SBR Weight Loss Challenge: Feedback Please

[Mr. D]

Ladies and Gents,

There are about 6 of us guys in the home office that have agreed in theory to participate in a weight loss contest. The only common characteristics we all share are that we are all male, and we all need to lose some weight. Ages range from early 20's thru early 50's, heights range from 6'3" to 5'8", and weights range from approx. 260 to approx. 200. We've agreed on an entry fee and a 30-day duration, but need feedback as to what the most equitable formula to decide a winner should be. We want this to be as fair as possible, a contest in which there is no advantage based on starting weight or age. Feedback?

[Chi_archie]

well, its cumbersome to do this.... but the best way to do it is to get reliable body fat % tested

so you can figure out your starting lean mass...and starting fat mass...

then at the end get it done again, and then you can subtract the ending fat mass from the starting fat mass and come up with a pure lard loss in pounds..

otherwise, guys can start lifting and maybe loss 20 lbs of fat but gain 5 lbs of muscle and only lose a net of 15 lbs

another guy, can just crash diet, and lose 10 pounds of fat and LOSE 6 lbs of muscle but lose 16 total lbs.... he would win, but in actuality he is fatter by % of bodyfat...and less healthy

[SBR Lou]

Weights should range from approx. 290 to approx. 190. The weights mentioned in your original post were not very well approximated.

Furthermore, the method of body fat % is unfair to those who are far overweight, as they have more pounds in total. Being that this is a "Weight Loss" contest, the very nature of it should be tailored to the "overweight", not those "almost overweight, but can lose 8 lbs and be at their ideal weight": as those pounds are much harder to lose, and more aptly suited for a "get leaner" contest, rather than "weight loss" contest.

[Mr. D]

Thanks for the input CA. My understanding is that accurate body fat % calculations can only be taken via bouyancy testing? Any other reliable means to calculate? Also, ideally we'd like to keep it as simple as possible. Would it be fair to all contestants to use subtract "ideal weights" from "starting weights" and calculate percentages of change with "final weights"? Math guys, any opinions?

[SlickFazzer]

30 day contests are tough in that you can lose significant amounts of "scale weight",
by getting rid of water weight and going on a severly restricted diet. 99% of the
time this weight loss doesn't stick. Then if there is money on the line, guys will
try every trick in the book just to get the scale number lower.

Arch is right in that body composition measurements are the most accurate, although
the various tools (calipers, underwater, dexa scan, etc) all have their downfalls, the
main one being you cant measure it yourself.

If you want the weight loss to be permanent, make it a 8-12 contest, over this time
period you will have to make more permanent lifestyle changes, rather than just pulling
out the tricks that are often used in short term (30 days, etc) contests.

[AgainstAllOdds]

This should be opened up to sbrforum.com posters. 1k first prize.


I know patty V needs to lose a few pounds.

[The Seer]

Calipers is sufficient if you take the measurements in several spots (subscapular, triceps, lower back, abdominal, etc) . You need to get someone there who knows how to take them correctly though and it needs to be the same person for consistency. It is much more practical than underwater.

[Chi_archie]

I can lose 15 pounds of scale weight in 24 hrs... doesn't mean crap...

[Hotdiggity11]

First recommendation is for a longer time period. Maybe 3-4 months. Otherwise, as someone mentioned, a person can just go on a crash diet for a month and not worry as much about relapse as they would in a longer term bet.

[SlickFazzer]

Thanks for the input CA. My understanding is that accurate body fat % calculations can only be taken via bouyancy testing? Any other reliable means to calculate? Also, ideally we'd like to keep it as simple as possible. Would it be fair to all contestants to use subtract "ideal weights" from "starting weights" and calculate percentages of change with "final weights"? Math guys, any opinions?

A percentage measurement such as this would be the simplest way.

[Chi_archie]

if you have the same person, like someone at a health club that has been trained to used calipers... do the measurements for every person, that can work....

if none of you are very athletic/active now... a scale the measures bf% when you imput your height, age, sex ect... might be sufficient for your contest.....

[SBR Lou]

I can lose 15 pounds of scale weight in 24 hrs... doesn't mean crap...

Tips please.

[Mr. D]

Weights should range from approx. 290 to approx. 190. The weights mentioned in your original post were not very well approximated.

Furthermore, the method of body fat % is unfair to those who are far overweight, as they have more pounds in total. Being that this is a "Weight Loss" contest, the very nature of it should be tailored to the "overweight", not those "almost overweight, but can lose 8 lbs and be at their ideal weight": as those pounds are much harder to lose, and more aptly suited for a "get leaner" contest, rather than "weight loss" contest.

Appreciate your concern, Lou. Conceptually we don't want the contest to be tailored to anyone. It should be set up where no inherent advantage is given to any contestant. If only gross weight were taken into account, would it not be much easier for a contestant that is 80lbs overweight to lose 20lbs than it would for a contestant that is 20lbs overweight to do the same?

[The Seer]

I can lose 15 pounds of scale weight in 24 hrs... doesn't mean crap...

I've lost 15 ponds of water the day before a show before

[RogueScholar]

Hi Mr. D! I think that the best way to do it would be an aesthetic judgement performed by an expert in the male form. Since I have seen more naked men than the rest of SBR combined, I would be honored to fly out to judge the contest. I think it should be a speedo contest, oiled bodies, compared with before photos. Let me know when to book the flight.

[Teela]

I agree with Archie that it should be based on body fat % lost. The person that has the least amount of weight to lose would have a disadvantage compared to the person that has the most.

[SBR Lou]

I agree with Archie that it should be based on body fat % lost. The person that has the least amount of weight to lose would have a disadvantage compared to the person that has the most.

If it were based only on body fat % lost, it'd be more advantageous to the person with less weight to lose as they are working with a smaller figure. If you lose 8 lbs and you're pretty well overweight, you really haven't lost much of a %, whereas if you're barely even overweight 8 lbs mean significantly more.

[Mr. D]

RS, while we do recognize you as an expert in the very subjective field of judging the male physique and also appreciate your generous offer this is not a win-win situation. It is highly unlikely that the stakes would be sufficient to entice any of us to wear a speedo much less "oiled-up", and you would undoubtedly be sorely disappointed with the view if somehow any of the contestants were to do so.

[Chi_archie]

Lou... why don't you set up a combined handicapping and fitness weight loss challenge for Book $ here at SBR... its about time for some degens to get into spring break shape....

or just a weight loss contest... doesn't need to be a combined one

[Willie Bee]

Hey, what happened to what we already agreed upon? Thought there were going to be two pots going, one for total pounds and one for percentage lost? I ain't entering a total pounds contest again; might as well just hand over my dough to the ones who have the 'easiest' weight to lose. Having already kicked the dog crap out of everyone in the month-long contest last October, I don't have those easy pounds to lose any longer.

How about we make it a 6-month long contest dating back to the start of last October? I mean, while we're spitballing, thought I might at least try that route.

[Teela]

If it were based only on body fat % lost, it'd be more advantageous to the person with less weight to lose as they are working with a smaller figure. If you lose 8 lbs and you're pretty well overweight, you really haven't lost much of a %, whereas if you're barely even overweight 8 lbs mean significantly more.

Clearly, you're misunderstanding. It's not based on how much you weigh, it's based on body fat percentage. A person could weigh 190 and still have a high body fat. If it's done this way, it actually makes it a little more fair for all people involved.

[SBR Lou]

A person could weigh 190 and still have a high body fat.

I suppose if they're elves.

In general though, all of us are relative enough heights to where the guys that weight significantly less undoubtedly have far less body fat than myself for instance, so thereby I think Willie's idea of two separate contests is most fair: one total weight, one percentage.

[Teela]

I suppose if they're elves.

In general though, all of us are relative enough heights to where the guys that weight significantly less undoubtedly have far less body fat than myself for instance, so thereby I think Willie's idea of two separate contests is most fair: one total weight, one percentage.

I would have better luck explaining this to a wall.

[whitey]

I still have side pot going for the first contestant to drop out. Make me some money Lou...

[Chi_archie]

who is Mr. D, and what does he do?

[RogueScholar]

RS, while we do recognize you as an expert in the very subjective field of judging the male physique and also appreciate your generous offer this is not a win-win situation. It is highly unlikely that the stakes would be sufficient to entice any of us to wear a speedo much less "oiled-up", and you would undoubtedly be sorely disappointed with the view if somehow any of the contestants were to do so.

I've been single for over a month now, you'd be patently surprised at what I'd enjoy seeing in a speedo. Besides, didn't you see JJ's thread about Vegas Dave vs. Timmy Tebow? I have cuddles on the brain now...

[Teela]

I still have side pot going for the first contestant to drop out. Make me some money Lou...

That's why you're my favorite, Whitey.

Please explain the difference between BMI and body fat percentage to Lou.

[Willie Bee]

I would have better luck explaining this to a wall.

I still have side pot going for the first contestant to drop out. Make me some money Lou...

Another You know it won't be me, whitey. Odds on me quitting must be about +200,000,000.

who is Mr. D, and what does he do?

SBR's golf instructor and resident office betting pool manager. I'm pretty sure he's one of my ghosts as well. Just ask pavy

[Mr. D]

30 day contests are tough in that you can lose significant amounts of "scale weight",
by getting rid of water weight and going on a severly restricted diet. 99% of the
time this weight loss doesn't stick. Then if there is money on the line, guys will
try every trick in the book just to get the scale number lower.

Sharp post SF, I tend to agree that a 60-90 day contest would prove to have longer lasting effects and also to diminish the prospect of "unhealthy" weight loss as a factor in declaring the winner. Although on the flip side I don't relish the prospect of lowering my Shiner Bock intake for that amount of time

[Mr. D]

Any updates on this? Did this contest happen, and if so, who won?

[Willie Bee]

It was my understanding it was for two months and wouldn't end until Apr 15th. Now, if some agreement has been reached in the office to end it sooner, you'd have to ask one of the participants, Mr. D

[pimike]

I believe I won this contest. You guys will not even know who I am come bash time.

[Willie Bee]

I believe I won this contest. You guys will not even know who I am come bash time.

How much you down Mike? Might be a good 'before/after' photo of the two of us since last bash. I've subtracted 40.

[tacomax]

Throw us all a bone or two, Willie. Has anyone dropped out? Has CrazyLou anyone actually put on weight like in the last weight loss contest?

[Willie Bee]

Hey ganch, er taco, they're all big boys and can post for themselves. All I'll say is the prizes were divided, I still owe Dave for a side bet we made -- Damn Dozer disappointed me, bad beat -- and all four participants did indeed drop multiple pounds.