Weight loss is a difficult challenge to face alone. Using a diet buddy, support group, or joining an online weight loss forum can increase your chances of meeting your weight loss goals.
How can diet support bring results?
- Create accountability partners. Working with a diet buddy, either one on one or in a group setting, can make it easier to stay on track with diet and exercise programs than if you’re working on willpower alone. You can report to each other on a daily or weekly basis about what you’re eating, whether you’re cheating, and how much physical activity you’ve engaged in.
- Create social support. Diet buddies can be a workout partner or a support in social situations that center around food. It can be difficult to face a new gym or holiday party as a beginning dieter.
- Reinforce long-term weight loss. Research shows that meeting weekly with a facilitated support group contributes to diet success even after you’ve reached your goal weight. Joining a weight loss group can help you make permanent changes that are critical to long-term weight loss.
- Find like-minded people. People who struggle with weight issues often have similar problems that other non-overweight people in their lives don’t have. It can be extremely encouraging to talk with someone who understands firsthand what you’re dealing with.
Working with a partner or group isn’t mandatory if you want to lose weight, but many people find that it makes a difficult process easier and more fun.