UL: so in looking at studies on weight loss it states that the common folk lore since the 1950's is that only 5% of people keep the weight off for a year. Of course just like people that abuse alcohol people that overeat tend to lose weight themselves and don't use a formal program so stats are hard to get. Some studies have sent out surveys to people to ask about this and what they discovered is that many more people not in official studies have maintained weight loss, etc. Unfortunately you are a pessimistic doom and gloom person, people are their addictions, they never change, etc. Spending my life working with people professionally has taught me that this is absolutely not true for the majority. It is certainly true for some people. I have seen people overcome horrific things and not be bitter. You tell people that their is no hope-which is not true. My hope is that people in need of help seek out strong, positive people, professional help if they need it or use their inner motivation/strength to help themselves. Over and over again I have seen people be successful at beating all types of addictions and leading rewarding lives. Other people choose to be victims, hate their jobs, etc. that is their choice.