How to Find a Weight Loss Buddy
The Advantages of Dieting with a Friend
Although losing weight is difficult, it's much easier when done with a weight loss buddy. Here are some tips for finding another person who needs support.
If you’ve ever dieted, you know that losing weight is hard. But’s it’s even more difficult when you do it alone. According to a 2005 article from Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology Brown Medical School and Dartmouth University, more people lose weight when they have a buddy than those who do it alone.
Friends, Neighbors, Family, and Co-workers
Most everywhere you go, whether at work, church, or in your neighborhood, you’re sure to hear someone agonize how he or she wants to lose weight. Perhaps you could find a weight loss buddy among those people you see everyday.
Weight Loss Clubs and Organizations.
Overeaters Anonymous----Overeaters Anonymous (OA) uses tools to help those with eating disorders overcome their addictions. The telephone is one of those tools, where OA members are encouraged to make phone calls during the week to other members. Besides the telephone, OA also stresses the importance of connecting with a sponsor who’s found recovery in compulsive overeating. On a daily basis, you should call your sponsor, not only to stay accountable, but also to build one another up at weak moments. OA also offers online meetings, which are a real blessing to those who live in remote areas.
Commercial weight loss programs--- When you sign up with a commercial weight loss program, you get more than just weekly meetings. There are other people there, just like you, who are looking for weight loss buddies. Besides attending weekly meetings such as Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig, search for someone at the meetings who can be your buddy during the week. Often, all it takes are a couple of phone calls between meetings to keep you on track, as well as help you through those difficult moments.
The internet--Thanks to the internet, people who struggle with losing weight can network all over the world. For example, there’s MyDietBuddy.com.,as well as others you find by searching online.
At the Weight Watchers’ website, you can also join with other Weight Watchers by participating at the message boards, which are divided up into several categories.
How to Be a Good Weight Loss Buddy
Once you find your weight loss buddy, it takes work to maintain a good relationship.
- Be honest--Instead of trying to appear that you’re always successful on your food plan, admit your failures. Transparency is more effective than perfection. If your weight loss buddies realize you’re human, just as they are, then they’re more likely to be real with you when they fall off the wagon.
- Be helpful---Rather than just focus on yourself, find ways to help your buddy. Look for menus and recipes that can help him get through challenging times.
Find a Buddy That Relates to You
It’s important to find a weight loss buddy that can relate to you. For example, if you prefer a low carb food program, don’t choose a buddy who’s going to lecture you on the dangers of low carb diets. Make certain from the start that you and your buddy share a common understanding of the weight loss plan that works for both of you. Also, if you’re someone of deep religious faith, it’s better to buddy up with someone who also shares your spiritual persuasion.
Finally, if you discover that your weight loss buddy is not a good match, then just be honest with him. By continuing, you’re wasting not only your time, but his. Don’t be afraid to admit it’s “just not working out.” Most importantly, don’t give up. There’s someone out there just for you that is a good match.
