issues?  Please 
type "yes" to screen.


O SEAPEARL:   Yes
PianoMary:   yes
Mike Friedman:   yes 
Bonnbob:   yes
Dearest:   yes
H2ogrl6068:   yes
Meg56341:   yes

WmChas2:   I was trying to keep from getting to 200 now 
I'm trying to get back to 200

PLAYMAN898:   yes
Ram Mex077:   yes
Abishag3:   yeppers


Dearest:   Why don't you put that in the form of a question for our weight loss expert, 
WmChas?  I'm sure with all those "yes" responses you have questions to ask about your 
eating habits.. c'mon, let's see those questions.  O Sea, go ahead.


O SEAPEARL:   Mike.. I have lost 9.5 lbs on WW  I found that I can eat foods I denied 
myself on other diets  In fact I feel like I feast.


Mike Friedman:   O SEA, I'm afraid you didn't ask a question!  That's a nice testimonial for 
WW, though!  :-)


Dearest:   H2o, go ahead, please. 


H2ogrl6068:   Are you familiar with the book called The Solution dealing with why & when 
we eat?


Mike Friedman:   No, H2oglr, I'm afraid I am not familiar with it.  If you don't mind, 
please send me e-mail with the author name, etc.  Thanks.


Dearest:   Mike, I have a question... something I'm very concerned about.  My problem is 
one of erratic <not erotic> compulsive eating.  I usually buy one serving of low fat 
yogurt from Baskin Robbins because I cannot keep large portions of ice cream or frozen 
dessert in my freezer.  I'll bet others can relate, too.  Today I bought two 1/2 gallons 
for $5.00 and I'm terrified they're downstairs and I'll eat too much.  So much for 
bargains.  Any advice? <ice cream is my weakness>


Mike Friedman:   Dearest, the best advice I can possibly give is to keep those large 
containers out of the house.  Believe me, I have to do the same thing.  In fact I really 
don't trust myself to have even a pint in the freezer.  :-)  As my WW leader is fond of 
saying, "Just because we're lifetime members, we aren't fixed."  Trust me, I'm not fixed! 


Dearest:   But, Mike, how come sometimes we can have so much willpower and other 
times.. zilch? 


Mike Friedman:   We all have certain foods which are "red light" foods.  Those that are 
simply too dangerous to have around.  In your case and mine, it seems that the frozen 
yogurt is one of those.


Dearest:   <sigh>


Mike Friedman:   Also, Dearest, it is possible that you are eating for as yet unidentified 
emotional reasons.  It would be wonderful if you could identify what emotion is at play 
when you eat in that way you don't like.  Once you've done that, you can work on 
identifying other ways to meet the same need that has nothing to do with food.  That can 
be a fun process to engage in.  To go into much more detail about our process here, would 
be too lengthy to delve into here I'm afraid.  And complicated in this medium!


Dearest:   Very good advice, Mike. Thanks.


Dearest:   NPowell, does your question pertain to weight issues?


NPowell550:   What can be done about increased appetite as a result of a specific 
medicine; medicine is a must to take.


Dearest:   Okay... obviously, Mike isn't a doctor. Please remember.


Mike Friedman:   NPowell, that is a tough question which comes up every now and again in my 
meetings.  Let me caution you, never stop taking medication for weight related issues.  
Never, never do anything with your medication without consulting with your doctor. Other 
than that, all you can do is the best you can with your weight control.


Dearest:   Thanks, Mike... excellent answers!!!


Dearest:   O Sea, go ahead, please. 


O SEAPEARL:   Is it wise to continue WW  meetings after you reach our goal? If so how 
long?


Mike Friedman:   O SEA, I suggest that after reaching lifetime, you continue to attend WW 
meetings at least once a month.  It is best if you continue to go every week for at least 
some length of time. I have lifetime members who never stop attending meetings.


Dearest:   Charm, go ahead, please.
Remember, this chat is focusing on weight loss. 


Charmoluv:   I just started taking prerine and I was wondering if there...


Dearest:   What is Prerine?


Charmoluv:   Menopause


Dearest:   Do you mean Premarin?


Charmoluv:   For menopause.


Dearest:   Hormones?


Charmoluv:   And I was wonder about diet with this, yes hormones.


Dearest:   Mike, Charm is taking hormone replacement therapy often associated with weight 
gain.  Hence her question.


Charmoluv:   Yes, that is the question.


Dearest:   Ok, gotcha.


Charmoluv:   If you could suggest harmful foods etc.


Dearest:   <but you might want to take another hormone.. premarin is horse pee>


Mike Friedman:   That's what I thought, Dearest.  Again, when we are talking about 
medication, that is first and foremost an issue for you and your doctor.  All I can 
suggest is that you eat the most healthy diet you can.  I am so sorry that there are 
medications that do tend to lead to weight gain.  That's something that all too many 
people have to live with.


Charmoluv:   thanks


Dearest:   Mike, since much of the weight gain in women taking hormones is associated 
with bloating, what foods would you recommend avoiding?


Mike Friedman:   Dearest, perhaps you can help me out here.


Dearest:   I'll try
Dearest:   <~~~ doesn't take hormones


Mike Friedman:   Are there individual differences with regard to what foods will make an 
individual feel bloated?


Dearest:   <~~~ uses natural plant estrogens.  I'm not sure I understand your question, 
Mike.


Mike Friedman:   You know, in general, legumes and beans are the foods that are most likely 
to cause one to feel bloated.


Dearest:   Right.. that's what I meant.  Which foods in particular can cause water 
retention?


Mike Friedman:   All I meant, Dearest, is do different individuals find that different foods 
will tend to make them feel bloated?


Dearest:   You know, like avoiding sodium. I guess I'm asking you to address the general 
question of foods that cause water retention.


Mike Friedman:   Sodium will tend to cause retention of water, so definitely minimizing 
sodium should be useful.


Dearest:   And foods high in sodium?  Cheese? Crackers? That kind of thing?


Mike Friedman:   Yes, Dearest.  The issue would be the total consumption of sodium from 
whatever source. So, any foods high in sodium would be good to minimize.  Watch out for 
many canned and prepackaged foods.  The levels of sodium can be frightening.


Dearest:   Ok, thanks, Mike. We lost charm anyway... well, not ours, but our questioner. 


Dearest:   Okay, we'll go to the next in the queue. MAR, go ahead, please. Yours will be 
our last question for the evening.


MARFGR:   What's your opinion about Chitosan? Does it really help to lose weight? 


Dearest:   Is that like a Chia pet?  <g>


MARFGR:   No it is a pill that's supposed to bind fat in meals. 


Dearest:   I was only teasing, Mar. 


Mike Friedman:   Sorry, MARFGR, I don't know about Chitosan.  I am terribly skeptical about 
such things.


MARFGR:   It's supposed to bind fat in meals. What about chromium picolinate? 


Dearest:   Chromium Piccolinate is different, I'd think. It's a vita-nutrient.


MARFGR:   I'm having such a hard time losing weight. 


Mike Friedman:   Let me answer your questions this way:  First, I think Dearest is correct.  
Second, there really aren't any miracle pills to solve weight issues.  If you read the 
fine print, all of them require that you follow a well balanced low fat diet to be 
effective.


Dearest:   Exactly.  E-mail me, MAR, and I'll get you some information, but your best bet 
is a viable diet.


MARFGR:   OK, Dearest, I'll email you. Thanks.


Mike Friedman:   That's exactly what's required to lose weight without spending all the 
money on the miracles.  Sorry about that, MARFGR.


Dearest:   Excellent answer, Mike. 


Dearest:   Michael, thanks for joining us in Power Surge to field our questions about 
Weight Watchers®, weight-loss and fitness.

Anyone interested in asking Michael any additional questions about dieting can log onto 
the Power Surge Web site at: http://www.power-surge.com/diet.shtml 
--the "Ask The Weight-Loss Expert" Page and ask anything you want.


Mike Friedman:   Dearest, thanks for having me.  I always enjoy these visits and look forward to the next one

 
Dearest:  My pleasure, Mike. You're a great guest!


Mike Friedman:   Thank you, Dearest!  You're an equally great hostess.
Good night, everyone.  See you in July.


Dearest:   Thanks, Mike, Goodnight, and goodnight, everyone. 

 
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