# Weighty Issues. **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [April 11, 2005, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weighty-issues/298834 "2005-04-11T19:00:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2005, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weighty-issues/298834/21 "2005-04-11T20:27:58Z")
> [@belladonna](#): > > I was squicked out by that thread not because someone was soliciting weight loss advice, but rather because she–and her boyfriend apparently–felt that an extra 8 pounds on a 140 pound woman were soooooo incredibly important that the state of the relationship was balanced on them. It’s creepy. Eight pounds here, a hundred pounds there… pretty soon it adds up to some real weight. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![MinniePurl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/cab0a1/32.png) [@MinniePurl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MinniePurl)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2005, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weighty-issues/298834/22 "2005-04-11T20:29:00Z")
Perhaps it was due to the creepiness of the reason. The OP had promised her boyfriend that she would lose a certain amount of weight by a certain date, and apparently since she wasn’t able to, despite diet and exercise, he was going to be real mad and it seemed to be implied he would leave her. Ick, and also ew, and also WTF is she thinking wanting to stay with that guy anyway? ---
**Author:** ![Duke\_of\_Rat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Duke\_of\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duke_of_Rat)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2005, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weighty-issues/298834/23 "2005-04-11T20:29:34Z")
> [@Lord Ashtar](#): > > I didn’t say they would have a good case, I just said they might get sued. You think that if the Reader gets sued for a post on the SDMB that this board will be around much longer? If they are that worried about getting sued, then the mods would have to lock every thread that offered any advice. Like, “I lost my thesis because of computer advice I got here! I’m suing!” or “I took self defense courses as advised here and got my ass whipped! I’m suing!”. The list could go on and on. Why weight loss advice would be potentially any more deadly than some other advice I’ve seen here is beyond me. ---
**Author:** ![TellMeI\_mNotCrazy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tellmei_mnotcrazy/32/3419_2.png) [@TellMeI\_mNotCrazy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TellMeI_mNotCrazy)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2005, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weighty-issues/298834/24 "2005-04-11T20:30:06Z")
The other problem with advocating any sort of weight loss approach - rapid or otherwise, is we don’t know the first thing about the OPs medical condition. What might be perfectly safe for the general population could be highly dangerous for someone with other medical problems that they fail to disclose for whatever reason. I’m not arguing for or against the closing of the thread, just tossing out ideas as to what the mindset might be. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2005, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weighty-issues/298834/25 "2005-04-11T20:30:07Z")
> [@Lord Ashtar](#): > > As Muad’Dib said in another thread, I’m not going to give you a cite for the bleeding obvious. :rolleyes: We don’t need a cite… what we need is some balance, perspective and a sense of proportion. Is that so much to ask? 😛 ---
**Author:** ![SkipMagic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skipmagic/32/20706_2.png) [@SkipMagic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SkipMagic)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2005, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weighty-issues/298834/26 "2005-04-11T20:36:52Z")
If the referenced thread were a discussion debating the merits of rapid weight loss, it wouldn’t have been closed; if the OP were soliciting opinions of different types of diet programs, it could have stayed open. Unfortunately, the OP was asking for specific medical advice for herself, and that has been frowned upon for a long while now. See [here](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=6038813&postcount=9), [here](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=5699678&postcount=7), [here](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=5689457&postcount=17), [here](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=5654693&postcount=17) and [here](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=5588523&postcount=8) for reference. When losing weight, one is advised to consult with one’s medical doctor before beginning a diet. When losing weight as rapidly as **Ink a dink a dink** wanted, she definitely should consult with her doctor (who is familiar with her medical history), and not be asking for such advice on the internet. In the wise words of **[C K Dexter Haven](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=5588523&postcount=8)**: > [@](#): > > Asking for medical advice on these Boards is not permitted and not even sensible. Talk to your doctor. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2005, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weighty-issues/298834/27 "2005-04-11T20:39:07Z")
> [@MinniePurl](#): > > Perhaps it was due to the creepiness of the reason. The OP had promised her boyfriend that she would lose a certain amount of weight by a certain date, and apparently since she wasn’t able to, despite diet and exercise, he was going to be real mad and it seemed to be implied he would leave her. Ick, and also ew, and also WTF is she thinking wanting to stay with that guy anyway? There is a popular poster on this board who’s spouse seems to make a habit of philandering. The poster has made a concious decision to stay in the marriage despite the difficulties and associated depression. The poster requested advice, received various extensive replies and the thread remained alive and active. Why is the weight issue any more abhorent than the one I just described? ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2005, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weighty-issues/298834/28 "2005-04-11T20:59:43Z")
> [@SkipMagic](#): > > Unfortunately, the OP was asking for specific medical advice **for herself** , and that has been frowned upon for a long while now. . - Bolding mine. So that’s the distiction. In other words, couching the question in a non personal manner, as in, “My _friend_ wants to lose 10lb in a week…” gets the SDMB off the potential legal hook, in a manner of speaking. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![MinniePurl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/cab0a1/32.png) [@MinniePurl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MinniePurl)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2005, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weighty-issues/298834/29 "2005-04-11T21:14:17Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > There is a popular poster on this board who’s spouse seems to make a habit of philandering. The poster has made a concious decision to stay in the marriage despite the difficulties and associated depression. The poster requested advice, received various extensive replies and the thread remained alive and active. > > Why is the weight issue any more abhorent than the one I just described? I don’t know to whom you are referring, but my advice to them would likely also be “WTF are you doing staying with that person?” as well. What’s your point? That you **don’t** find someone knuckling under to a control freak distasteful? That it is perfectly okay with you for someone to demand that their SO stay under a certain weight, or they will leave them? ---
**Author:** ![SkipMagic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skipmagic/32/20706_2.png) [@SkipMagic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SkipMagic)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2005, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weighty-issues/298834/30 "2005-04-11T21:26:36Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > So that’s the distiction. In other words, couching the question in a non personal manner, as in, “My friend wants to lose 10lb in a week…” gets the SDMB off the potential legal hook, in a manner of speaking. Not even that, [actually](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=5654693&postcount=17). If we don’t want you soliciting medical advice for yourself (when it’s presumed you know at least some of your health problems), we certainly don’t want you soliciting medical advice for someone else. Point is, don’t ask for medical advice. Instead, talk with your doctor. ---
**Author:** ![Inigo\_Montoya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inigo_montoya/32/124_2.png) [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2005, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weighty-issues/298834/31 "2005-04-11T21:35:57Z")
> [@belladonna](#): > > I was squicked out by that thread not because someone was soliciting weight loss advice, but rather because she–and her boyfriend apparently–felt that an extra 8 pounds on a 140 pound woman were soooooo incredibly important that the state of the relationship was balanced on them. It’s creepy. By Inky in another thread, and only slightly out of context: > [@](#): > > When I met him I was 160. I did Atkins and got to 132. Now it’s a big deal about “broken promises” and how I “said” I would never go over 135. Sounds like the weight is a matter of personal preference on her part and represents something to her besides body fat ratios. And FTR, I lost 10 pounds the first week in January, another 10 pounds during the last week in February, and 5 more just last week. 'Course it’s all from stress-induced starvation, but hey, I’m looking alright and I have made a conscious effort to make the most of the loss & eat better & less than before Christmas. My guess is that Inky appreciates the pressure to maintain what has been established as her desired weight. Some people pay a trainer to keep them accountable of such things, Inky’s guy does it for free. And if she DOES ever get sick of his technique, she can always join Club Inigo in the Mile High City! ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2005, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weighty-issues/298834/32 "2005-04-11T22:11:06Z")
> [@MinniePurl](#): > > I don’t know to whom you are referring, but my advice to them would likely also be “WTF are you doing staying with that person?” as well. What’s your point? That you **don’t** find someone knuckling under to a control freak distasteful? That it is perfectly okay with you for someone to demand that their SO stay under a certain weight, or they will leave them? Nope. I’m saying, **none ya**! As in, MYOB or NOYB. Pick one you like. 😛 The OP didn’t ask whether on not her rational for wanting to lose weight was reasonable, acceptable or palatable to anyone. She asked how she could lose the weight. Period. But don’t let that stop you. Feel free to get right up in her business. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2005, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weighty-issues/298834/33 "2005-04-11T22:14:00Z")
> [@SkipMagic](#): > > Point is, don’t ask for medical advice. Instead, talk with your doctor. What if I wanted a second opinion? 😃 \ ---
**Author:** ![SkipMagic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skipmagic/32/20706_2.png) [@SkipMagic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SkipMagic)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2005, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weighty-issues/298834/34 "2005-04-11T22:31:49Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > What if I wanted a second opinion? 😃 Ask the same doctor twice. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![tomndebb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b9e5f3/32.png) [@tomndebb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tomndebb)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2005, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weighty-issues/298834/35 "2005-04-11T23:00:31Z")
[doctor] Second opinion? OK. You’re overweight and you’re ugly. [/doctor] ---
**Author:** ![Mtgman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5a626/32.png) [@Mtgman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mtgman)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2005, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weighty-issues/298834/36 "2005-04-11T23:02:15Z")
> [@Quicksilver](#): > > Cite? Let’s get real here. I’d like to see any evidence that losing a single 10 lbs in a single week (as opposed to 10 lbs every week over a long haul) would be “highly dangerous” to anyone over, say, 110 lbs and under 5’4". And no single cases, please. I want evidence, not stories about a friend of a friend. [Here’s a cite](http://www.netwellness.org/question.cfm/28515.htm) > [@](#): > > Don`t forget to help the client identify a realistic weight loss goal. That goal should never exceed 10% of initial weight in a six-month period. After six months, the client should try to maintain the loss for a few months before considering further weight loss. This was advanced by [Shirley A. Kindrick , Ph.D. Team Leader Comprehensive Weight Management Program Center for Wellness and Prevention The Ohio State University Medical Center The Ohio State University](http://www.netwellness.org/experts/cv.cfm?personid=222) The OP in the original thread wants to lose nearly 10% of her body weight in a week, versus Dr. Kindrik’s guideline of six months. Enjoy, Steven ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2005, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weighty-issues/298834/37 "2005-04-11T23:16:26Z")
Actually **Oy!** asked for the cite. But I’ll be happy to pass this along. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Mtgman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5a626/32.png) [@Mtgman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mtgman)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2005, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weighty-issues/298834/38 "2005-04-11T23:18:11Z")
**Oy!** :smack: Sorry, Steven ---
**Author:** ![Oy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/bc8723/32.png) [@Oy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oy)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2005, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weighty-issues/298834/39 "2005-04-12T01:59:56Z")
What you’re proving, **MgtMan** , is that it’s not recommended. No one here is contesting that. What I’d like to see is evidence that losing 10 lbs in a single week, and ONLY 10 lbs in one single week, is dangerous. Because I’ve never seen any evidence that it was, and I’d like someone who has any to show me. Less than ideally healthy? Sure. Although in the first week of a diet, when half of what you’re losing is water weight, I question even that. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2005, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weighty-issues/298834/40 "2005-04-12T03:40:06Z")
> [@Lord Ashtar](#): > > I didn’t say they would have a good case, I just said they might get sued. You think that if the Reader gets sued for a post on the SDMB that this board will be around much longer? I guess we’d best get used to the idea of no Straight Dope, because in our litigious society, that’s going to happen sooner or later. I’m going to miss all of you. Well, most of you. The vast majority of you. :: sniff :: [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weighty-issues/298834.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weighty-issues/298834.md?page=3)