Why social support is key to weight loss?

 

By Princillah Moraa Bosco 

January 19th 2023

Weight loss strategies 

Mist apps on playstore always provide s with  a convenient support system on your weight-loss journey which is helpful.Even though healthy eating and exercising are a big part of any weight-loss plan, there's a third factor you may be missing to know and which  "social support." Most of don't know about this.oScial support systems or programs may have a bigger effect on your weight-loss success than you thinks.

These are the reasons you should get to learn on how social support can help you attain your goals 

3 Reasons Social Support Helps With Weight Loss

1. It Keeps You 

Motivation is one of the  biggest benefits of having a social support system . Weight-loss progress isn't always easier as you think .However, when you feel discouraged, knowing you have friends family,a community in your corner can help you keep progressing toward your goal of losing weight. The people around you may have a bigger effect on your progress than you expect. Generally, people who start a weight-loss journey with friends have better success meeting their goals and maintaining their progress because they motivate each other since they have common goals.On August 2017  during the study in ​Childhood Obesity​ had similar findings. Adolescent women who relied on encouragement from family and friends were more successful in meeting their weight-loss goals which was losing weight.

2. It Encourages Accountability

There are many different forms social support system can come up with , including friends and families, apps which needs to be downloaded from playstore or community-based programs. Different systems work for different people, but all of these provide a source of accountability, which can be a big encouraging factor to everyone.Thoseindividuals who have accountable partners or programs are usually  able to reach their goals which it's their determination.Dr. Whether it's reporting to a friend each week or checking off goals on an app or going to a gym,having a system that keeps you accountable can encourage you to keep progressing toward your goals.

3. You Can Learn New Tools

Outside resources can also teach you how to better handle and navigate any of the bumps you may encounter on the road anytime. As mentioned above ,progress isn't always linear, and in some cases, you may not know the solution when setbacks come along your way.But having a community  full of people with positive vibes towards you means you get to problem-solve together. Chances are, others have encountered the same issues and may be able to suggest solutions that worked for themiSmilarly, most apps or digital programs have pages and pages of information and tips or tricks to help make your weight-loss journey a little easier.

Social Support Systems and Programs to Try Before you start testing different systems, I recommends you to first think about whether outside support is best for you or not. Although social support can help you meet your goals, it's not for everyone and isn't the only successful strategy. Some individuals prefer to achieve their goals solo, and that's totally OK with them. Or, you may prefer to start alone and reach out for support several months down the line. It's a totally personal decision but we have same goals which is weight loss.

 If you're set on trying a social support program or system, there are a few things  to follow,

1. Friends and Family

Personal relationships play a big part in your overall wellbeing, and that includes navigating weight loss, nobody absolutely nobody should help you decide when it comes to losing your own weight. More specifically, long-term support is often necessary in reaching milestones.In most cases, friends and family  even a spouse may be able to provide all the support you need in your journey. But that doesn't mean that every relationship is ideal in this context. After all, you want support from someone you trust and can rely on anytime when things get challenging — and who will encourage you to keep up your progress so you must engage someone.Think of friends or family members who you are comfortable being open to or someone you are able to share a conversation about your weight-loss goals. Work together to set up expectations, whether that's meeting once a week to discuss your progress or sending daily text messages or making calls . This is personal preference, but the key is to find a mutual, positive understanding.

2. Weight-Loss Programs

There are plenty of weight-loss programs out there more especially on tv channels but that doesn't mean they're all positive or provide the social support you're looking for.These are a few options you can consider:A digital program you can easily purchase online and use on your phone or computer to access. Weight Watchers (WW)is a personalized weight-loss plan that helps you change your lifestyle rather than simply meet a target number on the scale.When it comes to social support, WW has a big online community through social platforms like Facebook and Instagram YouTube, Twitter where you can connect with other users or explore the company's informational posts.

​NOOm

Noon started as a weight loss programs but it has grown into a larger wellness system and community. Noom connects you with real human coaches that are best suited to your weight loss goals. Depending on your target and your availability, you and your coach set up a program that works best for you, including regular check-ins.

​Obesity Action Coalition

The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) is an online program that's devoted to teaching users more about the science of weight and obesity. But this platform isn't only educational.but  also has a whole community of people looking to connect with and support others on their way to better health which is weight loss . The OAC has community blogs and forums you can use to discuss your struggles or progress with others along a similar journey.

Weight-Loss Apps

Those people w ho don't need a pre-established weight-loss program, apps are a great way to track your progress and connect with other users also.

​LIVESTRONG.com's MyPlate​

The MyPlate app allows you to track your food and calories, log your workouts and get inspired by a community full of dedicated users who support one another always. Members share their success stories, swap tricks and tips, upload progress pictures and much more in this easy-to-use app

​Lose It!​

This  is an app that allows you to set your weight-loss and nutrition goals immediately you join, track your food  drink a lot of water and monitor your progress. It  also has an entire digital community you can turn to for support, join for different health and fitness challenges and ask questions since they reply instantly.

​MyFitnessPal​

It's a  calorie-tracking app that allows you to set nutrition goals and monitor your daily calories, macronutrients and micronutrients. Post pictures of your mealsin the message board there's even a message board.

​Fitbit App​

This  is best known for its step-tracking abilities — and yes, you can use it without an actual Fitbit wearable, too. You can use this app to track your daily exercises progress and body statistics (like your weight), but it also has some great community features in it.

On the app, you can connect with your friends and family to send each other motivational messages or participate in group challenges which is helpful.WeeightWatchers wants its members to embrace the SmartPoints system as an alternative to counting calories, with the goal of motivating people to choose smart foods and lose weight safely. The system encourages a reduced caloric intake but still offers plenty of nutritious foods that promote satiety.

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Princillah Bosco