An obesity support group can help members work together to talk about their issues, what makes them eat and how to deal with the day to day struggles of a disease like obesity. Individuals who are obese spend much time feeling isolated from other people, so a support group can be an integral part in treatment and recovery. If you are running a support group for obesity, you'll need to structure your meetings in such a way that everyone feels uplifted and supported and can work together on the path to recovery.
Step 1
Plan each group session so that you have a set schedule of events. This keeps the group organized and gives everyone ample time to talk about what they need support with, as well as gives you the time to speak each week about an issue important to the group, make announcements and visit. You may consider a schedule where you first begin with a discussion, then segue into an open discussion. Open discussion could be followed by a private weigh-in and talking about challenges, and finishing off each session with a wrap-up in which you conclude the meeting and make a date for the next meeting.
Step 2
Start your group with a weekly discussion. You can choose a current event from a newspaper that may affect the group, discuss recent findings in the world of medicine, or give the floor to a group member to lead the discussion with a topic of choice. This warms the group up to share more and loosens tongues.
Step 3
Allow for open discussion to talk about shared struggles, day-to-day issues or relationship woes. These are things that everyone in the group can relate to. You can choose to go around the room, or lead an open discussion in which group members talk freely.
Step 4
Make goals as a group. They do not need to be all weight-loss-centered, but can also revolve around social situations or gaining confidence. Give each member a challenge to complete between meetings so that the next week, everyone can report on what they did, how they felt and how it affected them. You may make a challenge to try a new vegetable, make over a family-friendly meal into something more healthy, or even make positive self affirmations every day for a week.
Step 5
Serve healthy snacks at your meeting to enforce the importance of health when it comes to obesity. Fruit and vegetable trays, or low-fat cheese and crackers can be good choices, and you may find that snacks help members to open up further.
Step 6
Decide on the frequency of meetings and get-togethers. You may choose to meet weekly, or twice a month. Remember that meetings don't have to be your only events. Parties, get-togethers and nights out can also promote a feeling camaraderie between members and facilitate further feelings of support and recovery.
Step 7
Make sure that you are available to members as often as they need you. Hand out cards with your phone number on it and be supportive if one of your members calls you with a problem. If you feel like you can't handle everyone's needs, assign buddies in the group so that everyone has continuing support even when not at the meetings.
