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Weight loss is not an easy process and can be frustrating, especially when you don’t have a support system in place. Having a social network of family and friends who share similar weight loss goals can be immensely beneficial in reaching and keeping your optimal body weight. Studies show that social support has a powerful effect on successful, sustained weight loss.
The Benefits of Social Support for Weight Loss
Research indicates that social support has a restorative effect on reducing stress, improving self-esteem, and increasing motivation levels. Also, when you have social companions who share the same goals as you, you tend to be more consistent with your diet and exercise program.
Finding Your Tribe of Positive Supporters
The first step is to develop a network of people who understand and value your efforts to get healthy and fit. These people can be found through friends, family members, and community groups who are also setting out to achieve their own weight loss goals. Also, social media can be a great resource for finding your peers; for instance, groups such as Weight Watchers are a great resource for finding like-minded individuals in the same situation.
Encouraging a Healthy Lifestyle
Aside from providing moral and emotional support, your social circle can also be instrumental in helping you to form and stick to a balanced diet and physical activity plan. Having other people to cook healthy meals with, complete fitness classes with, or to simply be able to talk with, can help keep you on track and motivated to reach your goals.
Staying Focused and Supporting Each Other
Having a supportive network of friends and family around you goes a long way towards aiding your weight loss efforts. It’s important to stay focused on your goals and to motivate each other to stay engaged in the process and make sure each person is progressing towards their own goals.
Ultimately, having a strong support system for your weight loss is an important factor in achieving lasting results. It takes time and effort to build and maintain your social network of positive and supportive people, but when done correctly, it will provide you with the resources, motivation, and accountability to stay healthy and stay on track.
Conclusion
The impact of social support on weight loss is well-documented. Having a network of family, friends and peers who share similar health and wellness goals can help to reduce stress, increase motivation, and encourage healthy lifestyle habits. Ultimately, having the right social support around you is key to a successful, sustained weight loss journey.
