On January 11, I was on CBC Radio Active, as part of a larger segment on weight loss apps: https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-52/clip/15818548
The clip was an objective view of how Luuze works at a high level, although I could have done a better job explaining the nuances of the feedback loop and how I help users discover what weight loss method works for them.
There was an interesting statement that was made. The co-host stated that he spoke to a doctor and she mentioned that when it comes to weight loss, “there are multiple factors… for some people it’s mental, for others it could be a thyroid issue, for others it could be environment… so those need to be addressed… medically.”
I don’t think that Dr. Rena LaFrance, the doctor they interviewed for the segment, would say that all weight factors need to be addressed medically. Near the end of the segment, she was pretty clear that if an app works for a person, all the power to them (and I have plenty of examples of success stories that did not need medical intervention, myself included).
When I first listened to the segment I felt that they were putting weight loss apps at odds with medical opinion. After a second listen, I am pretty happy with how Dr. Rena LaFrance spoke in regards to weight loss philosophies like Luuze.
Andrew’s Thoughts From the CBC Radio Active Segment
She brought up some good points, that I am aligned with:
- She mentioned that weight loss is a multi-faceted issue. I totally agree with this.
- This is why Luuze does not focus on diets or exercise. Luuze focuses on helping you figure out how to best discover the best method of weight loss that works for you.
- It was mentioned that the feedback loop is complicated. It is, but complicated doesn’t mean unsolvable.
- As complicated as it is, we need to find a way to resolve this feedback loop so we can maintain a weight that is healthy for us, otherwise… we won’t. Solving complicated problems can often be done slowly and methodically.
- She mentioned that there are times where medical assistance is necessary, and I agree with this as well.
- Sometimes the physiological, mental, and environmental roadblocks are so tough, and assistance beyond a simple app like Luuze is needed.
- At the same time, there are many times where medical assistance is not necessary. Even just small micro-changes can be enough to get the ball rolling on a successful weight loss journey. There are many examples you can find of people regaining control of their health through self-discovery.
All in all, I appreciated the different perspective that was provided in this CBC Radio Active interview. I recommend you give it a listen so you can come to your own conclusions!