Building a Weight-Loss Support System

Losing weight is hard enough as it is, but who says you have to do it all on your own? While you may be the one shedding the pounds, there are plenty of ways your family and friends can help as you transition to a healthier lifestyle. In fact, research has found that surrounding yourself with people who are supportive of your goals can contribute to long-term weight-loss success. Building a weight-loss support system may not make losing weight easy, but it’ll make it easier. 

Why Support Systems Matter

Much of weight loss involves breaking old, unhealthy habits and forming ones that are conducive to a healthy lifestyle. On your own, it can be easy to buckle to the temptation to reach for a soda instead of water or impulsively snack when bored. Having a friend or family member check in with your progress throughout the week creates the sense of being accountable to someone other than yourself.  

In a study published in the International Journal of Medical Informatics, over 87% of participants identified encouragement as the most valuable form of support during their weight-loss journey. It feels nice to be cheered for, and it’s motivating to know our goals matter to people outside ourselves. Having that outside push of encouragement to get to the gym or make the healthy choice for lunch goes a long way to keep you on track. 

Building a Support System

As you’re forming your weight-loss support system, keep in mind that different people will provide different types of support. Communicate your needs to your loved ones so they understand how they can help.

Those who provide emotional support can give you a safe place to vent your frustrations or discouraging thoughts. Some might offer practical support, like watching your kids while you head to the gym or helping you test a new recipe. Others might serve as motivational support by becoming your workout buddy or encouraging you with advice from their own weight-loss journey.

Part of the beauty of the internet is that it can connect us with so many other like-minded individuals. There is no shortage of online weight-loss communities where you can share recipes or workout routines. Wherever you build your support system, be willing to give back the support you are given—if not for their own weight-loss journeys, then for another aspect of their lives.

Whether you’re pre-surgery, post-surgery, or looking for non-surgical weight loss options, Lap-Band® Indiana wants to provide you with the best medical support you need to achieve your goals. Learn more about our weight-loss solutions or contact us today.