By Rachel Smith, ARNP, Weight Management at The Group Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialists
Studies have shown that we tend to change our habits to reflect those of our friends, colleagues, and family members. So, when our social networks are healthier, making healthy nutritional choices and engaging in active lifestyles, we tend to be healthier as a result of our associations within our social network.
In order to recognize the importance of our relationships to overall health, it is useful to look at the other side of the coin. A 2010 study that explored the effect of not having a strong social support network noted that it was as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day or consuming six alcoholic beverages. While we are all aware of the negative impact of cigarettes and excessive alcohol consumption, we may not give credence to the positive impact our friendships and social networks provide. Once we do recognize the power of friendship, family, and community, we can put it to work for us.
Losing weight is hard. You should do anything you can do to stack the cards in your favor prior to setting out to lose weight. One thing that multiple studies point to as a factor in an individual’s weight loss success is the amount of support they receive. A comprehensive support system that provides education, support, and accountability has been shown to provide the best boost to weight loss success. What can you do in addition to enrolling in a professional weight management program to help ensure your success?
Find a buddy!
A weight-loss buddy can offer so many benefits. They can offer positive peer pressure by modeling good behavior. They can offer empathy and encouragement as well as accountability. Some of us might benefit simply from having someone to vent with, while others might need a buddy who will provide more tactical support, like dragging you to the gym or participating in a healthy meal prep session. Your buddy might be someone you already know or live with, or it could be a complete stranger. There are benefits to both. Sometimes having a buddy who isn’t also a loved one means you benefit from the fact that they are less likely to “go easy” on you.
There are benefits from larger support groups too. When we interact with larger groups of people who share our struggle, it allows to truly understand that our weight is not a reflection of personal weakness. Larger groups also provide the opportunity to learn from those with more experience and be inspired by their successes. Often, it is within this larger group setting that buddy dyads are formed.
Here at the Group, we want you to have a group too: that’s reflected in all that we do, from prenatal appointments offered in a group setting, the weight management support groups we offer, and the ongoing discount we give our weight management patients when they enter our programs with a friend. We truly understand, value, and prioritize the importance of community and its role in your health.
The Group Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialists offers a comprehensive weight management program for men and women of all ages. Call 563-355-1853, ext. 1218 today to take control of your relationship with food, your weight, and many underlying health issues you may be experiencing! For registration information on Flourish: Wellness Symposium, please visit obgyngroup.com. We cannot wait to meet you.