3. Research Example - Weight Loss

I. What We’re Looking For…

Insights Into Demographic :
Who Is Your Customer?
Females between 30 and 55 years of age. 20lbs to lose or more.
I am a compulsive, emotional eater. I have tried so many different diets and gimmicks, too many to list. I
have lost and regained the same 100+ pounds over the past 40yrs

What Attitudes Do They Have? (Religious, Political, Social, Economic)?
Willing to spend on solutions but tired of burned. Family is important.

What Are Their Hopes and Dreams?
Losing weight.
I want my husband to look at me with pride and say this is my wife and look how great she looks. Ok, that won’t happen but he will be very proud of me. He has always supported me in all of my goals. That is when I actually set them. I don’t want to keep letting him down with failure. He does not care what I look like I don’t believe. It is really hard to keep failing. I want to prove to him that I can do this that I am strong enough.

I want to be healthy and a smaller, fitter size that what I am right now. I will keep going until it stops coming off (weight) and be happy with that number. Who knows I may be able to achieve an 8? I don’t know if I was ever an 8.

So this weekend I picked out the bathing suit for this year. And I really think I will be able to wear it. Of course, it is black. But I wanted to have something to really work towards and I thought with spring upon us I should really make some goals. And that is mine the black Nike bathing suit! We do a lot of boating and camping in the summer and this year will be different!

I really want to get in better shape for when my sister visits this summer. She wants to go for a hike in our beautiful Acadia Park. My sister is very fit and I want to show her that I can do this. It may not be so easy for her she is from Florida and runs on flat ground. In Maine, there is really nothing flat about the area I live in.

What Are Their Victories and Failures?

Victory:
I've been the weight I always wanted to be for 15 years and in hindsight I did everything wrong prior to the last 15 years. I started worrying about my weight when I was your age (13) and took any diet advice on board and this made everything complicated and I gained more weight. I always say now "It took me 10 years to lose 10 pounds" because I thought weight loss had to be hard and complicated. It doesn't!!!

Well, I didn't want to start that's for sure lol but my grandfather started parking at the back of the parking lots where ever we would go which forced me to walk a lot and I hated it lol...

I would say the first 100 pounds were forced off and when I went to the hospital about 9 months ago in diabetic shock it woke me up...they told me I should have died my sugars were almost 700 and they diagnosed me with Diabetes..... I weighed 620 then in august...since then I have dieted and exercised and lost 120 pounds and am at 500-499 mark right now I go to the gym every day and keep my calories under 1000 a day (well at least I try) sometimes I do screw up but that's why I am here I get married May 2 it's just a short month away and I would love to be 475...I know you probably heard this before but I am not your average fat man lol, I am very athletic and burn anywhere from 400 to 900 calories every work out just depending on how hard I push myself...

I am also on my journey to be about 36kg less and it is hard sometimes. I am on a program and get support with bi-weekly weigh-ins but it is still a battle for me especially on weekends.

I have lost just over 8kgs so far and take each day as it comes, some are fantastic, some are really a struggle.

But the great part is Sat night was the first time people have noticed my weight loss. The girls were saying that they loved my new jeans and I was so proud to say they now are a size 12! It feels so good to be down to 12 again.

This week's post is so full of excitement! I finally see a change in my scale!!!! I lost two lbs. this week!!! I cannot tell you how happy that makes me. I have been really good about getting my exercise in. I walk/jogged 5 days this week. The weather has gotten really nice here and there is no one reason why I should not be outside.

Failures:
I always wasn’t the fittest kid at school, so I often was holding in my belly so I would look slimmer. It wasn't a very great idea after all, because now my stomach wouldn't look like that anymore and my underbelly would stick out of the rest of my storage and I think it looked ugly and I want to get rid of it. Also my hips, but and legs could lose some fat.

Today is the day! I have been wanting a change for a few years now. I have been successful in the past with an exercise program. I felt great and was starting to see the results in my size. The first attempt I was a 14 and made it down to a 12. But something always happens and I give up. I do not really understand because I was getting great joy from my success.

One of the biggest problems for me is I really have to work hard at my weight. We have in the past spent a lot of time with friends that do not have to worry about their eating habits. The nights would be fun of fried food and drinks. I would have to be the different one and bring my own food or give in and eat what everyone else could eat. It always made me very angry and depressed that once again Tina was the different one. This is something I have had to deal with my whole life. I have struggled my whole life to feel normal. I have always struggled with school and weight problems. I always wanted to be like my sister who all things seem to come easily to her. I admire everything she stands for and is able to accomplish. She too struggled with her weight as a young girl. She is a lot different from me and is very determined and dedicated to a healthy mind and body.

I want to be able to have burgers and beer without hating myself for it. I have a problem with that I will eat something in moderation but still be very mad at myself for doing it.

Today was kinda hard I felt hungry all day. I kinda feel like I ate too much but it was not that bad of choices. I still find myself that I worry a lot after the fact. I just need to get back in control for tomorrow.

Last week was a very hard week. I had two days of eating things that were prepared not by me. One was an office pot luck and the other was my father's birthday dinner. And I did have cake (ice cream cake) it was a very small piece. And I did not get a chance to walk much.

I will not use any of this as an excuse. I did not lose because I did not stick to the plan. But I am also not going to beat myself up over it. I will just try really hard this week.

This week I feel like I have been good. But I stepped onto the scale yesterday (which is 3 days earlier) and no change. I guess I really should stay off the scale until Monday when I usually get on it.

I am torn about how I feel about no change. I know that I will hit a point where it will come off slower. But I was just hoping that would be with the last 5 pounds, not the last 15.

We decided to share a couple of apps. So we got a spicy mussel dish it was made with heavy cream. And they gave us toasted dipping bread for all of the sauce. With every bite, I knew I was messing up big time.

Sunday we got up and shard the Penni. (we can eat anything in the morning) I just could not keep the bad choices to one day no I had to continue on into the next.

I cannot tell you how angry at myself I am. Where is my will power? I now have to live with the scale and my decisions. I really need to get it together. For the last two weeks, the scale had not moved and now it did. But in the wrong direction.

What Outside Forces Do THEY Believe Have Prevented Their Best Life?
Mom not supportive

I probably was about your size if not bigger at the age of 13 but that was 10 years ago and I cannot remember. My mom is not supportive of my weight loss. Ironically, she is way overweight herself. I will let her know my progress and she barely recognizes and goes on with something about herself. She is very self-absorbed.

At 16 I lost a lot of weight and my mum said It was only because I had a growth spurt. When we would go shopping together, she always told me that the clothes I was looking at wouldn't fit me. Don't get discouraged, I let my mum get to me and now I'm 22 and trying to lose a lot of weight. You're young, enjoy yourself, and if you really want to lose weight than don't go on a diet join a Facebook group like ditch the diet who try to help you understand the foods you eat and well as the name says "ditch diets" and just eat healthy instead.

One of the biggest problems for me is I really have to work hard at my weight.

What Are Their Prejudices?
Dairy is bad.

I ain’t looking for a workout plan which is hard, difficult and provides a fast loss of weight and improvement in strength. I’m looking for something which is easy to hold on and provides a slow but effective way of losing fat and gaining muscle.

Some people are born with good genetics.

Their parents are the reason they had problems, or why they still do.

Sum Up Their Core Beliefs About Life, Love, and Family In 1-3 Sentences.
I want to lose weight but it’s always a struggle. I’ve had success in the past, but it never lasts. Family is incredibly important to me, but sometimes I feel like my own family doesn’t support me. I know ultimately that in order to lose weight it comes down to me and my willpower, but sticking to any diet or program is just so hard.

Other Existing Solutions:

What is the Market Already Using? (List Out)
Drinking water
Calorie Burning Foods (Celery)
Portion Control
Exercise (Walking/Hiking/Running)
Watching Calories
Supplements
Courses/Programs
Lean Protein + Watching Carbs
Weight Watchers
Cut out refined sugars, eat clean, whole foods, nothing processed.
Detoxing Cleansing
Keto

What Has Their Experience Been Like?
Drinking water
Hard to remember to drink much when you’re out.

I was so sidetracked before and forgot to hydrate myself.

Water is good for health. There is no connection between water and weight loss. In fact, too much water consumption could lead to water intoxication.

You can try lemon tea, lemonade, green tea. The bottom line is to replace the mentioned beverages for dairy beverages.

Drink a glass of water a half hour before you eat and you will usually get full on less food. Add lemon to your water when drinking during your meal. Fresh lemon water will test acidic before you drink it but will become alkaline during digestion. It's best to drink purified water.

I've been the weight I always wanted to be for 15 years and in hindsight I did everything wrong prior to the last 15 years. I started worrying about my weight when I was your age (13) and took any diet advice on board and this made everything complicated and I gained more weight. I always say now "It took me 10 years to lose 10 pounds" because I thought weight loss had to be hard and complicated. It doesn't!!!

Detoxes and Cleanses:

How about detoxing/cleansing first? I started a 10-day transformation to detox/cleanse my body and have lost 7 pounds on the cleanse. After 4 months I have lost 18 pounds and continue to lose weight. I am having great success as well as many people that I know. I no longer crave sweets, my body craves healthy foods and I feel much healthier than ever before. It's about changing your lifestyle to make healthier choices.

Weight Watchers:

I tried Weight Watchers and it was not for me I could not sustain it. I also tried eating healthy and exercise but only lost around 4KG and stayed there. I recommend ATKINS its great I never feel hungry as the meals are very satisfying, I have more energy than I have had since I can remember and I have lost weight at a pretty steady pace which definitely keeps you motivated.

I've tried Duncan, Weight Watchers ...the results were good for the short term but catastrophic for the long term.

Keto
I started a high protein/ low carb diet about 2 weeks ago and have not lost even one pound. I am doing this diet through a medically supervised program in my area and they prescribe me phentermine also. I have done this type of diet before and lost 15 pounds in one month so I have no idea why I am not losing weight yet. I have only cheated once (drinking) and I am following the program to a T. Anybody have any ideas why I wouldn't be losing any weight?

What Does the Market Like About Existing Solutions?
Drinking water

Ever since I started drinking more water I am more energized, my skin is completely clear and I have lost the 'puffiness' in my face from water retention.

I love water! I think I drink too much water, I've been known to drink 1-2 gallons a day. Currently, I just drink water when I'm thirsty, Or when I feel like having some water

Weight Watchers:

I like weight watchers because it has a pretty good support system if you participate in the meetings. It's basically counting calories/fiber with points but it's good if you need that support and accountability from other people. My aunt and uncle both lost a lot of weight doing it so if you stick with it, it really works.

Weight Loss Pills

This product is great! I've been using it for 2 weeks and have lost a total of 6 pounds. I workout/run 5 times a week and I'm definitely sweating up a storm while working out. It doesn't upset my stomach and doesn't give me the jitters like other weight loss pills. I take it first thing in the morning in an empty stomach, wait an hour to eat and go on with my day. I most definitely recommend.

In my first week, I lost 4.5#'s. This week I'm down 3#. A Great healthy start!! What I notice more is, I'm losing inches more rapid than loss, which is great. It does make me pee quite often, which I believe is breaking down waste and ridding me of it.

What Does the Market Dislike About Existing Solutions?
Drinking water
I was so sidetracked before and forgot to hydrate myself.

Eating Clean
I agree it doesn't matter because celery tastes like a$$... The only way to make celery taste good is to put a load of peanut butter on there, or some type of soft cheese.

Weight Loss Pills
My stomach started to rumble and in the back of my mind I remember reading a post on the product that stated: “Never trust a fart.” I disobeyed.

Next is where all chaos broke loose. I sat in that chair thinking to myself that something doesn’t feel quite right, but I continued on with my journey of Facebook. It wasn’t until I stood did I see the horror, a discolored stain on my wife’s beautiful gray chair.

I thought back to the past hour that I sat in that chair and realize I spilled no water or food. So, I did what any logical human being would do. I smelled it. After a few gags, thoughts of what it must feel like to be a baby, confusion, and self-pity, I ran to the bathroom.

Are Their Horror Stories About Existing Solutions?
Taking weight loss pill and then shitting yourself.

My husband and I have been together for some 13 years now. His first marriage, my second. When we met I weighed about 100 pounds. He told me that he's always been attracted to slender, petite women. For most of my life, I was a skinny girl. Even after having my 2 kids from my first husband I still remained slim and petite. Our sex life was great in the beginning. Well, since then I've begun putting on weight and I liked the way I looked with some meat on my bones. I like to eat and I'll eat a bowl of cereal every night before I go to bed. People have commented on how much better I look, except my husband. No, we don't have any kids together. I guess I've gone from 100 lbs to almost 150 lbs and my husband doesn't seem to want to touch me. He's always said that he doesn't like a woman with big booty (we're both black) and most of the black guys I know love a woman with a big rear end. Not my husband.

We've only had sex maybe twice in the past 3 or 4 months and he refuses to touch me. One thing I can say about him is that he's brutally honest. He'll tell me that he's not attracted to bigger women and that I've gained weight. I wear body shapers and "girdles" to hold everything in but he says that's nice when you're dressed but when you take that off and the real me comes out it's not attractive to see that I've put on about 50% of my initial body weight since we first met.

Read more: https://www.city-data.com/forum/diet-weight-loss/2465431-should-my-husband-love-me-way.html#ixzz6GVg5WVJx

For me, it was a gradual process. I weighed about 200 lbs when I was 18. I was one of those big, strong fat women. I lifted weights and rollerbladed a lot. I had a job that involved a lot of lifting. I got married and started cooking things that weren't fat-free (my mom had me on a fat-free diet from age 10 to 18, it didn't help). I gained weight and so did my husband. Then I had a kid and gained some more weight. When I was about 300 and my husband was 280, we decided to go on a diet together. He lost 100 lbs and he's kept it off over the years, give or take 20 lbs depending on his activity level. I got down to 245 and then got pregnant again. I gained some of the weight back. Then a couple years later I quit smoking and got up to about 320. I broke my leg and had a lot of trouble walking for a couple of years and gained more weight. Somehow I ended up over 400lbs. From time to time, I would try to diet but nothing worked. I didn't eat any more than my husband who weighed 185, so it was hard to understand how I weighed so much more than him.

Then I started having health problems that forced me to see a doctor. I was diagnosed with diabetes and started taking meds for it. I started eating lower carb, and the weight started coming off pretty fast. From Feb 2014 to Dec 2014, I went from 408 to 227.

I'm having to take a medication that makes me gain weight and I'm back to 250 right now. I'm supposed to take it for ten days a month and I gain 15lbs during those ten days, then during the rest of the month I manage to lose 10lbs...so basically I'm gaining 5lbs a month from this medication, even with eating right and working out. It's pretty frustrating. The only other option for the condition I have is surgery, and I'm trying not to have to do that.

Read more: https://www.city-data.com/forum/diet-weight-loss/2371256-those-you-who-became-extremely-obese-2.html#ixzz6GVgbav85

Does the Market Believe Existing Solution Works?
Drinking Water

“Water makes a HUGE difference! I've been dehydrated for most of life....sluggish, always tired, my face had little teeny bumps under the skin. I forced myself to drink water (I was a never a huge fan) and I also added a squeeze of lemon/lime or added my favorite fruit to a big pitcher of water and kept in my fridge for the week!”

I can say I want to be a size 10 because that is what I was seven years ago. But I do not know if with my age that is possible. I surely hope that it is but I do not want to set a goal and I will only fail at. I am sick of failing.

If Not, Why?
Curiosity:

Has Someone Tried to Solve the Market’s Pain Points Before In A Very Unique Way?
What Was The Result?
Is There A Conspiratorial Story Behind Why Old Solutions Didn’t Work?
Are There Any Older Attempts to Solve the Problem (Pre-1960) That Are Unique?
What Happened? Were they successful but forgotten? Or were they a failure? Why?
https://www.thedailymeal.com/healthy-eating/most-popular-diets-every-decade-1900-slideshow/slide-2

Examples:

Tesla in the energy space. Big energy didn’t want his solutions, he was discredited and shamed. His inventions and discoveries were thrown into the ash heap of history until now.
U.S. Army tried to cure foot fungus during WWII, surgeon general was on a desperate race because troops were missing service time. Finally succeeded by using Undecylenic Acid. But today we forget how effective it is.

Corruption:

Is There A Belief That the Market’s Pain Point Used To Not Exist, Or Used To Not Be So Bad?
Is There A Belief That It’s Been Recently Exacerbated By Outside Forces?
https://www.cnn.com/2015/05/01/health/pacific-islands-obesity/index.html

If So, What Are Those Forces And What’s The Reason Behind Their Presence?
Examples:
Obesity and diabetes being the result of Dr. Ancil Keyes.

This isolated group of people doesn’t struggle from whatever condition/pain point that most of us do. In America we DO suffer from this pain point. The reason why is that we are exposed to these outside forces while this isolated group isn’t.