Have you ever joined a group because you feel it is where you belong, only to sadly drop out days later? Read more on the perfect online weight loss support group for you.
Have you ever joined a group because you feel it is where you belong, only to sadly drop out days later? Read more on the perfect online weight loss support group for you.
As someone who works in the health industry, I notice things. First, that most health gurus prefer certain superfoods or supplements over others. Second, that the key to lasting results is an accountability or support group.
Just like there are literally thousands of ways to achieve weight loss (many of which I know from being on the National Weight Control Registry), there are so many groups that it can be hard to figure out the perfect one for you. This post is going to share what to look for in an online weight loss support group.
Do Weight Loss Support Groups Work
Let’s do this together! You will often see this type of language on Instagram or Facebook from well-meaning people who want to begin their own health journey, or health gurus with six-pack abs and a kale smoothie in one hand. Or, perhaps you’ve joined Weightwatchers, TOPS, Overeaters Anonymous, or any number of weight loss support groups.
Before we talk about whether online groups work, let’s talk about weight loss support groups in general.
According to this article from Reader’s Digest, researchers at New York Obesity Research Center found that among 423 men and women, those who participated in a commercial weight-loss program with group support lost more weight during the first year (10 pounds compared to 3 pounds) and dropped more inches than those who lost weight without participating in a program.
Weight loss support groups run the gamut in terms of their philosophy- from weekly weigh-ins with a scale to specific diet plans to journals and interventions. Some require you to pay to play, and you might even get kicked out if you cannot meet your weekly goal.
I know people who have been lifetime members of Weightwatchers, have presented to many local TOPS chapters about my own weight loss journey, and have learned from clients about other groups I never even heard of.
I have also had many Weight Loss Breakthrough sessions with clients who “wonder what’s wrong with them”, because after the initial month of two of joining a group, they lost interest. Or, they moved and had to drop out of a group. Or, they even reached their goal weight, and regained some (if not all) of it back.
What has been your experience with weight loss support groups?
One of the best reasons to join a support group is the idea that you share similar goals. This is especially helpful if you lack support at home, either for making healthier meals or sticking to an exercise program. In addition, you can meet folks at certain times or online to encourage each other when the going gets rough.
How about the trend from in person meetings to online meetings? Is one format more helpful than another?
Why Choose an Online Weight Loss Support Group
There are clear benefits to a support group that you have access to 24/7, and many traditional weight loss groups are following this model. First of all, there is the convenience of doing a program at your own pace and on your own hours.
Sometimes, in person groups are not available, and the online weight loss support group might bridge the gap at a much smaller cost than a group that requires a facilitator. Currently, there are hundreds of online support groups that charge minimal fees for creating an account. Some even offer chat options with a dietician or nutritionist, or at least templated meal plans.
Recent statistics suggest that the average person spends about 50 minutes per day using Facebook, Instagram, and Facebook Messenger. Add that to the fact that most people spend over five hours per day on their cell phones, and it’s clear that we love our technology. (per Shape)
Having access to the best health information day after day is a powerful tool delivered via our phones or devices. Plus, you can’t argue the convenience of logging your food journal while waiting in line at your kid’s carpool, (hardly) working, waiting at the doctor’s office, or even cooking dinner.
Even if you buck the online trends for shopping, dating, schooling, and other personal development, you may feel that your weight loss journey is too personal to face strangers every week on a scale. I know I had no interest in sharing my weight with anyone, much less those who might be experiencing bigger losses than mine.
It all comes down to confidence.
Livescience released this article that showed virtual weight loss participants are more confident in their ability to reach their goals. They were more likely to report eating healthier and being more physically active after 12 weeks than those who participated in a support group that met in real life.
There is one caveat: a peer-reviewed meta-analysis of social media intervention for health behaviors revealed low participation and no significant differences amongst online weight loss support groups.
In other words, while online weight loss support groups, especially ones found on Facebook or Instagram, may offer some key factors that make weight loss “easy”, individual participation is still the key factor.
Plus, studies are pointing towards groups that combine both in person and online factors for greatest success.
Come join Weight no More, for one of the only online weight loss support groups for both losers and maintainers, led by a long-time maintainer. This is not the type of group you join for 30 days, and then say “sayonara”. Instead, it is a group that will support you until you reach your ultimate goal- and BEYOND!
In addition to free weekly meal plans, you also have access to a downloadable 30 day action plan specifically for the September Success series. Details are in the group.
Finding the Right Online Weight Loss Support Group
One of the things that has been the most helpful for me in terms of achieving my weight loss of 100 pounds has been finding the right environment to be successful.
If you’ve been following my blog, you know that I was only able to drop 100 pounds when I left my home environment and started changing my eating and exercise habits.
As a broke college student embarking on my first ever major attempt at a weight loss program, I needed to first learn the basics. And, that included leaving a non-supportive environment.
As a younger kid, I ate a lot of processed and budget-friendly foods. We all know that budget foods are perhaps not the best quality food, and few diet gurus would recommend a weight loss program focused on eating these types of foods. I didn’t think to question these eating habits until I moved away from home.
The right group for me to shift my thinking around food was one that cared about home-cooked meals that are healthy but also extra tasty. Or, a group of people who didn’t run marathons for fun, and yet still love to move. Or, a group of women who love the bodies they’re in while still wanting to pursue a better version of themselves.
I took a lot of time and effort to educate myself to learn how to cook foods that weren’t pre-packaged foods, to learn how to enjoy vegetables that I used to try not to gag on at the dinner table. All by my lonesone.
It worked!
- I was responsible for my own grocery shopping.
- I was responsible for my own kitchen.
- I was responsible for setting an exercise schedule on my terms.
I was able to find body bliss.
You might be thinking, “Well, that’s not fair because my husband is not trying to lose weight, my children don’t want me to cook healthy meals, and that’s the last thing they would allow me to do so I have to make everything just for myself.”
Obviously, you can’t you don’t quit your house and quit your family just so that you can focus on your goals. That is the power of an online weight loss support group. Not only does your circle increase, but you can actively choose to connect more with those who recognize your struggle.
I could point the bazillion groups out there that area led by the likes of Jillian Michaels or Tracy Anderson. Or, I could make your life simple, and point out one that I created after pining about the unicorn group I never found when beginning my 100-pound weight loss journey.
I invite you to join us in Weight no More. Not only do you get free health coaching access to me, but you also get free resources you need to succeed on your health journey. This includes daily accountability posts covering elements of food, training, rest, and portion control.
This group is not about hype, it’s about doing the work and feeling confident that you have the right online weight loss support group for you.
3 thoughts on “Finding your Perfect Online Weight Loss Support Group”
I have personally found that online support groups can be just as if not more encouraging than the ones I find face to face.
Hi, Stacie,
I am so glad you have had a positive experience with online groups! Do you also find that you get more momentum for your goals, or just the encouragement? I am curious to learn more!
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