Social Support & Weight Loss

Getting support from family, friends and fellow dieters can be a crucial component of successful weight loss. In fact, studies have shown social support to be positively correlated with weight loss, according to a 2005 study by Dutch researchers published in the "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition." Losing weight with the support of others can be fun, provide motivation and help make the process more effective.

Considerations

About 50 million Americans try to lose weight each year with little or no success, according to the Colorado State University Extension. Only 5 percent of these people manage to keep the weight off. Although diet and support programs can increase your chances of successful weight loss, the only proven way to lose weight and keep it off is to make permanent lifestyle changes by exercising more and decreasing your caloric intake.

Types

There are numerous types of social support programs for weight loss. Perhaps the best known structured support system is Weight Watchers, although others include Jenny Craig, Nutri System, Diet Center, Overeaters Anonymous and Take Off Pounds Sensibly, according to the Colorado State University Extension. Social support is also available in the form of online groups, offered via these structured programs or through weight-loss support forums. Friends and family members can play an important support role by providing motivation and encouragement.

Effects

According to a 1999 study published in the "Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology," losing weight is more effective with social support. This study focused on two groups of people. One group received a standard behavioral treatment for weight loss without social support. The second group received the standard behavioral treatment combined with social support. The results showed that the second group completed 95 percent of the treatment, and 66 percent maintained weight loss, as opposed to the first group, of which only 76 percent completed treatment, and 24 percent maintained weight loss.

Features

When choosing a structured form of social support, look for several factors, the Colorado State University Extension advises. Ask about the credentials of staff members. The program should also have personnel who can answer specific questions or help you formulate a realistic weight-loss goal. Other programs, such as Overeaters Anonymous, which relies on peer support, are often more effective than relying on online forums alone.

Warning

Although most structured weight-loss support programs charge a monthly fee, you should beware of programs that ask you to pay extremely high prices. You can participate in groups such as Overeaters Anonymous and certain online weight-loss support forums for free.