When you think of group mentality, it is often presented with negative connotations. But being a part of a group can have some major benefits, especially when it comes to weight loss motivation. When part of a community-based weight loss program, participants will often lose more weight than when they try to go it alone. Obesity is one of the major causes of adverse health conditions in the United States which makes the ability to stick to and succeed with a weight loss program vital to one’s health.
Many of these programs provide weight loss tips, exercise programs, and regular weigh-ins to make sure that you stay on track. However, the most successful programs are going to be the ones that are affordable and convenient.
Benefits of Weight Loss Support Groups
Since group programs showed improved results for weight loss, it is important to look at why these group programs are so successful.
A Solid Support System
Losing weight is a hard process, both mentally and physically. This is the reason that many people may find themselves giving up after one or two attempts. Additionally, if you are trying to lose weight in a household where others are not, it can be hard to get them to understand what you are going through.
With weight loss support groups, you will have a solid support system with whom you can discuss your struggles with temptations and who can provide you tips with how they have gotten through similar situations. Weight loss programs also offer a structured group setting or mentorship allowing you to tackle problems as they occur.
A Better Sense of Accountability
Programs, such as Prime Women’s PLATE (see last paragraph), will have a set of rules that are to be followed for dieting and exercise. When rules are in place you are much more likely to follow them and know what exactly is expected of you. You will also have set goals for each week, month, or other milestones. This will not only provide you with attainable goals you need to focus on but make you accountable to follow the rules and achieve these goals. You will feel a responsibility to the group to do your part as everyone else is making sacrifices to do their part as well. Being accountable to others is often a much stronger motivation than only having to be accountable to yourself.
Reliability of Mentors and Coaches
You will enjoy the benefit of coaches and mentors to help you through your weight loss journey. This will give you someone to rely on for the information and guidance you need to get to your desired goals. What’s even better is most often these coaches and mentors have struggled with their own weight loss journey so they will have had the same questions and concerns that you have and often have the answers to help you get through them. Also, you will have someone you can count on to talk to when you need help the most.
Improved Motivation
Finding the motivation to start with your weight loss journey and stay on track is one of the biggest issues that lead to failure. This is especially true after one or two minor setbacks. A group program is not only there to keep you accountable, but also provide you with the motivation you need to get started and stay the course. Your group will include individuals your age, who have the same motivating factors. Also, you are likely to have members in the group who are finding success in their weight loss journey, and their results can let you know that the goal is possible.
Tried and True Strategies for Success
With so many diets and exercise fads out there, it can be hard to know what the best way is to get started or obtain your specific goals. Group programs have effective strategies that have proven results for a variety of weight loss needs and body types. It starts with understanding the needs of a menopausal or postmenopausal woman. The program should provide you with a strategic diet plan tailored to your age group, exercise recommendations, and the tools to get in the right mindset for your weight loss program to be successful.
Relief From Stress
Embarking on a weight loss program can be stressful, and stress can lead to excess cortisol production which can foil your weight loss plans. Many people who participate in weight loss support groups say that they find their weight loss journey less stressful as the group helps them to cope with challenges and they feel less like a failure when others are experiencing the same problems. When talking with group members, many members feel comfortable sharing their emotions which can be a great way to unload added stress making their weight loss goals easier to obtain.
Shared Success
During your weight loss journey, family and friends will often comment on how well you are doing and how great you look, but sometimes these compliments are not enjoyed as much, as you feel they may be supportive because they care about you. With a group environment, your success will be celebrated by others going through the same struggle, which can make your victories seem all the more sweet. You can also share in their personal success stories, allowing you to realize your goals can be close at hand.
Weight loss takes a lot of hard work and driving determination but group programs provide you with accountability, added motivation and support, and greater reliability to provide you with all the necessary tools you need to be successful in your goals.
Online Weight Loss Support Groups Provide Added Convenience
With busy schedules, it can be hard to attend meetings or fit programs into your schedule, which is a major reason that people stagnate in their weight loss journey. Since online programs provide the ability to host meetings and chat online, you can enjoy the same benefits of a physical group meeting. You also have the ability to contact those in your support group or log in when you are struggling the most, instead of waiting until the next group meeting come around.
Let PLATE Help You Achieve Your Weight Loss Goals
Because having a support group is so critical to losing weight AND keeping it off, Prime Women is launching an online weight management program starting January 1st designed for women near and over 50. The program called PLATE not only teaches you a new way to approach food but assigns you to a small group of women. Group size is no more than 10 in your age range with a similar weight loss goal. More details and sign-ups will be available on January 1st. Either check back on Tuesday or, if you aren’t already a Prime Women subscriber, subscribe below to receive the PLATE program link in your inbox January 1st. One plate – ten friends – one beautiful result!
