Work Issues

So I work in a small office of 15 or so people - mostly women.  The majority of these women are in their 40's and 50's and are dieting obsessed.  They are constantly "on a mission" to lose weight.  Seriously, one of these women is what I call a professional dieter.  She tried every diet on the go.  She never really loses any weight, but boy does she know how to diet.

Now they've decided they're going to have a weight loss competition over the next 6 weeks.  Put money into the pot, have a weekly weigh-in, yadda yadda yadda ... I was asked to participate but declined.  They were shocked I said no.  I said "Well, I'm not doing this for a competition, or money, I'm doing to be healthy."  See, they've done these competitions before.  And it's 6 weeks of people starving themselves, over-exercising and dropping 5, 10 lbs a week.  I'm not going to do that.  I'm quite happy with 1 or 2 lbs a week or every 2 weeks.  I'm in this for the long haul.  Last time, the "winner" dropped 30 lbs in the 6 weeks and gained back 40.  They just don't get that I don't want a "quick fix."  Now they're getting the boss to match the dollar amounts in order to promote a "healthy work place."

I'm annoyed.  There is nothing healthy about this.  If they're so concerned about their weight, why not bring in a nutritionist to work with those who need her?  Why not stock the office fridge with healthy snacks instead of dropping a box of doughnuts on the reception desk for everyone to pig out on (yeah, that happens and they STILL come and asked me to take one ...).  

It's just frustrating for me who is trying very hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle, to see these idiots being rewarded for this.  Especially since, based on past performances, nothing will change and they'll all be back to stuffing junk food into their faces the day after the challenges end.

I'm an very anti-people today ...

TES

I know your just venting, but your suggestions are good ones.  Why not suggest this to your employers.  It would benefit the whole work place.  :)

Thanks Kel ... I did try with the last "challenge" and it was soundly rejected.  Ah well.  Mostly it's a decent place to work even if some of my co-worker do make me want to bang my head repeatedly against the wall.

TES

I agree, they don't seem to see the big picture.  I do like your suggestions, and perhaps you can bring them up to the boss. 

If they really want a challenge, why not suggest WW.  At our work, they bring someone in, and do the meetings at lunch.  It's a bit modified, and possibly a bit reduced price (Not sure), and everyone pays for themselves.  Perhaps you can suggest that instead of the competition.  If the boss/company is willing to chip into a challenge, perhaps they would rather chip into a WW Meeting cost instead.  And this, you could opt in or out, just make sure that the WW counselor is aware of your surgery if you go in.

I'm not a huge WW fan (bad experience myself), but if I was an employer, I'd rather chip in on that (or something similar) then a challenge to see who can lose the most weight.

Cathy

I totally agree with you weight loss challenges never work. I've seen so many people lose the weight and gain back more.  This time of year everyone wants to get beach ready.  It would be nice if your co-workers would be a little more sensitive to your battle.  Try to be strong, you sound like you are doing all the right things to get  "you" healthy. Just try to ignore the others in your office and just keep in mind they may lose quickly but you will win the battle in the end.

Keep smiling !!!!!

Thanks Dixie.  My coworkers have been incredibly supportive most of the time.  They just don't get my mind-set on weight loss at the moment.  And I can't expect them to since they aren't walking in my shoes.

I just needed to vent a bit. :)

TES

I totally agree Cat, but the boss only listens to one person and this is her thing ... she wants it this way so this is how its going to be.  The joys of working for a small company.

Oh well ... I just need to forget about it (hard to do since it's all they're going to talk about for the next 6 weeks, but I'll try) and keep on doing my thing.

TES

You're right - there is nothing healthy about it. I too would find the whole "weight loss challenge" idea frustrating but hey, to each his own I guess.  I will assume, however, that they'll be consumed with it and this will be the only topic of conversation for several weeks - THAT I would find irritating for sure. And when they all go back to stuffing their faces and put any weight back on? Well, I would simply feel an inner personal satisfaction and carry on. ;)

I'm already practicing being smug and will be buying a new pair of jeans in a smaller size as soon as the leader of the pack gains her weight back. ;)

TES

At this point, the snarky side of me would look forward to the next six weeks of being well fed on my tiny portions of healthy yummy food and watching them be hungry and cranky eating their one wilted lettuce leaf for lunch. Maybe make something that smells extra good for your lunches and heat it up and waft the scent around the smuggest ones of all :) Tee hee.