Group weight loss: there's power in numbers!

If you’ve ever tried to lose weight, you know it’s no easy endeavour. Most of us think that it’s entirely about willpower, but it’s not. In order to fully commit to any weight loss program requires planning, preparation, and most importantly – support.

If you’re someone who has tried a variety of different dietary protocols that require drastic changes and you “failed”, it might not be a problem on your end. When looking at the obstacles to weight loss, we have to consider your social support. You might have experienced this yourself – maybe you’re on day 8 of your weight loss protocol. You’re doing well, but the weekend is coming up. Maybe your partner starts talking about how it would be nice to go out for a date night to your favourite spot with that spinach dip you find irresistible. Maybe your kids want to go to the local fair for some cotton candy and popcorn, two of your favourites. Maybe your friends bought your favourite bottle of wine, assuming you’d be coming over this weekend for wine and cheese.

They have the best intentions. They want you to enjoy your life! What they don’t know, is how much this goal means to you, and how much social support can make or break your success. It’s true that we become the people we surround ourselves with, but did you know that you actually adopt the habits and eventually the BMI of those around you? Your chances of being overweight are significantly higher when those around you are overweight. It’s all about the habits we’re picking up from those close to us.

Not all hope is lost, because this can actually work the opposite way too. There’s an interesting phenomenon being referred to as the “halo effect” of weight loss. This effect has been found repeatedly when participants undergo a weight loss program, that those around them actually lose weight too. There have even been books written about the influence our loved ones have on our body weight. Good choices are contagious.

We aren’t saying you need to abandon your friends and family to reach your goals – what we are saying is that you need to surround yourself with more people who have the same goals you do. This is the reason that group weight loss programs work so well. You have a team behind you who wants you to success as much as they want to succeed themselves, and the positive choices everyone makes will rub off on you too!

If you’re looking for a group of similar others, look no further. Sign up for the Metabolic Reset Program – a 1 month, intensive weight loss group program to kickstart you on the path to the body you want.

References

1. https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2007/07/obesity-is-contagious/

2. Zomeño MD, Lassale C, Perez-Vega A, Perez-Fernández S, Basora J, Babió N, Llimona R, Paz-Graniel I, Muñoz J, Salas J, Pintó X, Sacanella E, Fitó M, Subirana I, Schröder H, Goday A, Castaner O. Halo effect of a Mediterranean-lifestyle weight-loss intervention on untreated family members' weight and physical activity: a prospective study. Int J Obes (Lond). 2021 Jun;45(6):1240-1248. doi: 10.1038/s41366-021-00763-z. Epub 2021 Mar 3. PMID: 33658686.

3. Willet, Walter. Wood, Melissa. Thinfluence. New York, Harvard University, 2014.