weight loss rules

Question
My wife and I are in a weight loss contest, not unlike the TV show, the Biggest Looser.  She wants to meausre loss by percentages, not pounds lost.  I agree that NORMALLY that would be fair ... but here are MY arguements for doing pounds, not percentages:

She is a busy RN, working on her feet all day, I am at a forced desk job.  Hence, for 9-10 hours a day, our activities are controlled.  Because of our jobs, she naturally will get more calories burned.

True, I am a male, she is a female,  Harder for females generally to drop weight.  But I am 58, she is 45.  I say the age difference should compensate for the gender differences.

And finally I am at 275, 6ft3in tall, she is at 195, 5ft7in tall.  I have a LOT more to drop.  Is that a factor ?  I don't know.

Just curious what you would suggest for a fair contest rule and WHY ?

Thanks !

Answer
Hi Bill,

Unfortunately I am going to side with your wife... somewhat. I always recommend tracking weight loss as a percentage of body fat loss rather than weight loss.

Why? Muscle dictates metabolism. Build lean mass to increase calorie burning efficiency by eating mainly low-glycemic foods and exercising (weight training or other resistance exercise too!).

Here is a fair goal for both of you:
Your wife's desirable body fat percent at her age is 23%-34%.
Your range is 11%-22%.
You could both shoot for the upper range, maybe 2-3 points under and up to your max percent. For example, your goal would be 19 to 22%. This accounts for your age and sex.

In the meantime you will both lose weight, and most importantly become healthier people, and of course you will have a winner. Even if you track total pounds you still have the most work to do. Being stuck to a desk should not enter into the picture, you need to curb your eating habits and start exercising.

No starving yourselves! In general a 2 pound per week weight loss in good, it may vary but avoid trying to lose 70 pounds in a month!

You can have your body composition checked at your nearest fitness center or gym.

Have fun,
Dan Haley, CNC

www.marketamerica.com/alkalinenutrition

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