Fat Club Turns to Ridicule to Trim Flab : Weight: Over the years, the founder has lost more than 1,000 pounds. He’s also regained 1,050.
While some weight-loss programs boast of providing a caring, supportive atmosphere, Michael Clampit’s advertising is more blunt:
“Sea mammals of all sizes welcome,” says his flier, which pictures an elephant.
Clampit, a school psychologist, believes that ridicule is the key to permanently shedding that spare tire.
“The group will critique, encourage, and help you enforce your (weight loss plan) by weekly weigh-ins, banter, taunts, bets and other forms of male camaraderie,” the flier says.
Clampit, who weighs 240 pounds, calls his club “The Men’s No Whine Weight Loss Group.”
Through the years, Clampit has lost more than 1,000 pounds. He’s also put back on 1,050. Some doctors say such ups and downs can be less healthy than not losing weight at all.
In any event, Clampit’s approach to weight loss is not for everyone.
“Taunts and insults are powerful forms of male solidarity and camaraderie,” Clampit said. “But I think it only works with men. Weight isn’t as big an issue for a person’s self-esteem with men as it is for women.”
The ribbing, Clampit said, should be good-natured. Something along the lines of “lazy fatso” might do for someone who doesn’t stick to his weight-loss regimen.
Clampit envisions a program that begins with a weigh-in for each member. First, everyone would be reminded of the member’s stated weight goal from the previous week. If he’s over, he’ll be called “Chubba-Bubba” or some other appropriate name.
“Most men know how to lose weight. You eat less,” Clampit said. “It’s willpower that’s the problem. But when you think how good that piece of pie looks on Sunday, but what kind of hell am I going to get at the next meeting, it might keep you from eating it.”
Clampit, who had heart-bypass surgery earlier this year, said he’s gotten a few calls about his group and hopes publicity will draw more.
He’s willing to let women in, but under one condition: “So long as they act like men.”