Optimal weight management is crucial not only for looking and feeling good but for maintaining good health as well. Today, obesity is deemed a cancer-causing disease and increases the risk of severe health conditions. Over the years, people have relied on various weight loss strategies to achieve their weight goals. Some of the most popular ways to lose weight include dietary modification, lifestyle intervention, cognitive behavioral therapy, and even surgery.

It can feel challenging to approach weight management by changing your routines and other aspects of daily life. The good news is, you don’t have to do this alone. Many weight loss group options are available to ensure you remain guided and motivated throughout your journey. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at what a weight loss group can offer and the benefits of joining one:

What is a weight loss group?

The thought of joining a weight loss group may feel intimidating to the unfamiliar. If you don’t live near a gym or fitness center, figuring out where to start can be overwhelming. Fortunately, nowadays, a simple Google search for “weight loss groups near me” can help connect you to the nearest weight loss communities. If in-person visits aren’t your thing or are inaccessible, you can opt for virtual groups and workshops. Either way, joining a weight loss group can help connect you with expert coaches trained to motivate and guide you in your weight loss journey. You’ll also be able to meet like-minded people who share mutual goals, keeping you accountable.

Each weight loss group offers different solutions depending on your needs and preferences. If you’re trying to lose as much weight as possible, more physically demanding weight loss groups that involve cardio and HIIT workouts may be up your alley. On the other hand, if you’re only looking to improve your health and maintain your current weight, maybe walking or yoga groups can help support your daily fitness. Either way, joining a weight loss group has many benefits:

Networking and social support

As mentioned above, weight loss groups are a great way to connect with other people who feel and think similarly to you. This is an excellent opportunity, especially if your friends or family aren’t inclined to join you on runs or diet changes.

Studies on social support-based weight loss revealed significant weight loss associated with social support strategies. Researchers also note that while the outcomes are less noticeable in short-term assessments at 2-4 months, long-term results can be seen during follow-ups three and six months after the social intervention. As such, being surrounded by a supportive community in your weight loss journey can yield better and more sustainable outcomes.

Information and resources

Aside from social support, joining a weight loss group can also help you learn better strategies, tips, and hacks for weight loss. Essentially, you end up in a network of people with whom you can share and receive helpful tips to stay motivated and see results.

Joining a weight loss group also gets you access to expert coaches who will guide you to helpful information and resources to help you reach your goals. This can be as simple as the effects of staying hydrated to boost physical performance and energy levels — so you don’t burn out as early mid-exercise — to significant diet changes to ensure you’re getting enough nutrients, as opposed to restricting what or when you eat.

Higher chances of better outcomes

Finally, joining a weight loss group is well worth it when you consider success rates. While group workouts and programs may not be for everyone, studies have shown that consistent engagement is effective for losing weight. This may be because you lack external engagement when you go it alone, whether for motivation, accountability, or monitoring.

On the other hand, a study exploring the relationship between weight loss outcomes and engagement found that people lost more weight after six months of joining a digital commercial program. This included weekly weigh-ins, steps per day, active minutes per week, and efficient meal tracking. While these can certainly be done alone, doing it in a group setting can help keep you motivated, resulting in 5% more body weight loss for the study’s participants.

Published by: Holy Minoza