[IOCA] Weight-loss backpacking study in the Adirondaks

[Adam Wishneusky]

 11.june - 26.june 2005
 Fatpacking 
 (Northvill-Placid Trail, Adirondacks, Upstate New York)


Fatpacking ( www.fatpacking.com ) is seeking 6-8 people to thru-hike the
Northville-Placid trail in the Adirondacks of upstate New York. The trip is
a combination backpacking adventure/body composition/weight management
study. We are looking for participants who are 15-50 pounds overweight to
join us. This trip is not only a vacation, but also a study in which we are
trying to tangibly determine the effects of backpacking on body composition,
stress, respiration, heart rate, and other health metrics. On a previous
trip, participants lost on the average of 5 lbs per week per person.

Not all of the 135 mile Northville-Placid trail (NPT) is open. One land
owner has decided to close down their section, so a true thru-hike may not
be possible, which is fine since 135 miles is ambitious for a 2 week
adventure. We may also take a day to bag a peak or go canoeing should time
or circumstances permit. Unlike other wilderness trails, the NPT is a
lowland trail, so steep laborious climbs will be minimzed.

Backpacking experience is not necessary, but a reasonable level of physical
fitness and a positive attitude are essential. We plan to backpack roughly
4-11 miles per day over a variety of terrains, distance depending upon the
group¹s ability and morale, and trail conditions.

The trip will be a backcountry experience. That means sleeping in tents and
no plumbing. Participants will be expected to share chores like cooking
equally. You will not be placed on a starvation diet as our philosophy is
that eating heartily is essential to the demands of backpacking and will
still result in weight loss. We may however, meticulously record everything
you eat. Furthermore, we will not impose any austere diets, such as Atkins
on participants, since that would be a drag and we would be unsure to what
extent the backpacking affected weight loss.

Participants must be able to transport themselves to upstate New York, but
we will handle all ground transport (except for hiking, which is what you
do) from there. We will also do our best to provide equipment such as tents,
food, ground pads, water filtration devices, bear canisters (this is bear
country), stoves, and other equipment. We will be unable to provide personal
items and size dependent items such as hiking boots and backpacks.

We expect to take one day off in mid-hike to stay at a cheapish motel where
you¹ll be able to shower and have access to phones, e-mail, etc. We cover
the cost of this. We also plan to stay in another cheapish motel at the
trip's outset and in a mid-range Bed and Breakfast at the end of the hike,
which is also included.

The trip costs $750. If you or someone you know would like to be a part of
this study and backpack the Northville-Placid Trail, please contact me at
steve.silberberg at alum.mit.edu. You can also call me at 781-773-1115. I would
be happy to provide details.

Disclaimer: This trip is both a study and commercial in nature


Contact: 
 Steve Silberberg
 steve.silberberg at alum.mit.edu