Legendary singer Rosemary Clooney (and aunt of George Clooney) returned to Tom Snyder’s national radio show one time. Having been neighbors for years in Beverly Hills, Snyder and Clooney knew each other very well.

“Rosie,” Snyder said. “You look great. Did you lose weight?”

“Yes,” the 300+ pound Clooney replied. “Last I checked it was over half a ton.”

The two laughed, the studio phones lit up with callers and the comment became part of the Clooney saga.

Rosemary Clooney – like millions of other Americans – always seemed to be on a diet.

And, she probably did lose 1,000 pounds. The problem, she lamented, was that she gained 1,002 pounds.

How many of us have lost weight, only to gain it back? If weight fluctuates day-by-day, maybe by a pound or two, does that mean each of us loses 365 pounds a year? Makes sense, but that means people also gain 365 – or maybe even 730 – pounds a year. Is it worthwhile?

Weight is ingrained into the American psyche Overweight people are often shunned by Hollywood, some make lifestyle changes and
become incredibly fit. Those who work hard to get
themselves into shape often become advocates of a healthy lifestyle, in an effort to help others regain their health.

It sometimes seems as though anyone who has ever lost weight ends up pitching their own diet or their workout program. Famous people who lose weight turn it into TV commercials for weight loss companies or manufacturers of diet supplements.

There seems to be an epidemic of those that constantly move up and down the scale.

A very common question you see on the internet is, “how to lose weight fast?” The best method is diet and exercise. So then why are people constantly looking for a shortcut, for a magic pill or secret solution? Many people are turning to the internet and websites like the biggest loser forum to find responsible weight loss advice from people who know what they are talking about.

America loves to route for an underdog, such as the contestants on The Biggest Loser. The hard work and long hours the contestants put in is very inspiring. Just stepping onto a scale in front of millions of people is enough to make most sweat bullets. (Most people find it difficult to be weighed at the doctor’s office by one medical assistant.)

The yo-yo cycle begins anew each year with new year resolutions. We can do the math and know if it’s time to become a big loser.