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Weight-Loss Support Group Information

Jun 14, 2011 | By Victoria Weinblatt

A weight-loss support group provides you with the opportunity to receive and give encouragement. It can be an official group arranged by a commercial diet program or an online chat group. Participating in a weight-loss support group gives you the information and accountability you need to achieve your weight-loss goals.

Meeting Basics

Weight-loss support group meetings are as individual as the people who attend them but offer basic commonalities. The support group allows its members to surround themselves with others who can directly relate to their goals. Up-to-date information on weight loss and issues of obesity are discussed, as well as personal trials and tribulations. Members learn to develop a new relationship with food, based on nutritional instead of emotional needs, as well as share tips and offer support. Guest speakers such as dietitians, doctors or chefs may be invited to share their knowledge and answer questions.

Online

You can join an online weight-loss support group for free on several websites including Drugs.com. Create a user name, upload a photo and complete a brief profile to share with other members. You can post questions and share your personal experience. Other members answer your questions as well as provide support and advice when you are having trouble sticking to your diet or having other weight loss. Topics include weight-loss medication and herbal weight-loss supplements.

Commercial Weight-Loss Programs

Weight-loss support groups are an integral component of some commercial weight-loss programs such as Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig. The support groups can be an in-person meeting you attend in your local community or online with dieters from all over the country. The support group provides a cheering section to give you the positive energy required to stick to your weight-loss program even in moments of weakness. Supporting others can empower you to inspire yourself.

After Gastric Banding Surgery

There is a positive relationship between the frequency of support group meetings attended and percentage of weight loss after gastric banding surgery according to a study published in the January/February 2011 issue of the journal "Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases." Participants attended free, professionally led weight-loss support group meetings once a week for one year.

References

Article reviewed by Elizabeth Ahders Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

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