[IOCA] Fatpacking in Arizona March 19 - April 3

[Adam Wishneusky]

Weight loss study backpacking trip:

Fatpacking
( http://www.fatpacking.com/ )
is seeking several people to participate in a backpacking trip/body 
composition/weight management study. We plan to escort participants 
about 100 miles on the Arizona Trail. 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.

Backpacking experience is not necessary, but a modicum of physical 
mobility 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 group’s 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. We will not place you on a starvation diet as our 
philosophy is that eating heartily 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 Phoenix, 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, 
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 you’ll be able to shower and have access to phones, e-mail, etc. 
We cover the cost of this. We also plan to stay 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 Arizona Trail (Superstition Wilderness, 
Four Peaks Wilderness), 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

For more information or to sign up, please contact
Steve Silberberg
steve.silberberg at alum.mit.edu