When it comes to losing weight, experts say having support is key.
And now according to a new study from the University of Illinois, a certain type of support could help women maintain their weight loss after a diet.
The type of support? Social support–something researchers say is vital for helping women successfully stay thin.
“All of the women lost a significant amount of weight on the program, but many were unsuccessful at maintaining it after the program ended,” says Catherine J. Metzgar, R.D., L.D.N., a graduate research assistant in food science and human nutrition at the University of Illinois. “Our women didn’t find that accountability to themselves was so important, but having support from others was — just having that social support from someone who was going through the same experience.”
Working with other researchers from the University of Illinois, Metzgar recruited 23 women to complete a weight loss program which emphasized healthy eating habits. To help them lose weight, their calories were reduced by 500 calories and they practiced healthy eating habits, such as practice portion control, planning ahead meals, and eating more vegetables–all eating habits most nutritionists recommend as part of a balanced diet.
After this initial consultation, they continued to follow this diet for over a year, in which researchers evaluated how well they adhered to the program–both during and after the program ended. Some of then women also joined a weekly group meeting, whereas other women did not receive any social support as all.
And, as it turned out, that sort of support meant they were more likely to keep the weight off after the study.
“They were very aware of life transitions having a meaningful impact on how they were able to lose weight or maintain that weight loss,” says Sharon M. Nickols-Richardson, Ph.D., a professor of food science and nutrition who also co-authored the study. “The women very clearly articulate their awareness of life transitions and their impact on food behaviors. Several women referred to it as a ‘weight-loss journey,’ indicating that they realized that they needed a total lifestyle change, rather than a temporary diet to achieve and maintain weight loss.”
In conclusion, researchers say social support matters a lot–especially for women.
What You Should Do
It’s true: Losing weight is hard to do. But according to new research, you’re more likely to be successful if you get social support in the form of weekly groups–especially if you’re a woman. It’s best to make this a priority if you’re serious about slimming down.
“What this study shows is that if you can find that one friend who has the same goals or can just hold you accountable, it is really helpful,” says Metzgar.
Readers: Have you used social support groups while losing weight before?
Sources:
For Many Women, Social Support Vital to Weight Loss – PsychCentral.com
Social Support Critical to Women’s Weight Loss Efforts, Says Study – MedicalXpress.com
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