Kate:

Last summer I signed up as a control subject in a medical study to make a little extra money.  I’ve done two tests for them, and it’s been pretty simple.  Now they’re asking if I want to do a study next month that’s a little more involved, but it pays a lot more.

The catch is that I can’t lose weight between now and then.  Weight loss or gain would affect their test results.  When they called in November to see if I’d be interested, I’d lost too much weight in the previous two months.  The woman asked if I wanted her to call me after the new year to see if my weight had leveled off.  I told her she could but that I hoped I would keep losing weight.  I don’t think she fully comprehended that my weight loss was a good thing.  I guess she’d rather have study subjects.

Two months later, and my weight loss has leveled off.  However, I feel a renewed commitment to my weight loss goals, and I need to take that into account.  Do I want to maintain for about 3 weeks and potentially lose the momentum or do I want to fatten my bank account?  It’s a tough decision, but I’m really leaning toward embracing my newfound energy and turning down the study.  As my friend said, I better lose enough weight to make it worth giving up the money!