Social support and weight loss
In one study, researchers looked at the effectiveness of Weight Watchers versus a self-help approach consisting of two brief sessions with a dietician plus printed materials. In a prospective, 2-year clinical trial that randomly assigned participants to either Weight Watchers meetings or the self-help method, those who were assigned to Weight Watchers meetings lost and kept off significantly more weight. Commercial programs that rely on group support, discussions about exercise and diet and assignments, such as keeping a food diary, can be a good choice. Thanks to the individualized attention they provide, these groups may lead to greater weight loss than commercial programs, say some researchers. Another option is small weight-loss groups based at universities or medical centers. By the end of the second year, both groups had regained weight. On average, the Weight Watchers group lost almost 10 pounds compared to three pounds in the self-help group. Run by psychologists, nutritionists or other weight-loss professionals, these programs last for a set number of weeks. 4. In a systematic review of commercial weight-loss programs in the United States, this finding was cited as an example of the role of adherence, in this case by getting the social support available from attending the meetings, in achieving lasting weight loss. How social support can help you lose weight. But while the self-help group returned to their starting weight, the average Weight Watchers participant kept off more than six pounds. As yet, there have been no comparative studies to prove that claim. 2.
Among those who have never been overweight as well as those who have maintained a weight loss, the use of social support is very high (70% and 80% respectively). And evidence suggests that the more social support a person receives, the better the weight-loss results. 1 While it is difficult to pinpoint exactly how the involvement of others enhances weight-loss success, the available evidence suggests that support enhances feelings of control and confidence. Launched in 1970 by a formerly obese person and an obesity researcher, this rigorous program requires enrollees to attend weekly group sessions. 3. In a study that looked at what happened when friends joined and participated in a group weight-loss program together, both weight loss and maintenance of the loss was better than that achieved by individuals who participated in the program on their own. Psychological research has found that a group approach helps, at least in the short-term. 5. The help and encouragement of other people is linked to lasting weight loss. Social support, defined as the help and encouragement provided by other people, has been demonstrated to be linked with lasting weight loss. The researchers found that the Weight Watchers participants lost more than three times the pounds of the self-help group the first year. Moreover, there was a direct connection between the attendance at Weight Watchers meetings and weight-loss results. This contrasts sharply with those who have lost and regained weight, where the use of available social support is low (38%).
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family support and weight loss
Social support and weight loss
