Could a Digital Weight Loss Program be for Me?

We have a new benefit at work to support those of us that struggle with weight, exercise, and proper diet. It used to be called Prevent, but now the new company, Omada Health, has us all digital. I took the on-line screening to see if I qualify. Little doubt that my robust features would help me get into the program, but I was surprised at what I would receive once I did. Last Thursday a package came in the mail, quite a heavy package at that. In it was a digital scale. This is not any scale, but a smart scale. Once I weigh in, it  transfers my weight to my on-line account for tracking any changes. The package also had a tape measure to take measures of wait, hips, and torso, and other body parts should I choose to do so.  I did not at this stage take more than minimum, but into my online record went those as well. There is a food tracking log to keep as part of week ones lesson.

Checking e-mails Sunday night and I had several in my in box from my new Omada coach. Each Sunday night she will send me, and my cohort, a new lesson. There is online chats, and motivational tools to help stay on track. The program runs for 16 weeks, with a different focus every four weeks/month.

Month one: Eat Better
Month Two: Move more
Month Three: Prepare for Challenges
Month Four: Reinforce Habits

They boast that 80% of all who start and stay with it will see success.  Success is defined as a weight loss of 7.5% of total wight by the end of the 16 weeks. I would like to be more successful than that but seeings how I have lost a grand total of seven pounds since New Years, I'll take 7.5% in 16 weeks.  It will be hard. Let's take a look at my obstacles. 

Month one: Eat Better month started on October 23rd, one week before Halloween. The week of the chili cook off at work. Challenge accepted. 

Month Two: Move more starting November 21st, Thanksgiving week. This is a week that could see snow falls and frigid temperatures, but I will be trying to stay motivated to get up and exercise when I just want to stay in a nice warm bed.

Month Three: Prepare for Challenges, like the entire month of December! 

Month Four: Reinforce Habits, which should be appropriate with the new year. 

The scale thing creeps me out, a bit Big Brotherish for me. However, no lying or smiding the facts. Plus, no having to actually be weighed in front of real people.  I have fluctuated by over two pounds between Thursday when it came and this morning.  I guess that is probably normal. Has anyone else tried a digital weight management plan? Was it part of your health care coverage as this is for me, or did you spend out of pocket funds. Was it successful? Wish me luck and I'll be checking in with updates. 


Other health related updates, the tests from my rounds a few weeks back for the most part turned up nothing new. I will be checked again in about four weeks for iron and vitamin D once the heavy doses prescribed have had a chance to build up. I have a couple neurological follow-ups, but the doctor feels it is highly unlikely that I'm experiencing any more than an RA flare up. Combined with the vitamin and mineral deficiency, my symptoms were mimicking other autoimmune diseases. Wendy, you were right. Doctors may always find something more to look for, but I am still grateful all is for the most part, just routine.