Wow, it's amazing, isn't it? Over the last year I've watched Kirstie lose weight yet again. This time with the help of JC. I've never really minded Kirstie Alley. Her raspy voice and quirky comedies have always provided some form of entertainment value. Last year I reviewed her semi-autobiographical book, How To Lose Your Ass and Regain Your Life, which provided a short, informative glimpse into her past. I'm even mildly amused by her new JC commercials where she struts her new smaller butt across the screen and asks the viewer why they haven't done it yet.

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I'm sure many other women on the JC plan have lost numerous pounds. Excellent. That's is wonderful news. But you know what I want to know? Two things. First, how many dropped out of the plan after only a few weeks or few months? Of those who toughed it out, how many of them kept the weight off after two... three... five... ten years?

The diet industry is a billion dollar fortress of short-term solutions on how to LOSE weight quickly. Yet according to all the media hype Americans, European, Canadians, Cubans, Mexicans and Asians are all getting fatter. Hmm. Something just isn't right about this. The diet industry is getting rich off our excess poundage, yet the majority is still fat.

I don't think losing weight is a bad thing. The problem is the yo-yo dieting that occurs because of it. More and more research shows this is often worse than being overweight.

If you're going to spend the money (and time) I think it would be better spent researching a Dietitian to teach you the basics of good nutrition, food portions and smart food choices. Once you have a basic knowledge of that then spend some money on an exercise coach with experience working with people who weigh more than 180 pounds. Doing this is probably more likely to put you on track for a long term healthy lifestyle.

As for continuing support, there are all kinds of online groups at Yahoo groups whose main focus is support. Join a bunch to find one or two that work well for you. You get to meet people from all over the world with the same issues and it's free.

As for Kirstie, I really hope she keeps it off, gets a huge movie deal, lots of royalties, and a Oscar or whatever goals she's striving for. Regardless of her weight or the span of her butt... Congratulations Kirstie, seriously.

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