The Flaw in Weight Loss Advertising by PUGET SOUND BARIATRICS on FEBRUARY 7, 2013

Are you a better person when you are skinny? Of course not. That’s the flaw in weight loss advertising. In order to encourage people to make a change in their life companies must attract their customers to becoming a skinnier version of themselves. When excessive praise is placed on being thin a disproportionate amount of criticism is dumped upon being overweight.



For example, the self-labeled “diet” food Special K has launched a new campaign called “What Will You Gain When You Lose?” Obviously they want to encourage people to be happy rather than living life chained to a number, but the message really gets confused when you view their image gallery of mostly paid participants as they describe what skinny people are privileged to experience.



Can someone who isn’t skinny experience peace, delight, pep, pride, sex appeal, or contentment about who they are? Of course they can, but that’s the problem with Kellogg’s advertising message or any weight loss pitch. Lose the weight and you’ve earned the right to feel happy about who you are…

Rather than piling praise upon being thin it would be more appropriate to focus on the benefits of weight loss like curing diabetes, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, and even longer life. Losing weight just so you can have “pizzaz” is a shallow reason to start a diet. Do it for your own health and do it for the ones you love.

Obesity is a lifestyle problem, not a reflection of who you are. Don’t let advertisers tell you what you can and can not experience based on how you look or what you weigh.

Steele Fitness Expansion

Job Details

Fitness trainers have a number of job responsibilities. They should be well-educated in the areas of human anatomy and physiology. Trainers perform physical assessments on new clients and decide on specific goals that the client should accomplish over the course of the training period. Trainers design and direct workout programs that are tailored to the patients' needs and goals, teach and demonstrate the use of gym equipment, observe patients exercise, and correct any improper techniques, maintain equipment, and administer first-aid if necessary.

Skill Requirements

Fitness trainers should be self-motivated, energetic, organized and responsible. They should be good communicators and attentive to their clients' needs, being willing and able to adjust workout programs at the last minute. They should be apt at coordinating schedules and managing time wisely and effectively. Being able to utilize and implement new technology, equipment and techniques is also an essential aspect of the fitness trainer.

Job Environment

Located in Seattle’s University District and Shoreline on Ballinger Way, Ramey Nutrition is a nutrition clinic offering individual and group nutrition counseling, support groups, yoga, and group and individual fitness. We take a patient-centered approach by listening to patient needs, providing nutritional and emotional support and individualizing treatment for our patients.
While our current patient services primarily consist of Eating Disorders treatment and recovery, Diabetes management and weight-management, it is our desire to build a strong team who can assist any patient with any nutrition/fitness-related issue. Desired areas of growth include: fitness for weight management, blood sugar control, increased body strength, stress management through movement, flexibility, and an accommodation for a variety of fitness levels and abilities

Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelors or Masters degree

• Certified Personal Trainer and CPR-certified within first month of employment
• One (1) year experience working in a fitness related field
• Ability to work well independently with little supervision, and strong motivational expertice with resistance to movement
• Ability to listen and communicate effectively
• Strong counseling, teaching, and leadership skills
Desired Qualifications • Familiar with and interested in the psychological impact of movement and fitness
• Ability to organize, prioritize work, and handle multiple tasks
• Experience in and comfortable with leading groups

Schedule

Trainers should have flexible schedules in order to meet the varying schedules of our providers. Scheduling may vary depending on the Ramey Nutrition Location, and patient need. Some appointments with patients may last as short as 15 minutes up to two or more hours, depending on patient need, however this is all done under the guidance and direction of the Diabetes/Weight Management Director.

*If interested in position, please send resume, cover letter and completed answers to questions to Bonnie Atkisson Bonnie@rameynutrition.com