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> but it's the equivalent of telling overweight people to eat less and exercise more, point being if just giving that advice actually changed people's behavior

> but it's the equivalent of telling overweight people to eat less and exercise more, point being if just giving that advice actually changed people's behavior we'd all be athletic and svelte What else would you tell overweight people? People will change when they want to - and at that point the advice becomes actionable

hn_throwaway_99 5y ago
> What else would you tell overweight people? There is plenty of data about what is more effective in getting people to actually change their behavior, e.g. 1. Find a workout or weight loss buddy that so you can help keep each other on track. There is loads of evidence that social connections and pressures can be very helpful. 2. Don't try to make drastic changes all at once, for example for many people doing something like completely getting rid of soda and replacing it with lightly sweetened tea can make a huge difference, and that's usually a lot easier to do than, say, never eat out at restaurants. 3. Do something that you can easily integrate into your routine instead of doing something that feels like you have to do "extra" to start. E.g. if you commute to work, if possible, park a half mile away from your office and walk the rest of they way. All of this is much better advice than "eat less".
- foogazi 5y ago
  those are gimmick wrappers around the solid and true “eat less, exercise more” advice
  - hn_throwaway_99 5y ago
    Those aren't "gimmicks", especially since many of them (the value of social connections when making a goal in particular) are backed up by a lot of data on their effectiveness. What's insanity is to keep saying the same thing over and over and expecting you'll get different results. American society is constantly inundated with the message of "eat less, exercise more", yet somehow we are fatter than ever.
mensetmanusman 5y ago
Tell them to go on walks while they read/listen to podcasts. Lots of people have lost 50 lbs during the pandemic just realizing if they walk for 1-2 hours a day their bodies get smaller.

hn_throwaway_99 5y ago

> What else would you tell overweight people? There is plenty of data about what is more effective in getting people to actually change their behavior, e.g. 1. Find a workout or weight loss buddy that so you can help keep each other on track. There is loads of evidence that social connections and pressures can be very helpful. 2. Don't try to make drastic changes all at once, for example for many people doing something like completely getting rid of soda and replacing it with lightly sweetened tea can make a huge difference, and that's usually a lot easier to do than, say, never eat out at restaurants. 3. Do something that you can easily integrate into your routine instead of doing something that feels like you have to do "extra" to start. E.g. if you commute to work, if possible, park a half mile away from your office and walk the rest of they way. All of this is much better advice than "eat less".

foogazi 5y ago
those are gimmick wrappers around the solid and true “eat less, exercise more” advice
- hn_throwaway_99 5y ago
  Those aren't "gimmicks", especially since many of them (the value of social connections when making a goal in particular) are backed up by a lot of data on their effectiveness. What's insanity is to keep saying the same thing over and over and expecting you'll get different results. American society is constantly inundated with the message of "eat less, exercise more", yet somehow we are fatter than ever.

mensetmanusman 5y ago

Tell them to go on walks while they read/listen to podcasts. Lots of people have lost 50 lbs during the pandemic just realizing if they walk for 1-2 hours a day their bodies get smaller.