Note: As promised earlier, we have an exclusive interview with Marty Wolff, a contestant in season 3 of The Biggest Loser. This is actually a promotional event from Wrigley’s gum, who is a sponsor of the show. Hopefully I haven’t sold our independent soul too much for this, but it’s been fun putting it together. If you had a question featured here, and you’d like some free stuff from Wrigley’s, send me your email address so I can forward it on to the Wrigley’s people. Also, if you’re a regular contributor on here, I’d like to include you in that as well. We have like 10 exercise kits that they’re making available to us, so let me know. So without further ado, here is the FatBloggers interview:
1. Marty, are there any tools you found on the Internet that were helpful in maintaining your weight-loss?
I have used the internet for calorie information and to look up calories of various foods. I do know of many web sites that aid in maintenance and aim to reward people for positive lifestyle changes. My web site, realitywellnessinc.com, has a password protected area that allows an online community to communicate with me through messaging and an online food journal. Gumisgood.com is a site developed by Wrigley Co. and it aims to reward people for making two small changes to their daily routine; taking more steps and cutting calories. The project is called Wrigley’s Walk and Chew Gum Challenge and is collectively challenging Americans to cut 10 million calories and walk 100,000 miles. It is really easy to be apart of the challenge! All you do is log on to gumisgood.com and sign up for the challenge. You will receive a starter package in the mail complete with a pedometer, water bottle and some Extra gum samples. You then use the site to log the miles you walk and the calories you save from chewing Extra gum instead of a high calorie snack like a brownie. This challenge is a terrific maintenance tool to use on the internet and is a reminder that small changes can go a long way!
2. What kind of medical exams did all participants go through? How often?
We went through extensive medical exams before the show and for the first 6 weeks they drew blood every week to make sure our levels were healthy and to see any signs of improvement in our health. The medical side of the show is relatively hidden, but The Biggest Loser has some of the best doctors in the world watching our progress on the show and even after the show. In fact, all contestants on the show are a part of a larger obesity study with the doctors on the show and the results that are sent out every 6 months are really fascinating. We were watched closely on the show, and I am grateful to the medical team on the show takes their role so seriously.
3. Marty, congratulations on your engagement. What kind of things do you and your fiance do to encourage and support each other to keep in shape and keep the weight off?
We are each others accountability partners! I know what Amy is capable of and she does me. I have seen her at her worst and best and she has me. We understand each other and know how hard it was to lose the weight. Once in a while one of us will want some popcorn at the movies when we shouldn’t have it, and it is nice to have someone remind me of my goals and recommend something simple like chewing a stick of Extra sugar-free gum instead of the popcorn. This accountability system is great!
4. How much time passed from the time you left the show to the time you went back for the Season Finale? During that time were your health and progress monitored by the show or were you on your own
I spent a little more than 5 months on my own after I was eliminated from the show. The medical staff did keep an eye on us and was a great resource for us to ask questions of any kind at any point. To this day the medical staff is interested in us and our weight loss journey!
5. Marty, after you lost the weight, you received a lot of positive feedback from friends and family. It is encouraging to know that people will be impressed with your perseverance. What was the most poignant comment or reaction made by one of your loved ones that sticks out the most in your mind?
The best feedback I have been given didn’t come in the form of words, but action. It was from my brother who supported me when I came home from the show and he put his money where his mouth is and lost 80 lbs along with me. It is terriffic to have others complement, but when they are willing to change who they are to make you better; that is positive feedback to me!
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