Pay Less and Weigh Less!

Pick up almost any magazine on the stands, and you can read about celebrities and their magical weight-loss solutions, from fantastic personal chefs and trainers to private gym memberships and procedures. While their tips and tricks may be unique, their hefty price tags aren't. I don't know about you, but it always leaves me feeling less than inspired--how are WE supposed to look like THEM when they have the luxury of spending thousands and millions of dollars to look that way? But now there's good news for the weight-loss-craving girl on a budget--a new New Zealand study shows that you may not weigh less just because you pay more.

The study group targeted middle-age women who had lost 5 percent of their body weight, dividing them into two groups: a $3000 per person elite program equipped with personal consultations with nutritionists and trainers, and use of a personal gym, and a $750 per person basic plan involving daily weigh-ins with a registered nurse, and bi-weekly phone calls.

What did the study find? Just because you opt for a VIP weight-loss plan, doesn't mean you'll shed more pounds than a fee-free variety. In fact, the two diets proved equally effective! Women on the pricey plan lost 2.5kg on average, and those on the basic plan lost 3.6kg. The difference was not considered statistically significant, but what it revealed about weight loss was.

Personal trainers, gyms, chefs, and nutritionists are great outlets for those that can afford them, but they can't guarantee weight loss. In the end, it seemed the key component to successful weight loss was support. Many people said what they really needed was someone to simply "keep an eye on them" to help them stay focused and on track. Get support from a friend or family member who has a similar goal in mind, or check out an online support community like Self's Forums where you can swap fitness tricks and find weight-loss buddies. Plan scheduled weigh-ins, workouts, and meal plans together, and do it all without breaking the bank!