Successful weight loss requires a lifestyle approach, and a support group provides the essentials you need to make it happen. In a study published in the "Health Psychology Journal," researchers found that individuals who received enhanced motivation and learned maintenance skills achieved successful weight loss. Depending on the type of support group you attend, weight-loss support group activities include emotional support, motivation, strategies for success and mind/body skills to help you lose weight and keep it off. Whichever support group you choose, ensure that a qualified instructor or clinician is leading the group.
Emotional Support
People with social ties live longer, stay healthier and cope better with life stressors. Social relationships provide an opportunity to speak to others about your emotions. Depression, anxiety and other mood disorders are often prevalent in individuals who are overweight; negative emotions trigger overeating. Support groups provide a safe place to share your feelings, discuss difficult emotions related to weight gain and weight loss, and help you transform your negative emotions into energy that drives you to success.
Motivation
Starting a weight-loss program is easy, but keeping to it is the difficult part. A support group provides you a built-in buddy system to help keep you on track. You can chose a partner to work out with or talk to outside of the group as well. During the support group, you have the opportunity to hear others' stories of success as well as failures, and learn about how they overcame their setbacks and achieved their goals. Opportunity for feedback is also available if you ask for it.
Strategies for Success
Weight loss is a lifestyle change, not just a diet and exercise plan. Generally, support groups teach strategies along the way that help you succeed. Activities may include identifying emotional eating; learning to keep a food diary to record daily calories, fat, and exercise; exciting meal plans and exercise tips that work.
Mind/Body Skills
Mind/body approaches to weight loss include managing stress, restructuring your thoughts about your body and your relationship to food, and learning relaxation exercises. Activities may include learning mindful eating; practicing relaxation exercises, including breathing and yoga; and keeping a stress diary to understand your emotional eating patterns.
References
- "Long Term Maintenance of Weight Loss; Journal of Health Psychology"; Jeffrey et al.; 2000
- "Mind/Body Health", Hafen et al.; 1996
- "Healing Mind, Healthy Woman"; Alice Domar, Ph.D. and Henry Dreher; 1996
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